How to Safely Haul Your Trailer Through the Snow
Your hauling needs don't end with the arrival of snow. In fact, some trailer owners need to transport even more supplies and cargo during the winter. But your trailer "as-is" may not be ready to make a safe and secure journey on a snowy road. We've created the following guide to help you prepare your trailer and ensure you are ready to handle unique situations that may arise when towing in the winter. If you want more advice or want to shop trailers for sale, visit the experts at Western Slope Trailer & RV. Our dealership is located in Rifle, Colorado, and we also serve those in Grand Junction.
1. Use the Right Tires
Your standard tires are likely not going to offer enough traction to safely handle the slickness that comes with winter roads. If you will be driving on snow and/or ice, you will want snow tires for your trailer and for your tow vehicle. These tires are designed with slippery conditions in mind, which will make it easier for you to stay in control and reduce the chance of sliding.
If you cannot get winter tires, you will want to at least get chains for your tow vehicle and your trailer. This will help make your trip safer. If you aren't sure you will need them on a drive, bring them along just in case you do.
2. Install Trailer Brakes
Not all trailers come with brakes. If yours did not, you will want to get them installed before you hit the road. Without the brakes, your trailer could hit the back of your tow vehicle anytime you come to a stop and you could also face an increased risk of losing traction on the road. Get trailer brakes installed so you can enjoy a safe towing experience.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Your Trailer Brakes
It's not enough to simply have trailer brakes. You also need to know how to use the brake controller's manual override. On most models, this will be a "squeeze bar", slide, or button. You may need to switch to the trailer's brakes to handle a fishtail scenario. It's important you know how to handle the situation before it happens, rather than scrambling to locate and use the override in the moment.
4. Pack an Emergency Kit
Every vehicle benefits from having a safety kit on board. Hopefully, you will never need it. But if you do, you will surely be glad you packed it! First, bring a toolkit. There are some minor repairs that can crop up on a drive. These can be handled by you, but you will need the tools on board to avoid having to get a tow truck to transfer your rig to a mechanic.
Second, pack a first aid kit. This will help you handle minor emergencies and should include items such as pain medications, bandages, ointments, and so on. It can also help tie you over in a major health situation until you can get to a hospital or doctor.
Third, pack the various items that will help you in the winter if you get stuck or otherwise need assistance. Flares will help get the attention of other motorists. Extra water is useful if you end up stuck for longer than you expect. Pack extra clothes (such as gloves and hats) to keep you warm until help arrives. Ice scrapers are great at getting build-up off. Don't forget tire traction mats. This thorough emergency kit can help you handle a range of situations and keep them from becoming emergency scenarios.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions or want to explore trailers for sale, visit Western Slope Trailer & RV. Our expert staff is happy to chat with you and assist you in whatever you need, so stop by and visit today. Our dealership is located in Rifle, Colorado. We also proudly serve those in Grand Junction, Colorado.
