Slick roads 101

You sure about that?

Axle-interlock(power divider) and differential lockers are completely different.

 

So obviously driving technique is very important, but what are some things to look for so I can gauge whether it's probably okay to drive or not? What conditions should I sit out no matter what?

 

Whatever conditions your not personally comfortable with.

 

This ^^^^^ Me , I would do as my skills warrant , you know what you are most comfortable with. Never let anyone dictate to what your skill level or comfort zone is. You will always be the one held responsible for that decision. Read Six's post # 65 , he covered the answer pretty well. I will say that in order to get to the level that some drivers have achieved , you have to actually drive in some bad , and sometimes terrible conditions. The old saying " you can't get a little bit pregnant " goes well here.

 

Thank you! Very helpful!

 

Another reason to stay parked is if your customers aren't going to be open. There's no reason to move if you can't make a delivery or a pick up, unless you want to simply put yourself in position at the shipper or receiver for such time as their employees make it to work. Phone ahead.

Right now I'm sitting in the Walmart DC near DFW and word is they won't allow any shipments out the gate until road conditions improve. YakTrax on my shoes were a nice thing to have to walk over to use the restroom. Inch of ice over everything. Ice covering my 5th wheel, headlights, top half of my tires, etc. It'll take some work to get road ready, but I'll report to the office this afternoon and see if they'll have anything that's top urgent. Gotta be some momma somewhere needs some diapers.

 

do you understand what the power divider and locking rear ends are and do?..going down the road..you have ONE tire on your back rear driving...you put in your power divider..as most trucks have..you have one side on your back AND the opposite side on your front rear end..then there are lockers..witch MOST trucks do not have..you put in one locker you have dive on both sides of one rear end..you put in both lockers ALL drivers are in gear...they are only good when you are stuck,in mud or soft material..if you are in full lockers driving in slick conditions like snow or ice..you will have steering problems as all of your back wheels have power to them...like lockers. Your power divide is used on times when you CANT get traction with that one driver in the rear..you can use it in the snow if snow is on the ground.BUT and I said BUT..it WILLheat up the temperature of your rear ends...AND is not meant to be used for anything over about 20-25 mph..and only for very short distances..or you can damage them... They aren't needed to be engaged on flat land or going down a mountain pass..but only to get started in area where you can't get traction aka truck stop. Or going up a slick upgrade..you can engage them BUT yoiu can't have power going to the rears in motion...and you can also disengage. Again with no power going to them..as in your foot is completely off the accelerator..and your engine is at a neutral power.best is to push in your clutch..switch the divider in or out..wait a second or two..let out clutch..or you will do damage..power dividers are not meant to be driven down the road at highway speed..most companies are..burn up the rear end..you get fired..if you have any questions about them..ask your company mechanic..not some wrench turner at the truck stop..