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Old 11-23-2012, 06:13 PM   #1
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Driving condition questions

On our last trip this past fall had a cross wind tear off the awning and then most everything off the roof of our 99 37 ft Dolphin. Took her into an RV dealership to get her fixed up but that was before the snow and cold took over. She should be back ready to go in the next couple of weeks and due to thinking on heading south for Jan. instead of storing her at the dealership will be bringing her home. Now the questions: What's it like driving a larger rig on snow packed streets? Is there much traction? Thinking of taking I29 from Canada straight south to Kansas City on way to Texas if we go so what's the road conditions at this time of year? I suppose we would be well into South Dakota before we could flush the antifreeze out of our lines? Would be on the gulf coast for about a month, still a toss up whether to take the rig or rent a house or condo. Is it worth the trouble and/or risk of taking out the rig at this time of year (If we weren't coming back till March or April it would be no question but with having to come back at the end of January is creating some doubt) All opinions are welcome.
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Old 11-23-2012, 06:30 PM   #2
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I've driven our DSDP in both snow and ice with no trouble. No chains on although I did have them on board as required by law around here.
I passed several cars and trucks in the ditch, some people were just climbing out and others were still in their vehicles.
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Old 11-23-2012, 06:41 PM   #3
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Winnipeg-to-??? in January...might be a good idea to get chains and learn how to put them on the rig!
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Old 11-23-2012, 06:58 PM   #4
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Personally I do everything I can do to avoid snow and especially ice. I have a Dolphin LX. I can't think of anything less nimble than a gas motor home on snow or ice.

That does not mean that minding your speed driving on the straight and level that one cannot navigate in a motor home in the snow, but anything upset that routine and it can be a rough time.
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Old 11-23-2012, 07:09 PM   #5
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If you can stay on the Interstates and watch the weather you probably wouldn't have too many problems. You might have to wait until later in the day to travel if it snowed that night so they could clear the Interstates.

When driving on snow/ice packed roads just take your time like you do in your regular vehicles.

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Old 11-23-2012, 07:51 PM   #6
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Unless you expect no slopes whatsoever on your trip...

At thirty seconds in: watch how the Pro bus drivers do it!

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Old 11-24-2012, 07:38 PM   #7
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I once had to drive my school bus 25 miles over White Pass on US 12 on chain's and that really wasn't the funnest thing I've done. Anything over 18-20 mph was a really rough ride. Yes,you should have chains and the new ones with the twist handles are great and if you have ramps to run your inside dual up on it makes it really easy to install them. We use 4"x6"x24" wooden ramps with metal grids for traction.
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Old 11-25-2012, 11:32 AM   #8
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Well Interstate 29 has little elevation change from the Can/US border through South Dakota. It also has to be one of the straightest drives. Even though we have lots of snow on the ground here (3 more inches last night), the city does a good job clearing the major arteries (side streets are plowed but not down to the pavement) and the terrain of our city is pool table flat. You can't use chains here. Been checking the weather and historic percipitation on the route we may take (I 29 south to Kansas City, then I 35 south). Just not familiar with I 35 south to Texas but thinking there won't be much snow south of Kansas City. Thanks for input on using chains but think if need chains on this route then will not venture out. Anyone familiar with I 35 from Kansas City south?
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Old 11-25-2012, 11:54 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Francesca View Post
Unless you expect no slopes whatsoever on your trip...

At thirty seconds in: watch how the Pro bus drivers do it!

That was a nice piece of driving!
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Old 11-25-2012, 12:26 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by luvmydolphin View Post
Well Interstate 29 has little elevation change from the Can/US border through South Dakota. It also has to be one of the straightest drives. Even though we have lots of snow on the ground here (3 more inches last night), the city does a good job clearing the major arteries (side streets are plowed but not down to the pavement) and the terrain of our city is pool table flat. You can't use chains here. Been checking the weather and historic percipitation on the route we may take (I 29 south to Kansas City, then I 35 south). Just not familiar with I 35 south to Texas but thinking there won't be much snow south of Kansas City. Thanks for input on using chains but think if need chains on this route then will not venture out. Anyone familiar with I 35 from Kansas City south?
Usually there are one or two major snow/ice storms south of KC into Arkansas/Oklahoma through the winter. Keep an eye on the weather. Other than a little snow, you'll be fine as long as you take your time. Don't let other bully you into driving faster than you feel safe.
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