Towing in the rain

[ScotnBev]

Have a trip planed for this weekend and most likely or will rain the day we leave, about 230 miles. I haven't towed in the rain yet and looking for wisdom. Towing down the interstate isn't a big concern, but there will be about 20 miles through the mountains from Willits to Ft. Bragg, CA on hwy 20. Fairly steep and sharp turns. What do I need to be extra careful about, or is it best to try to reschedule?

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[ctbruce]

Have a trip planed for this weekend and most likely or will rain the day we leave, about 230 miles. I haven't towed in the rain yet and looking for wisdom. Towing down the interstate isn't a big concern, but there will be about 20 miles through the mountains from Willits to Ft. Bragg, CA on hwy 20. Fairly steep and sharp turns. What do I need to be extra careful about, or is it best to try to reschedule?

Sent from my SM-N920T using TapatalkIf diesel on your truck, use your exhaust brake if so equipped on the downhills. It makes an incredible difference in the amount of control. Otherwise, down shift to help control your speed.

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[sourdough]

Towing in the rain isn't an issue if you watch your speed, other folks and keep your distance. I think my truck probably tracks better in the rain with the trailer than when empty.....but I'm usually driving slower.

One thing I'd suggest is to look under the trailer and make sure your coroplast is properly secured and out of the way of excessive water spray. My maiden trip in a HEAVY rainstorm with this trailer resulted in the coroplast falling down and the underside then accumulating water between it and the trailer. They had to do a lot of repair work (warranty thankfully).

[JRTJH]

Get a yellow "rubber duckie" set it on the dash and you'll be good to go. There's really no difference in towing in the rain (other than the urge to whistle) and towing on dry days. Just slow down a bit, don't over-extend your rig's capabilities and keep your eyes "OUT" of the cockpit.... Go have fun !!!!!

[rhagfo]

So being from the PNW, found this question interesting until I saw your location.
Towing in the rain you just need to use a bit more caution, how long since it has rained in the area?? If it has been quite a while oil build up on the road will make it just a bit more slippery.
Watch your tire pressure!! Many state Max side wall always, so wrong for wet conditions, inflate based on an load/inflation chart. example, my rear axle tires are rated at 3,415# ea, @ 80 psi, load on the axles is about 5,500# so I run them at 65 to 70 psi, keeps more tread in contact with the road. The same is true for my 5er, less than 10,000# on tires rated for 12,168# as they are also LT truck tires run them at 70 psi also.

[ScotnBev]

Thx for the great replies. Yes have a diesel with exchuste break, love it. I'm sure the yellow rubber ducky is critical so will get one before we leave. And I'll look into the tier pressure, I have aTPMS with sensors on all 10 tires. So seems like common sense and caution is all I need. Thx again for the input. Gives confidence I'm not being foolish.

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[chuckster57]

Get a yellow "rubber duckie" set it on the dash and you'll be good to go. There's really no difference in towing in the rain (other than the urge to whistle) and towing on dry days. Just slow down a bit, don't over-extend your rig's capabilities and keep your eyes "OUT" of the cockpit.... Go have fun !!!!!

No rubber duckie but I had to tow in heavy downpour a few times on our cross country trip. No exhaust brake, just slowed down and left a LOT OF ROOM to slow/ stop. Your biggest issue will be the idiots that are still in a hurry and cut you off to make that exit.

[IRV2]

Thx for the great replies. Yes have a diesel with exchuste break, love it. I'm sure the yellow rubber ducky is critical so will get one before we leave. And I'll look into the tier pressure, I have aTPMS with sensors on all 10 tires. So seems like common sense and caution is all I need. Thx again for the input. Gives confidence I'm not being foolish.

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Scott Hwy 20 from Williams to Hwy 101 isn't to bad but the Willits to Ft Bragg is narrow in places and some tight corners. Take corners wide and slow and don't get on the shoulder you will be fine; that is a beautiful drive even in the rain. Been raining a lot around those parts so road shouldn't be too oily. Have fun and stay safe

[IRV2]

Just wanted to add Hwy 128 from Cloverdale is quite a bit straighter if you were taking Hwy 80 down from Placerville and going through Napa instead of Clearlake. If thats were you coming from. That route would take you along Hwy 1 coast to ft Bragg.

[rhagfo]

Thx for the great replies. Yes have a diesel with exchuste break, love it. I'm sure the yellow rubber ducky is critical so will get one before we leave. And I'll look into the tier pressure, I have aTPMS with sensors on all 10 tires. So seems like common sense and caution is all I need. Thx again for the input. Gives confidence I'm not being foolish.

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Keep in mind the your Cougar only has a GVWR of 12,090# so even at 25% life is only 3,000# on the back of a DRW, unless you have a bunch of stuff in the bed, rear tire pressure will easily be in the 60 to 65 psi range for best set traction.

[ScotnBev]

Thx Bill for the route advice, greatly appreciated. We are family with Ft. Bragg and the various routes. Pomo RV is one off our regular places. We prefer the Clearlake/Willets route mostly because of less traffic. Hwy 37 between I80 and hwy 101 seems to be a parking lot now adays. Hwy 20 from Willets is the concern in the rain for the reasons you mention. Just looking for the wisdom of this route in the rain. I'll just take my time and enjoy the scenery.

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[Desert185]

Ensure you have good wipers, a full tank of windshield juice, the same tire pressure you always run, take the route less traveled to avoid the plethora of road morons and enjoy the scenery.

[notanlines]

I would respectfully, but vehemently disagree with the notion of deflating tires to run in the rain. I don't think the idea is acceptable from any angle.

[fatcatzzz]

I have been on the Hwy 20 route many times, both dry and in the rain. Speed is the killer here. SLOW DOWN and use turnouts you will be fine. One more thing about towing in the rain, be prepared to do a complete wash job as trailer it will be covered with road crud. Go have fun.

[rhagfo]

I would respectfully, but hehemently disagree with the notion of deflating tires to run in the rain. I don't think the idea is acceptable from any angle.

A tire inflated to max sidewall pressure may be overinflated for the load carried, as such reducing the contact patch with the road! This is NOt a good idea, you want the MAXIMUM CONTACT patch, not MAXIMUM PRESSURE unless you are running with tires at maximum load. You can find load inflation tables with the tire manufacturers web sites usually.

I live in the Wet Coast, trust me on this, this is not just for wet, you should always run the correct pressure of the load!

[Freeheel4life]

Just out of curiosity, do the 5ers not get affected as much by the vortex created by passing semis on the interstate?? I would assume weight helps.
I have no problem with twisty two lane highways in inclement conditions. Mostly hate being on the interstate when truckers come hauling by and create a little "pull" as they motor by.
Last winter we had a guy go by in freezing fog on I84 in eastern OR with zero visibility. We were doing 40-45 due to black ice. He rolled by at 60. Found him sideways in the median a few miles up.
I guess I'm saying interstate seems worse for me than 2 lanes. Curious is 5ers experience this??

[CaptnJohn]

Just out of curiosity, do the 5ers not get affected as much by the vortex created by passing semis on the interstate?? I would assume weight helps.
I have no problem with twisty two lane highways in inclement conditions. Mostly hate being on the interstate when truckers come hauling by and create a little "pull" as they motor by.
Last winter we had a guy go by in freezing fog on I84 in eastern OR with zero visibility. We were doing 40-45 due to black ice. He rolled by at 60. Found him sideways in the median a few miles up.
I guess I'm saying interstate seems worse for me than 2 lanes. Curious is 5ers experience this??

Much less to zero drag from 80 mph semis with a 5er ...

[Barbell]

I will add 2 things to some very good advice: Use your Tow-Haul mode if your truck has it and DO NOT use cruise control. Have towed in rain many times w/o a problem but you cannot be in a hurry. Good luck.

[Freeheel4life]

Much less to zero drag from 80 mph semis with a 5er ...

Would make sense with twice the weight and a larger TV. Don't tell my wife lol

[ChuckS]

I just have to disagree. Run your tires at rated sidewall pressure. If there is ice on the road then pull over and wait.

Lowering tire pressure lets sidewalks flex and is just a recipe for troubles and short tire life

Running 110 psi coming into Yellowstone NP and there was patches of snow and ice. Proper speed, gearing , and a lot of common sense rule

I live in Idaho and tow in MT,Wy, NV, Or, SD, https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171128/0df1ea9a6ecce18c36d38ce90ca51a33.jpg



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[JRTJH]

Just out of curiosity, do the 5ers not get affected as much by the vortex created by passing semis on the interstate?? I would assume weight helps. ... Curious is 5ers experience this??

Travel trailers connect (with a hinge point) several feet behind the tow vehicle rear axle. Fifth wheels connect "directly above" (to slightly forward of) the rear axle. With a travel trailer the "hinge point" becomes a lever to push the forward axle (steering axle) of the tow vehicle in the opposite direction of the hitch movement. This sets up sway. Limiting movement at the "hinge point" movement is the theory behind why anti-sway hitches work.

While weight might play a "very small, almost insignificant" factor in controlling sway with fifth wheel towing, I've had fifth wheels in the "less than 7000 pound 26' length and in the 10,000 pound 31' length and both towed and tracked almost the same (virtually no sway) when passing large vehicles or when being passed by large vehicles. There is very little "push/pull" with fifth wheels, more related to where the hitch/fulcrum is located and not so much related to weight or size (given the use of an appropriately sized tow vehicle).

[Freeheel4life]

Lots of smart cookies around here. Thanks for dropping some physics knowledge on tow points.
With the 5er can you induce more of a forward to back bounce or "wave" type harmonic as TV rear axle encounters changes in the road?? Or is hitch designed to take up some of that??

[flybouy]

I would respectfully, but vehemently disagree with the notion of deflating tires to run in the rain. I don't think the idea is acceptable from any angle.

Completely agree. Proper inflation is a must at highway speed. Under inflation can decrease contact by causing the tread to cup upwards and over inflation can cause the tread to cup down. Think of the tread looking like a n or u shape. Slowing down and being alert are the key to a happy ending in any adverse weather.

[JRTJH]

Lots of smart cookies around here. Thanks for dropping some physics knowledge on tow points.
With the 5er can you induce more of a forward to back bounce or "wave" type harmonic as TV rear axle encounters changes in the road?? Or is hitch designed to take up some of that??

This is my personal experience, I'm far from a physics major, so it may not come across as "theoretically provable by mathematic formulas".....

Chucking is the major complaint with fifth wheel towing. There are two types of "chucking". The first is "fore/aft banging" during acceleration and braking and occurs because of the "slop" or "lack of tight coupling" at the pin collar.

The second, and more in line with what you describe, is the bounce of the pin within the hitch as the tow vehicle encounters bumps or expansion joints (typically on concrete roads). This happens when the pin recess above the collar bounces up and down in the hitch locking mechanism. I've only had this happen a couple of times and I attributed it more to the distance between the expansion joints and how they set up my rig so the axles on the truck were bouncing "opposite" the axles on the trailer. ie: The truck rear axle was going up when the trailer front axle was going down and the two were "fighting each other". To counter this, quality shocks, possibly air bags and maybe even a "cushioned pin box" would help. But, as I said, I've only encountered it a couple of times, so for us it's not a problem....

When you consider towing, the most significant difference between fifth wheels and travel trailers is the "spring type hitch bars" that are used with travel trailers to redistribute weight. Those bars actually enhance the "up down chucking" when everything aligns correctly to cause the bouncing..... With fifth wheels, there is roughly 20% of the total trailer weight as "dead weight" sitting directly over the tow vehicle rear axle. There's no "spring enhanced hitch" to increase the dynamics of "springing" between the trailer and the tow vehicle. Hopefully, with a properly equipped tow vehicle, the rear shocks will "dampen out" most of the "up down chucking" encountered with fifth wheel towing. It may not be as easy with travel trailers using a "spring bar hitch system.

[CaptnJohn]

If diesel on your truck, use your exhaust brake if so equipped on the downhills. It makes an incredible difference in the amount of control. Itherwisw, down shift to help control your speed.

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The truck manual specifically states NOT to use the engine brake or to/haul during slippery conditions...

[Desert185]

I would respectfully, but vehemently disagree with the notion of deflating tires to run in the rain. I don't think the idea is acceptable from any angle.

Glad you posted this. I agree.

[Desert185]

The truck manual specifically states NOT to use the engine brake or to/haul during slippery conditions...

Depends on the system. I have a stick (I’m my own tow/haul mode control) and an engine brake and use them both...wet or dry.

[ken56]

No one has mentioned Trailer brake controller gain setting. Make sure your trailer wheels don't lock up on the slicker wet surface. Brake controller gain needs to be set according to conditions and most people just set it and leave it on that setting all the time. Not the correct procedure.

[gearhead]

The truck manual specifically states NOT to use the engine brake or to/haul during slippery conditions...

My Ram manual says to be careful using the exhaust brake while towing in slippery conditions. You could jack knife the rig.
I try to brake the truck, and trailer, rather than rely on the exhaust brake in rain.

[Alpine]

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=3

An interesting read...with photos.

[rhagfo]

I would respectfully, but vehemently disagree with the notion of deflating tires to run in the rain. I don't think the idea is acceptable from any angle.

A tire inflated to max sidewall pressure may be overinflated for the load carried, as such reducing the contact patch with the road! This is NOt a good idea, you want the MAXIMUM CONTACT patch, not MAXIMUM PRESSURE unless you are running with tires at maximum load. You can find load inflation tables with the tire manufacturers web sites usually.

I live in the Wet Coast, trust me on this, this is not just for wet, you should always run the correct pressure of the load!

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=3



An interesting read...with photos.

I agree with this also, but understand there is no mention of inflating the tire to max sidewall inflation.

The P225/65-17 on our Chevy Equinox have a max pressure of 44 psi for a capacity of 1,874# or a total of 7,496#, But the listed GVWR is only 5,070# hence the reason the tire is only inflated to 35 psi per the door post Payload sticker.
If I were to inflate to 44 psi then they would by definition be over inflated by 9 psi, or almost 26% for the application, but not the physical tire.

So I add to this another link.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=1

[larry337]

My Ram manual says to be careful using the exhaust brake while towing in slippery conditions. You could jack knife the rig.
I try to brake the truck, and trailer, rather than rely on the exhaust brake in rain.Exactly. The exhaust brake could potentially lock up your drive tires on slippery roads. Even braking is more desirable. I live in the snow belt, drive a semi pulling doubles for a living, and trust me when the drives lock up the tractor goes sideways. I ain't telling you not too use it, but I rarely use it in bad weather. It all depends on grip and how much weight is on the wheels. I prefer to control my speed and following distance with proper braking.

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[larry337]

No one has mentioned Trailer brake controller gain setting. Make sure your trailer wheels don't lock up on the slicker wet surface. Brake controller gain needs to be set according to conditions and most people just set it and leave it on that setting all the time. Not the correct procedure.Also true.

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[Desert185]

Exactly. The exhaust brake could potentially lock up your drive tires on slippery roads. Even braking is more desirable. I live in the snow belt, drive a semi pulling doubles for a living, and trust me when the drives lock up the tractor goes sideways. I ain't telling you not too use it, but I rarely use it in bad weather. It all depends on grip and how much weight is on the wheels. I prefer to control my speed and following distance with proper braking.

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I can see that and applaud your experience, but maybe we should define slippery. Wet roads or icy, snowy roads. Big difference, I think. Personally, I don’t tow on snow or ice and have not had a problem in the rain by downshifting or using the exhaust brake. In my case, the two don’t happen simultaneously, which I’ve heard happens with the newer, computer controlled systems of tow/haul automatic-EB combos. If that’s the case, it sounds like a negative “improvement” to assist the driving experience.

[Barbell]

My previous comment was addressed to the topic; towing in the rain. I will not ever attempt to tow on ice or snow, no matter what. I have towed many miles in the rain including on such roads as US 550 between Durango and Ouray and a number of similar roads w/o a problem using tow-haul and exhaust brake. I specifically stay off the brake pedal as much as possible and so far have kept the shiny side up. I don't dispute that using them on snow/ice could be a problem, but the same can be said about using brakes on slick surfaces.

[larry337]

I can see that and applaud your experience, but maybe we should define slippery. Wet roads or icy, snowy roads. Big difference, I think. Personally, I don’t tow on snow or ice and have not had a problem in the rain by downshifting or using the exhaust brake. In my case, the two don’t happen simultaneously, which I’ve heard happens with the newer, computer controlled systems of tow/haul automatic-EB combos. If that’s the case, it sounds like a negative “improvement” to assist the driving experience.

Agreed, my "simple" definition of slippery would be the opposite of grip. Grip is when the exhaust brake is not strong enough to stop the drive axle from turning, slippery is when the exhaust brake IS strong enough to stop the drive axle from turning. Rain alone would probably not be slippery. I am just advising to use caution. What if there were an oily spot in the road that was also wet? Additionally your rig is always the same rig with the same weight or down pressure on the rear wheels. For me the down pressure on the drives can vary by 10,000 lbs. A set of empties on a rainy road would not be the ideal conditions to use an exhaust brake. All that said, I do use the exhaust brake in the rain sometimes, not saying I dont. I'm just warning people that an exhaust brake is not the easy answer to every towing situation.

[larry337]

My previous comment was addressed to the topic; towing in the rain. I will not ever attempt to tow on ice or snow, no matter what. I have towed many miles in the rain including on such roads as US 550 between Durango and Ouray and a number of similar roads w/o a problem using tow-haul and exhaust brake. I specifically stay off the brake pedal as much as possible and so far have kept the shiny side up. I don't dispute that using them on snow/ice could be a problem, but the same can be said about using brakes on slick surfaces.

Heres the difference, IF the exhaust brake locks up your drives you WILL go into a slide. A slide begins when one axle is turning slower than the others, either because of bad brake balance or an exhaust btrake. A slide also begins if one axle is turning faster than the others, mostly the drives from applying to much power. So the idea is to keep all wheels turning at the same speed. I have no problem believing what you say is working for you. But intentionally staying off the brakes as much as possible makes no sense. If they are adjusted properly then use them. If you drive that same truck empty do you use your brakes in the rain? Of course you do. I promise you I drive a lot of miles in the snow every winter and I use the brakes, not the exhaust brake. If I used the exhaust brake exclusively I'd be in the ditch. Again, I'm not telling people to not use it in the rain I'm just trying to show exactly what's going on and that it COULD get them in trouble. While we're on the subject I would add that driving these trucks empty in the rain is probably not an ideal situation to use an exhaust brake. Your mileage may vary, :)

[Desert185]

Agreed, my "simple" definition of slippery would be the opposite of grip. Grip is when the exhaust brake is not strong enough to stop the drive axle from turning, slippery is when the exhaust brake IS strong enough to stop the drive axle from turning. Rain alone would probably not be slippery. I am just advising to use caution. What if there were an oily spot in the road that was also wet? Additionally your rig is always the same rig with the same weight or down pressure on the rear wheels. For me the down pressure on the drives can vary by 10,000 lbs. A set of empties on a rainy road would not be the ideal conditions to use an exhaust brake. All that said, I do use the exhaust brake in the rain sometimes, not saying I dont. I'm just warning people that an exhaust brake is not the easy answer to every towing situation.

And that is enough info now for folks to decide for themselves as to whether they choose to use the EB or not. Certainly preferable to them never using the EB in the rain (to their possible detriment) because the book advises against it or they don’t have enough knowledge or experience to judge for themselves.

Goes back to my point awhile back on another thread about education vs dumbing down. Better to have all the facts and decide for yourself. At least that’s my vote. :)

PS My dad drove trucks, and he was good. Put a lot of food on the table, and was a great example and teacher. I have a lot of respect for good truck drivers.

[larry337]

And that is enough info now for folks to decide for themselves as to whether they choose to use the EB or not. Certainly preferable to them never using the EB in the rain (to their possible detriment) because the book advises against it or they don’t have enough knowledge or experience to judge for themselves.

Goes back to my point awhile back on another thread about education vs dumbing down. Better to have all the facts and decide for yourself. At least that’s my vote. :)

PS My dad drove trucks, and he was good. Put a lot of food on the table, and was a great example and teacher. I have a lot of respect for good truck drivers.

Exactly :thumbsup: