Towing in inclement weather
Towing in inclement weather can be a difficult task, but these tips will help make the experience safer and easier.
January 1, 2006
Modern-day Magellans aren't hindered by land when it comes to discovering new boating
destinations. With a properly equipped tow vehicle and boat trailer, the variety of boating venues
is nearly endless. Of course, there are challenges, not the least of which is the weather.
Just as a savvy boater must learn to deal with weather when on the water, the knowledgeable boater must take extra precautions when transporting his vessel over land during inclement weather. Wind, rain, snow, ice and fog can make towing a boat a special challenge. There are, of course, some conditions in which it's best to stay put, or pull over, until the weather improves. At other times, however, the following trailering tips can make your weather-related traveling safer.
Some boaters aren't concerned about trailering during periods of light rain, but the savvy tower doesn't buy into this fallacious reasoning. Especially if you're traveling a stretch of road that regularly sees a lot of traffic, even light rain can be hazardous if it hasn't rained for quite a while. The reason is that 'first rains' release oil and other slimy substances from the road's crevices, making surface conditions more slippery than normal. If there's enough rain, these oils eventually wash to the side, but initially the road can be deceivingly slick. Don't discount the slipperiness of light rains in such situations. Slow down and leave more than the normal distance between your vehicle and other traffic.
In heavy rain, hydroplaning is a big concern. This occurs when the tires can't dissipate the water quickly enough, causing them to float over the water's surface, thereby resulting in a loss of traction. Having tires with deep tread will reduce your chances of hydroplaning, so don't skimp when it comes time to replace your tires.
During heavy rain, when hydroplaning is most likely, try driving nearer to the center of the road. Most roads have a slight crown to shed water to the sides, so water will naturally accumulate there more than in the center. Also, avoid troughs in the road due to traffic patterns. Driving slowly will also lower the risk of hydroplaning, because it allows more time for the water to dissipate. Nearly all hydroplaning accidents occur at high speeds. This is one reason why you shouldn't have your cruise control on while towing. When your wheels start to hydroplane or skid, the cruise control works against you.
Hydroplaning can also occur when it's not raining ' such as when driving through an area of pooled water at high speeds. So, be alert and slow down if you see or expect trouble areas.
That brings up another concern. When brakes are subject to a lot of water, such as driving through large areas of standing water or slush, they don't work as well. You can ease the situation by gently pushing the brake pedal and gas pedal simultaneously. This helps dry the brakes to ensure they grab when needed.
Planning ahead can be a real asset. If snow is a concern, plan on traversing routes that will more likely be cleared by snowplows. Sometimes planning a route that's farther out of the way is safer and quicker. Planning ahead can also help you avoid routes that are subject to more shade and, therefore, longer periods of ice.
If you have to travel through a lot of snow or slush, it's wise to periodically pull over and inspect the wheel wells for snow buildup, which can potentially affect free operation of the wheels. Also, check the boat and clear away buildups of snow or water on the boat cover. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, and in a heavy downpour you can add a lot of weight to your towed load in a short time.
In some areas of the country, black ice lurking on bridges and overpasses is a serious problem. Black ice forms in areas where the road doesn't have earth to act as an insulator. The effect of freezing temperatures above and below the road can cause ice to form specifically in these areas, even though other sections of the roadway are ice-free. Vigilance is the key here. Watch for potential black-ice areas and slow down before arriving, especially if they involve a curve where inertia can exacerbate the problem.
If you're on slippery pavement and want to slow down, don't apply the brakes forcefully. That could easily put you into a skid. Instead, gently apply the brakes. This way, you always leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. If your vehicle doesn't have an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and you hit the brakes too hard, you may sense the wheels locking up. In this case, let off the brake to stop the lockup, and then gently reapply it. If you have ABS brakes, you don't have to worry about wheel lockup.
Another aid to safer towing in inclement weather is four- or all-wheel-drive, if the vehicle is equipped with it. The added traction this offers can be a real help. Bear in mind, however, that the added traction of four-wheel drive doesn't cause a vehicle to stop faster.
Taking these extra precautions, coupled with driving slower and allowing more room between other vehicles, can safeguard modern-day Magellans as they tow their vessels overland to new and exciting destinations.
BAD-WEATHER TOWING FUNDAMENTALS
Just as a savvy boater must learn to deal with weather when on the water, the knowledgeable boater must take extra precautions when transporting his vessel over land during inclement weather. Wind, rain, snow, ice and fog can make towing a boat a special challenge. There are, of course, some conditions in which it's best to stay put, or pull over, until the weather improves. At other times, however, the following trailering tips can make your weather-related traveling safer.
Some boaters aren't concerned about trailering during periods of light rain, but the savvy tower doesn't buy into this fallacious reasoning. Especially if you're traveling a stretch of road that regularly sees a lot of traffic, even light rain can be hazardous if it hasn't rained for quite a while. The reason is that 'first rains' release oil and other slimy substances from the road's crevices, making surface conditions more slippery than normal. If there's enough rain, these oils eventually wash to the side, but initially the road can be deceivingly slick. Don't discount the slipperiness of light rains in such situations. Slow down and leave more than the normal distance between your vehicle and other traffic.
In heavy rain, hydroplaning is a big concern. This occurs when the tires can't dissipate the water quickly enough, causing them to float over the water's surface, thereby resulting in a loss of traction. Having tires with deep tread will reduce your chances of hydroplaning, so don't skimp when it comes time to replace your tires.
During heavy rain, when hydroplaning is most likely, try driving nearer to the center of the road. Most roads have a slight crown to shed water to the sides, so water will naturally accumulate there more than in the center. Also, avoid troughs in the road due to traffic patterns. Driving slowly will also lower the risk of hydroplaning, because it allows more time for the water to dissipate. Nearly all hydroplaning accidents occur at high speeds. This is one reason why you shouldn't have your cruise control on while towing. When your wheels start to hydroplane or skid, the cruise control works against you.
Hydroplaning can also occur when it's not raining ' such as when driving through an area of pooled water at high speeds. So, be alert and slow down if you see or expect trouble areas.
That brings up another concern. When brakes are subject to a lot of water, such as driving through large areas of standing water or slush, they don't work as well. You can ease the situation by gently pushing the brake pedal and gas pedal simultaneously. This helps dry the brakes to ensure they grab when needed.
Planning ahead can be a real asset. If snow is a concern, plan on traversing routes that will more likely be cleared by snowplows. Sometimes planning a route that's farther out of the way is safer and quicker. Planning ahead can also help you avoid routes that are subject to more shade and, therefore, longer periods of ice.
If you have to travel through a lot of snow or slush, it's wise to periodically pull over and inspect the wheel wells for snow buildup, which can potentially affect free operation of the wheels. Also, check the boat and clear away buildups of snow or water on the boat cover. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon, and in a heavy downpour you can add a lot of weight to your towed load in a short time.
In some areas of the country, black ice lurking on bridges and overpasses is a serious problem. Black ice forms in areas where the road doesn't have earth to act as an insulator. The effect of freezing temperatures above and below the road can cause ice to form specifically in these areas, even though other sections of the roadway are ice-free. Vigilance is the key here. Watch for potential black-ice areas and slow down before arriving, especially if they involve a curve where inertia can exacerbate the problem.
If you're on slippery pavement and want to slow down, don't apply the brakes forcefully. That could easily put you into a skid. Instead, gently apply the brakes. This way, you always leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. If your vehicle doesn't have an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and you hit the brakes too hard, you may sense the wheels locking up. In this case, let off the brake to stop the lockup, and then gently reapply it. If you have ABS brakes, you don't have to worry about wheel lockup.
Another aid to safer towing in inclement weather is four- or all-wheel-drive, if the vehicle is equipped with it. The added traction this offers can be a real help. Bear in mind, however, that the added traction of four-wheel drive doesn't cause a vehicle to stop faster.
Taking these extra precautions, coupled with driving slower and allowing more room between other vehicles, can safeguard modern-day Magellans as they tow their vessels overland to new and exciting destinations.
BAD-WEATHER TOWING FUNDAMENTALS
- Drive slower
- Maintain greater distances from other vehicles
- Allow more time to change lanes, merge, and pass
- Turn your headlights and running lights on, even in the daytime
- Use signals longer before changing lanes, because visibility is hampered
- Avoid sudden steering-wheel maneuvers that can lead to skids
- Apply the brakes gently
- Use tires with plenty of tread
- Activate four-wheel drive if you have it
- Use lower gears, instead of the brakes, when going up and down hills
- Don't use cruise control
- Drive defensively; expect the unexpected
- Don't drive when fatigued
- Buckle up
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Towing in inclement weather: Towing in inclement weather can be a difficult task, but these tips will help make the experience safer and easier.
