Indian River

A loaded truck handles better on ice and snow because the weight gives you more traction. You always want to be loaded instead of empty when the snow starts falling. Keep that in mind if you’re deadheading somewhere and considering parking or killing time along the way when you still have available hours to keep moving. Look at your weather app. If they’re calling for a Winter storm, try to get to your shipper before it hits. In other words, when you’re empty, try to get the traveling done while the roads are still clear if you have the opportunity to do so.

When I’m in bad conditions like that, I engage my power divider before taking exit ramps that haven’t been plowed yet. I also use it in parking lots quite a bit, especially when dropping and hooking, trying to bobtail out from under, as well as getting underneath a trailer when the lots are covered in snow. I keep it engaged until I’ve merged back onto the highway. Remember, there is never any shame in parking if you feel the roads are beyond your skill level. It takes time and miles to become comfortable with Winter weather.

Always check the number on washer fluid jugs when you refill your reservoir in the cold season or when you are on your way to a higher elevation region where the temperature is lower. Some jugs say “+32” while others say “-20.” If you refill it with the wrong one, it will freeze and might even crack your pump. You will end up in the middle of nowhere with a caked up windshield and no visibility. I also treat my fuel tanks with Howes or Power Service when it gets below 25 degrees. Some of the bottles say “anti-gel” and some don’t. Make sure you get the anti-gel.

 

Yes. It’s the switch on your dash with a X in the truck frame with a padlock next to it.