Tips to Haul Your Semi-Trailer Safely Through the Snow
If you frequently drive your semi-trailer through the Pacific Northwest and beyond in the winter, you’ll need to follow a few measures to stay safe in the snow. Don’t worry if you are unsure where to begin—we have you covered.
Check out this guide, where we have highlighted a few tips to haul your semi-trailer safely through the snow. If you need more advice, swing by one of our dealerships for a friendly chat with our team. We are in multiple locations throughout Washington, so reach out today.
Get the Right Tires
Snow and ice can make the roads slippery and increase your chances of colliding with other vehicles around you. Your average tires can’t prevent this, which is why you’ll want to replace them with sturdy snow tires that can handle slick roads better.
Add Trailer Brakes
If your semi-trailer doesn’t have trailer brakes, you’ll want to get them installed before hitting the winter roads. They can make your towing experience much safer and decrease the risk of losing traction on the road. However, make sure you familiarize yourself with how the braking system works, so you can use it when the need arises.
Pack an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is a must-have accessory to keep in your vehicle throughout the year—more so when visiting areas with extreme weather conditions. Before you depart, ensure that you have flares, extra water, first-aid supplies, ice scrapers, and tire traction mats in your rig.
Adapt Your Driving
More importantly, you’ll want to adopt a defensive driving approach when driving your semi-trailer in winter. You’ll want to be more vigilant of road hazards as inclement weather conditions like fog, winds, and snow can impair your visibility. You’ll also want to give yourself more time and distance to come to a stop and signal your turns in advance.
We hope you find these tips handy when hauling your semi-trailer through the snow. For more advice, come down to Utility Trailer of Washington. We have dealerships in Auburn, Mt. Vernon, and Richland, WA, including six mobile locations. So, stop by the one that’s nearest to you!