Community Forums

LSC9901 · 02-10-2012, 02:05 PM

Tomorrow we are picking up a new(to us) class A 32' MH. We had a 27" class C and I have driven a 15 passenger van with a 15+/- ft dual axle trailer. The obvious difference in all of this is that I've never driven anything like this is snow. We have a 285 mile journey ahead of us and I guess I'm looking for opinions and experiences. The area that we will be leaving from (RI) is expecting 2-5" and in VT we are anticipating less. Ironically we've had virtually no snow all winter and now we are going to get some. Thanks Ms. Nature.

Anyway we'll be using the interstate for 99% of the trip. What do I need to be cautious of and what are some signs that I may be in trouble? If push comes to shove we'll just stop but that's not really my first choice but I will put safety first.

Eaglesview · 02-10-2012, 02:32 PM

The larger vehicle will seem very stable and promote over confidence.

But, .... if you start to skid or slide, best to have your affairs in order.

Mr_D · 02-10-2012, 02:53 PM

I've driven our 41' DSDP towing the Ody in ice and snow. Had less problems than the cars and trucks around us. I think you'll be surprised at how well you'll do. I do carry chains (the law in WA requires them to be carried) but can't ever install them due to clearances.

Pusherman · 02-10-2012, 04:10 PM

Don't drive your coach in salty conditions. It will disintegrate before your eyes.

Motorhomes don't have the same rust protection that modern cars do.

LSC9901 · 02-10-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman

Don't drive your coach in salty conditions. It will disintegrate before your eyes.

Motorhomes don't have the same rust protection that modern cars do.

Nice ... but I've got to get it home. I'm relatively sure it won't disintegrate in 285 miles.

DreamBelieve · 02-10-2012, 04:39 PM

Don't do it. This is a new to you vehicle, and you have never driven somthing this big before. I am sure it has " air brakes " These feel and operate very different then a class c. The tires on most motor coaches are not gripper type ( rear same tread pattern as front ) It is a proven fact that anytime one drives a new vehicle the chance of a mishap is much more likely then one you have driven for a long time. This is comming from a lifelong truck driver who stayed home when it was very bad to drive, DON'T DO IT!

cabin man · 02-10-2012, 04:52 PM

Pusherman is right if you can avoid driving in the snow and ice salted roads do it. If you do have to ,when you get the first chance flush the underside as good as you can. I know this because I purchased a new motorhome that was driven to a show on salty roads and within a year I had rust problems.

"007" · 02-10-2012, 05:01 PM

As said you should not have a problem driving in what snow we will have tomorrow.
Its not the snow but the salty roads you will be traveling on.
Went to Florida back in Jan 2010 and I paid for it the whole year with salted up starter, all locks frozen in latches and corroded battery cables and complete underside of coach stripped bare of under coating.
I would wait till Sunday and spend Sat. to get familiar with your coach at dealers.
You can not get salt off underside by just pressure washing.

Here are some winter driving tips.

IMDSailor · 02-10-2012, 05:23 PM

I would tend to fall in line with DreamBelive's comment amung others adviseing caution. You've waited this long, why take a chance. As excited as you may be it's not worth the risk. Look at it this way...what would your advice be if it was your son or daughter asking the same question?

damdannyboy · 02-10-2012, 06:42 PM

If your picking it at Arlington RV, I think they Hookups on Site, just hangout for the day and try everything out! On Sunday You can take your time on the Way Home, or Just Wallydock for the. night.

Bug512 · 02-10-2012, 06:54 PM

Just a question, but why do you "have to get it home"?

You asked and looks like the majority are saying don't do it. I'd wait a couple of days.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-11-2012, 07:33 AM

Gas chassis motorhomes are light in the rear end and the back slips out into a skid easily. That I know from experience! Diesel pushers are heavy in the back and have better traction, but that same tail heaviness means the back can swing out quickly if it should start to skid. Bottom line is that slow and cautious is the only way to go.

But why take a chance at all? Surely it can wait a couple days til the roads clear?

Pete1985 · 02-11-2012, 07:48 AM

Just take your time and go

njs42 · 02-11-2012, 08:40 AM

Some random thoughts at your disposal, do not need a reply. I'm just thinking outloud and you have a delete button.

If you "have" to go then be carfeful, take it slow and the first time you get over confident pull over and talk to yourself until it passes. Watch for ice it is the great leveler of all "I can drive in snow" discussions. Are you equpt with chains or whatever your state requires for snow travel if anything. Oregon is carry chains for instance.

Are you insured properly with enough property damage coverage for any damage you might cause if you wreck?

If you do not have to go then wait;even skilled drivers wait out the snow on many occassions. Perhaps that is part of being "skilled"; judgement.

Driving on snow increases the risk expoentially. It just depends on how risk adverse you are?

Lots of people drive in snow, lots of people wreck in snow (more than without snow), lots of people stay put (more than without snow), some people wreck on a thousand miles of fresh dry level four lane asphalt.

Use your best judgement and I wish you the best whatever you decide.