Safely Hauling Your Semi-Trailer Through the Snow

Although we don’t really need to worry about snow here in Texas, you’ll still likely have to haul cargo up north in the coming months and you’re probably going to run into some powder during your trips. Not to worry, though! You can still haul cargo with your semi-trailer in the snow, but you will need to take some proactive steps to ensure a safe and easy journey. To help you stay safe, we have created the following guide for safely hauling your semi-trailer in snowy weather. If you want more advice or want to explore semi-trailers for sale, head over to Trailers of Texas, located in Houston, Texas. We also proudly serve those in Katy and The Woodlands, TX.

Get the Right Tires

When the snow starts coming down, roads can become compromised. Thanks to the snow and ice, they can become slippery. Your average tires usually aren’t going to cut it. Instead, you will want sturdy snow tires that can better handle slick roads. You will want these winter-focused tires for your tow vehicle as well as your semi-trailer. If, for whatever reason, you can’t use snow tires, you will want at least some chains on your tow vehicle and semi-trailer.

Add Trailer Brakes

If your semi-trailer did not come with trailer brakes, get them installed before you hit the winter roads. The brakes will help make your towing experience much safer and can help decrease the risk of losing traction on the road.

After you get your semi-trailer brakes installed, you will want to get familiar with the brake controller’s manual override. This could be in the form of a button, slide, or squeeze bar. If you end up in a fishtail situation, you may need to switch to the trailer’s brakes to get out of it. Make sure you know how the system works before you are in a situation where you need to use it.

Pack an Emergency Kit

It’s helpful to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle all throughout the year, but it becomes even more important when you’re heading into an area with extreme weather. Bring along flares, extra water, first-aid supplies, warm clothing items (such as an extra coat, gloves, and a hat), ice scrapers, and tire traction mats. These items can help you out if a situation crops up. Hopefully, you will never need to use them in an emergency, but you’ll be glad you have them if you do!

Adapt Your Driving

Towing your semi-trailer is a different experience in the winter time than it is in the summer. You may not enjoy a clear blue sky and clean, dry roads. Instead, you may face fog, rain, winds, snow, or other weather patterns that hurt your visibility. The roads could be compromised due to snow, making them slick or even full of black ice. The other motorists on the road may not be used to driving in the snow and may, as a result, drive recklessly.

Keeping all of these increased hazards in mind, you will want to alter how you drive. Adopt a defensive driving approach. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the other motorists on the road. Give yourself more time and distance to come to a stop. Take turns and lane changes slow and steady. Be on the lookout for hazards, such as a car up ahead fishtailing or a spot of black ice. Be careful to help keep yourself and your semi-trailer safe on the road.

We hope you find these tips helpful. If you want to check out semi-trailers for sale, head over to Trailers of Texas. We welcome all those coming from Katy and The Woodlands, TX. Our expert staff can answer your questions and provide advice, making it easy to find the right model for your needs. Stop by and visit today!