how are the big trucks in the snow

I have lived my entire life in western,PA,and NE Ohio,so I have been driving in snow quite a bit.Driving a big truck in snow just takes some common sense. You definitly slow down and drive carefully. These truckers that are flying by you in the snow are just an accident waiting to happen. I also spent a couple of years in Alaska,(US Army)driving big trucks.Up there we were put thru a winter driving class.When all is said and done you slow down to a safe speed and take it easy.

 

I would drive down I79 in WV in the passing lane covered with snow, passing 4 wheelers in the granny lane (which had been cleared,) if that answers your question.

 

How fast can you safely stop when in that lane passing cars?

 

stop for what?

 

For any reason.

I always drive at the speed that can be safely stopped. I consider such conditions to be more alert and safer in.

 

there was nothing in front of me for miles. 70 MPH zone, I was doing maybe 55-60. the 4 wheelers in the granny lane were around 45-50. trust me, I wouldn't have been passing them if I didn't think it was safe. driving down a 70 MPH interstate on a clear road doing 45 is a little on the iffy side.

but as far as handling, I can remember in training, driving up a mountain on a few inches of snow. there was a volvo wagon in front of me fishtailing, spinning and sliding around all over the place. I asked my trainer what his problem was. my rig was as surefooted as a three toe sloth. 18 wheelers go a LOT better in the snow than a lesser vehicle, in my experience. don't think you can't get stuck though.

 

I have been passed by several other trucks only to watch them start sliding out of control. Thankfully, I have been at a safer speed and much luckier to not tangle with them.

Sometimes, there is nothing that triggers the problem, others it may be a sudden need to stop.

When on snow there is much better traction, it is the ice that can develop that really worries me.

 

I have never used chains. In some states they are not legal. In the western mountain areas, some states require them to be carried.