Trailer Towing Tips — Winter Edition
Jan 27, 2016Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Alex Bobb
Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by allprotrailersuperstore
Winter presents challenges for drivers, including hazardous conditions like black ice and limited visibility. Towing a trailer through snow or ice requires specific safety measures and driving techniques to ensure road safety.
We’ve compiled some tips to consider to minimize potential dangers next time you hit the road with your trailer this winter.
Winter Trailer Towing Tips
Towing requires extra vigilance and care, even in fair weather. Your vehicle and trailer must be in top shape when driving in adverse conditions. Read more on how to tow a trailer in winter and the various practices to ensure your safety.
Winterize the Trailer and Vehicle
Fall is the best time to start winterizing your trailer and vehicle. Drain the pipes and pumps to prevent freezing in winter. Check coolant levels and top them off as needed.
Inspect the trailer’s body and repair any gaps and rust you find.
Trailer and Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
You must ensure your trailer’s and vehicle’s roadworthiness in time for winter. Inspect both components for a safe journey.
You can do a thorough inspection before winter arrives and follow a shorter maintenance checklist before every departure, especially for longer trips. Check every component, including the motor, brakes, tires and electronics, and replace worn or damaged parts. The inspection is vital to be confident everything is in working condition to withstand wet and slippery roads.
Your trailer and vehicle also need routine tune-ups for optimal performance, especially when under strain in winter.
Monitor the Weather
Winter weather can be volatile. Prepare for the roads by monitoring the weather forecast and staying abreast of hazardous conditions and road closures that may impact your journey. If you anticipate a delay, allow extra travel time rather than risk towing in dangerous weather.
Travel Preparations
Anything can happen when you’re towing a trailer in winter. Make an emergency winter travel kit with a snow shovel, ice scraper, flashlight, blankets, cellphone charger, jumper cables, reflective triangle, food, water and other necessary equipment.
Winter Safety Precaution Towing Practices
Below, we’ve listed other safety practices that form part of the pre-trip inspection and drive.
Brush off Snow
Thoroughly remove snow from your trailer and vehicle. Many drivers do not properly clear snow off their vehicles, putting everyone’s safety at risk.
Check the Tires
Before departure, check all the tires on the trailer to ensure they have a good amount of tread left on them. If not, consider buying new tires that offer more traction for better control. You may also need to shop for a newer-model trailer with an advanced suspension system.
Inspect Your Load
Stopping your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions can take longer with a trailer. Check your trailer’s weight — the heavier it is, the longer it will take to stop. Remove unnecessary weight for a shorter stopping distance. Having a lighter trailer helps.
Build Momentum
When resuming travel, slowly build up tension to avoid a spin-out. If possible, pull away in a low gear to reduce the chance of your vehicle slipping on the snow or ice. Continue driving slowly until you feel the trailer’s tension and you see it moving behind you.
Maintain a Distance
Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. The more distance, the better to give you enough time to adjust in an emergency.
Safe Speeds
Drive at a safe, slow speed instead of rushing. It may take a bit longer to reach your destination, but you’ll get there safely.
Control Braking
Apply the brakes gently and gradually come to a full stop. While navigating corners and turns, brake in a straight line before entering the corner and get all the steering out of the way. Then, accelerate out of the corner straight to maintain proper control.
Choose All Pro Trailer Superstore for Your Towing Needs
Driving in snowy or icy conditions is challenging enough without a trailer, but you can use these tips for enhanced safety and confidence during the winter. All Pro Trailer Superstore has various new and used trailers, comprehensive trailer services, financing options and accessories to meet every trailer need. We keep more than 1,000 trailers in stock at all times.
We’ll equip you with a trailer to keep you and your family safe, so you can be confident about winter travel. Call us at 717-746-0954 or contact us with any questions about our trailers and services.
