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Old 10-19-2011, 11:47 AM   #1
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Smile Winter Towing

We are planning to leave the Chicago area in February for a trip to Key West, Florida. Any hints on travelling in cold weather - maybe snow? Do you run your heater until you get to the warmer weather? We plan on staying at a campground in Tennessee (hopefully it will be warmer).

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
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Old 10-19-2011, 01:48 PM   #2
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We have traveled with the furnace on several times. A small amount of propane for a huge amount of well being.
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Old 10-19-2011, 03:04 PM   #3
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One thing I can think of is if you have a sway control bar loosen or remove it when traveling on slippery roads. There fine if towing on good pavement, but may result in the trailer NOT straightening out behind the tow vehicle on slippery pavement, hence the manufacturer's instructions to LOOSEN the bar when towing on slippery road surfaces, like wet, snow/ice or loose gravel.
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Old 10-19-2011, 03:49 PM   #4
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Thanks for the advice - will keep in mind while we are travelling!
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Old 10-19-2011, 03:49 PM   #5
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Thanks for the great advice!
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Old 10-19-2011, 06:31 PM   #6
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snip.....We plan on staying at a campground in Tennessee (hopefully it will be warmer).....snip
Even Tennessee can have frost and slippery road conditions, especially at higher elevations.

I departed Michigan for the west coast late February a few years ago, and I basically waited until the weather map reflected at least a two day "clear weather" pattern before making my escape. I left my TT winterized until I reached my first overnight campground.

In the event of ice or accumulating snow, I would look for a place to wait it out.., not worth the risk. Even with a two day clear weather forecast, little snow storms can pop up like this one did on my first day on the road...;



Once the snow starting accumulating and the highway became a little "greasy", I pulled off at the nearest restaurant (coffee break) for about an hour until things cleared up on the highway...;



My first day of travel I departed early AM and put on a whole lot of miles to put as much of the cold weather over my shoulder, so my first CG stop was at the Oklahoma/Missouri state line. Stayed a couple of days to rest from the long first day of travel, then took my time the remainder of the trip.

I think common sense prevails when towing in bad weather, just be safe and enjoy the trip.

Bob
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Old 10-19-2011, 10:30 PM   #7
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Pulling over for a day or two is not a problem for most winter travelers towing a camper. I always have my little Honda generator and Kozy World heater incase of a night in a rest area. DVD's help spend the time too.
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Old 10-20-2011, 08:22 AM   #8
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Question I just thought of, when coming back from a trip like this I guess you have to winterize at the last "warm weather" stop on the way back? Which I would imagine eliminates the blowing the lines out method, unless you carry an air compressor. Also I guess you would have to bring a few tools, to at least remove the water heater plug?
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Old 10-20-2011, 02:22 PM   #9
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Delongboy,

Your correct, if one plans to return to the winter wonderland when temps are still below freezing, plan to re-winterize before hitting the cold temps.

In my case I didn't return to Michigan until late May, so I was fine.

Bob
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Old 10-20-2011, 04:16 PM   #10
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Rustic Eagle has some good advice. Black-Ice & slippery conditions make for a very dangerous drive when towing. No matter how good/safe a driver you are, pulling over and waiting for clear, dry roads are words to live by...
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Old 10-20-2011, 09:29 PM   #11
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Which I would imagine eliminates the blowing the lines out method, unless you carry an air compressor. Also I guess you would have to bring a few tools, to at least remove the water heater plug?
A box full of basic tools and compressor are standard equipment for us.
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Old 10-21-2011, 11:33 AM   #12
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You have all given us good advice. One more thing we thought of.... since we will be returning in February (2 week trip), we will have someone plow our drive if needed and the space we store our trailer!
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