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Towing in the snow... looking for insight

Discussion in 'Towing & Hauling' started by Vancepp, Jan 18, 2020.

  1. Jan 18, 2020 at 7:55 PM
    #1
    Vancepp

    Vancepp [OP] New Member

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    I'm trying to get a feel for what kind of weight would most of you be comfortable towing over mountain passes and snow packed roads. I know the truck will handle much more than I plan to tow, but would also like to feel comfortable with it stopping when I wanted it to.

    Looking at Snowmobile trailers. Trying to decide between one that is 2000 lbs curb weight versus one that is around 4000 lbs. Then add another 1200 in sleds, and a few hundred in gear.

    I know I am way under capacity still, but like I said, want to be safe. Will this truck stop 6000 lbs on snow packed mountain passes of Colorado? Or should I stay as light as possible?

    I have been pulling trailers long enough to know that my driving and awareness has a lot to do with it, but thought I would get some opinions.

    2017 CrewMax
    Toytec Boss Kit and 35's
    Firestone Air Bags
     
  2. Jan 18, 2020 at 8:02 PM
    #2
    shellshock

    shellshock Guy who drives a lot

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    It’ll stop if you can get traction.
     
    Tundyfundy likes this.
  3. Jan 18, 2020 at 8:10 PM
    #3
    Vancepp

    Vancepp [OP] New Member

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    The KO2s do a pretty good job. Never slid pulling the open trailer now, but of course that is quite a bit lighter.

    I guess I'm just trying to get assurance that I don't buy the wrong trailer and end up buying a new truck because of it.
     
    Tundyfundy likes this.
  4. Jan 18, 2020 at 8:16 PM
    #4
    WNY PAT

    WNY PAT New Member

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    I tow quite a bit in snow... an enclosed work trailer... a heavier 4 place sled trailer at times and have also had a light Triton 2 place aluminum hooked up at times as well. If you take it slow, and the cross winds aren’t too bad, the bigger trailers aren’t an issue as long as they’re not empty. The biggest thing I find I need to do is get the trailer brakes just right before I hit the road. It’s really easy for the trailer to push the back of the truck around otherwise in the snow / ice. But my advice is that slow and steady wins the race and try to use slow gradual engine braking rather than the truck brakes whenever you can on hills.

    edit: Bigger tires aren’t the best in snow and ice in my experience.

    63B92A9E-913F-49E3-88C0-406B93926700.jpg
     
    Tundyfundy and Bravohook like this.
  5. Jan 18, 2020 at 8:29 PM
    #5
    Bravohook

    Bravohook New Member

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    I tow a 3 place sled trailer that is enclosed. And when I have 3 Polaris 165's in there it weighs down pretty good. Crosswinds will whip it around a little if I get on shitty roads. For the most part the truck does well but like said earlier getting the trailer brakes set right before you take off is key. I also second that wider tires are no good in the snow and when towing. See if you could get a narrower tire would help. I also have 2 sets of chains for when it gets real nasty. Ill chain up all 4 tires and this truck is a tank in the deep stuff..
     
    WNY PAT likes this.
  6. Jan 18, 2020 at 8:30 PM
    #6
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    The biggest thing you need, for either trailer, to ensure that you can stop is the ability to discern the conditions and drive accordingly. I've hauled stupid heavy loads in various trucks in all kinds of conditions, and as long as you are not going too fast, you are fine. The truck will stop either of those trailers in plenty of time on snowy roads IF you are going slow enough and keeping enough distance.
     
  7. Jan 18, 2020 at 8:32 PM
    #7
    Vancepp

    Vancepp [OP] New Member

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    Are you pulling a 7 wide or an 8.5 wide?



     
  8. Jan 18, 2020 at 8:34 PM
    #8
    Bravohook

    Bravohook New Member

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    Pretty sure its a 8.5. Ill snap a picture of it.
     
  9. Jan 19, 2020 at 5:03 AM
    #9
    Jbehredt

    Jbehredt Burgeoning member

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    Modifying your driving for reduced traction is all on you. An f350 dually isn’t going to allow you to safely ride peoples bumpers in the left lane down the hill into Silverthorne. If you do your part and the truck will do it’s. Slow way down and back way off. That said, if I’ve got an easy way to shave 2k off of my gross trailer weight I’m taking it. I paid a premium for my aluminum sxs trailer.
     
    Vancepp[OP], Tundyfundy and GODZILLA like this.
  10. Jan 19, 2020 at 5:25 AM
    #10
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Some great advice.

    I was always impressed how the Tundra towed in the snow.

    This was the start of a blizzard in SW Colorado. We had to tow over Wolf Creek Pass, La Veta Pass, and up north to Colorado Springs. The Tundra never failed me in one of the worst blizzards I’ve encountered.

    B84CA736-54D4-448A-B9D6-0E9722B64771.jpg

    4BF96EFA-C70F-4858-8F6B-E7B25EBEB294.jpg
     
    JC303 likes this.
  11. Jan 19, 2020 at 1:24 PM
    #11
    Vancepp

    Vancepp [OP] New Member

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    Agreed on my driving being the biggest part. (with a trailer or without) I'm leaning toward the lighter weight one as well for that same reason.


     
    GODZILLA likes this.

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