Winter driving

yes construction was on, I know what mean, had to ride this one out, slowed it down a bit and scooted over 2 lanes to ride next to the shoulder . the rain and construction stopped before I parked

what gets me is no one appeared to have the same trouble.

 

This might be your drive tires. If they are worn down or don't have a water shedding capability they can hydroplane. The owner of my truck gives me a new set of aggressive tred on the drives every fall. I'm due for 8 new drives in about a month, and a couple of weeks ago on US-277 in Texas I drove through heavy rain on rutted roads. I had to slow more than I normally do because it started getting squirrely in spite of the fact I rode the rumble strip and center lane crown.

A driver with a really nice yellow long nose Pete apparently didn't get the memo. He jacknifed at a turn in the divided highway.

When I get new drives every Fall it makes a noticeable difference how soon hydroplaning happens, and a YUGE difference running muddy dirt roads.

 

yes they are getting slim on tread, I'm hoping they're changed out before winter hits.

 

Have 147K on my drives, was hoping they would make it to Oct. when I got vacation, after powersliding around a corner in the rain, my boss decided they are getting replaced in the next two week.

 

dca, I thought about your observations today as I went through some heavy rain on a rutted road today. Speed limit was 70 mph, but dropping to 50-55 mph if I was in the ruts didn't feel comfortable. You know, the sudden feeling of braking as you hit deeper water. By getting my right tires over the fog line and my left tires on the high crown between the ruts I was comfortable at 60-65.

I thought I would mention something I do when you are in situations like this that require feel. I normally drive holding the steering wheel with my thumbs on top, like a golf club. Normally the palms of my hands provide the traction on the wheel and my fingers are ultra loose. That's my habit, with my arms hanging straight down and like jello.

However, when in a situation that wants to yank the wheel left and right: on rutted snow and ice, trying to ride an uneven crown, or on muddy roads; I actually loosen my grip by lifting my palms slightly off the wheel and only hold it in my fingertips.

It's counterintuitive, but by allowing the wheel to "do its thing" with small jerks left and right as it gets thrown around by the uneven surface, you end up with more control by letting the steer tires seek their "line". It's kind of the same concept as trying to ski moguls at high speed, your legs become like rubber to absorb the bumps, then you "see the line, ski the line".

I use this technique a lot going off road. I don't try to grip hard and try to muscle it in deep mud. I'm trying to feel what's underneath the mud: ruts, bumps, rocks, or Jimmy Hoffa.

 

Excellent reply well done

 

First winter OTR? Bring extra underwear...

 

Take off your Slanket before you exit the cab.

 

That is a pro tip. Thank you. I usually just park it or go slow and easy anyway, but I hadn't thought of that.

 

Flex in transition Lepton1 & Avalement.