Top 10 Best Practises for Towing in the Snow

What you need to know when hauling a fifth wheel or travel trailer this winter.

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Article Courtesy Pacbrake Company

Whether you’re travelling south to the U.S. or westbound across Canada to a snowbird destination, driving a tow vehicle and trailer through adverse, snowy conditions is inevitable during the late fall and early spring. 

Long drives on snow-packed roads can be scenic, but they can become terrifying and driving with an RV on the hitch requires its own set of precautions. A good rule of thumb to remember is the more majestic the conditions, the more dangerous the road can be, which is especially true when travelling through unfamiliar territory. 

With slippery roads and heavy snow smacking the windshield, you (and your rig) need to be properly prepared for potentially dangerous situations. Check out these tips from our towing experts so you can confidently take on unexpected weather and arrive at your destination safely this winter. 

1. Tow Your Trailer with the Proper Equipment

  • Air Suspension

Using bolt-on friction sway control products can actually be a hindrance in the winter as this equipment makes it harder to get control of the trailer on icy roads. You should have the proper weight distribution systems to what is referred to as air springs, airbags, or air-suspension springs. A good quality air-suspension system helps keep the ride smooth and your trailer in control.

  • Exhaust Brakes

If you’re driving in the mountains with a diesel-powered tow vehicle, consider using exhaust brakes, which use the exhaust pressure from the engine to help brake the vehicle. As a result, there’s less wear and tear on the brakes since stopping power is more gentle and trailer sway will be mitigated. However, you shouldn’t use your exhaust brakes when driving on snow-covered or icy roads as it could cause your engine to stall.

2. Know Your Vehicle

Towing a new trailer and tow vehicle in ideal conditions can be difficult enough while you get used to it. If you’re taking a new trailer or truck out in the winter, be sure to do some test runs on less populated roads to learn how it runs and operates in inclement weather. 

3. Maintain Your Truck and Trailer

Maintenance goes a long way when it comes to safe travelling in the winter. Before leaving, double-check that the suspension, tires and brakes on the truck and trailer are working properly, all of the essential fluids for the truck are replenished, and that the towing equipment is performing flawlessly.

4. Keep Extra Gear in the Truck

If you were to have an accident in a remote area and severely damage or even lose your trailer, you wouldn’t have any survival gear or necessities while waiting for help to arrive. Always have extra blankets, a first aid kit, food, water, matches, a tinder kit, and tarp (at the very minimum) stored in your truck (see the sidebar for more details at the end of the article).

5. Drive the Speed Limit or at Comfortable Speeds

Speed limits indicate how safe it is to drive at a certain speed in good conditions. When it’s snowing or extremely cold, maintain a safe speed, especially on unfamiliar roads. If drivers behind you get impatient, let them pass.

6. Keep a Safe Distance from other Vehicles

Towing a heavy load means it will take longer for your rig to stop. Rather than maintaining the standard distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you (like you would in a car), keep a safer distance of at least 10 car lengths. If the other vehicle brakes hard, you’ll have more time to brake and stop without jackknifing the RV.

7. Passing Safely

Unless the vehicle in front of you is driving extremely slow, like a tractor-trailer going up a steep mountain road, try to avoid passing in inclement weather. If you have to pass, be sure to do it safely and don’t impede on traffic in the passing lane. It’s better to take your time and get to your destination safely rather than not at all – or with a damaged truck or trailer.

8. Load Weights and Driving Steep Grades 

Many RVers are tempted to bring along all of their gear, which can result in overloading the trailer and truck. So it’s essential to understand the recommended load weights of both vehicles. While an overloaded vehicle can spell trouble in any condition, it’s more troubling when climbing steep grades on icy roads. If your travels include driving in the mountains or even through areas of continuous rolling hills, be sure your vehicle and trailer do not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested load limit.

9. Driving in Slippery Conditions

It’s common knowledge to drive slowly on slippery roads, but always avoid turning the wheel too fast and don’t brake too hard. When driving up hills in slippery conditions, the last thing you want to do is stop. Having the right momentum is always required and driving too fast can cause you to spin out.  If you don’t think the vehicle in front of you can make it up, wait until they do before proceeding. Also, always let the momentum push the vehicle and then keep your foot even on the gas - slow and steady.

10. Always Check the Forecast

Before you depart, monitor the weather for the distance you’ll be travelling for the day. If conditions look bad, delay the day’s plans until the weather clears. You will be glad you did. 

Pacbrake Company is recognized as a North American leader in the design and manufacturing of exhaust brakes, intake shut-off valves, engine brakes, and air-spring helper kits for light and heavy-duty diesel engine vehicles. Its headquarters/R&D Centre is based in Surrey, BC, with offices in Blaine, WA. For more details about its products and services visit https://pacbrake.com

Understanding Winter Highway Regulations - Words by Steve Fennell

There are many best practices for towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel in the snow but it’s important to remember that provinces - most notably British Columbia - have certain highway traffic regulations to follow when travelling in mountainous, snowy regions. 

According to the BC Ministry of Transportation, the primary vehicle (e.g. the tow vehicle) that is towing a travel trailer or fifth wheel should be equipped with tires that have the 3-peak mountain snowflake-rating or M+S rating. The Ministry states that chains ‘should also be on board for the trailer tires to prevent slippage on banked curves.’ 

These regulations, which are also indicated by road signs with a truck camper symbol that represents all RVs, are in force and must be obeyed throughout BC from October 1 to April 30. 

For highways that don’t lead through mountain passes but still require designated tires and chains, the regulations end March 31. 

For more information visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/recreational-vehicles

Essential Items to Have in a Tow Vehicle

Whether you travel in wintery regions for a few hours or a few days, it’s always best to be prepared for an accident or ‘the unexpected’ by having the essential items in your tow vehicle as suggested by Transport Canada. Certain tools/equipment in addition to food, water, and warm clothing will provide a great element of relief should you need it. 

  • Small shovel with a long handle
  • Sand and traction mats
  • Warning lights, reflective safety triangles or road flares
  • Extra socks, gloves, and footwear
  • Emergency food pack and water bottles
  • Booster cables, fire extinguisher
  • Extra windshield washer fluid, fuel line antifreeze, and extra fuses
  • Lock de-icer and small tool kit