Don't wanna sound like a Wimp, But.................

I believe there are even a few companies that don't allow drivers to take I70 over the mountains...

I personally never went across I70 in the winter/early spring. Always took I15 to I80... But I was always going to either SLC or to Sacramento then from there go to LA, LV, Phoenix, etc...

I didn't have a problem with I80... drove there all the time and only once during the day. Just as boring during the day as it is during the night haha!

Half the time I couldn't tell if it was snowing or if it was just the wind blowing the snow that was already on the ground on I80. I was always so "lucky" to have a light trailer most of the time while driving during the snow as well... grrr... always a heavy trailer when it wasn't snowing then as soon as the white stuff flies i get light loads.

 

Talk to dispatch see if you can get 15 to 80. When you hit the bad weather slow that truck down! Like someone else said on here when it gets dark stop. Give yourself plenty of room between you and the next truck. To keep your windows from freezing so much don't just run straight heat on the defrost, your wipers won't freeze as bad if run it a little cooler inside. DO NOT DRIVE if you are out of your comfort zone. I will say this you do get more at ease the more you drive on ice and snow. When I first started all I would do is about 20 miles then I would stop get out calm the nerves and go again. But you are the only one that knows what you are comfortable with. Keep an eye on your trailer don't hit the brakes to hard and I wouldn't do
over 35 be sure to make your shifts smooth. When your climbing hills try and keep those rpms up. I think you can do it just be careful, and if you start feeling uncomfortable stop cos that's when accidents happen

 

Some of the funnest driving you will ever do is driving eastbound across Elk Mountain during a ground blizzard.

 

My first winter driving out of school was I-70 across Vail a dozen times. It's nothing to be scared of. I've been in worse places.

For the most part snow storms are snow storms anywhere and you can get shut down on flat ground. What makes a difference is how the state keeps the roads clear. CO does a pretty good job compared to many states.

You be careful running into the storms. Running a day behind one in a winter state is nothing.

You have to learn sometime. I'd rather do it there than some state with one snowplow.

But on the other hand, adjusting routes across the winter Rockies is done all the time. Many will drop down to 40 and even 10 depending on weather and where you are going. I wouldn't make changes between 70 and 80 unless it's a major event where the interstate gets shut down.

 

what did they do before the internet ????

 

You have already driven the mountain part of the trip, Denver to Rifle. As long as your not too high for the tunnel and not hauling HazMat, there is no need to drive over Vail, 11,999 ft at the summit. Driving daylight is best choice if possible. Break at exit 163, 45 miles West of the tunnel. It's a rest area with heated restrooms and resturants close by. The Pizza joint across the river serves by the slice with the toppings of your choice. Once your down into Denver it's flat and easy. Many go I-80 out of SLC but when it storms they often shut down I-80 E from Wy. state line to exit 30, 3 sisters, and if not closed will also require chains. Good luck,

PS; Put your chains on one drive and one trailer tandem to practice at least once before you get to snow.

 

My second week solo i pulled a f/b loaded with 55 gallon drums (class 3 hazmat) up the hill on i80w from the delaware water gap up to white haven, pa in a bad snow storm. Now i know this is nothing like i70 thru the rockies but still nerve racking as hell. Wipers froze, tons of slush and spray coming off other trucks not to mention heavy snow. Could barely see. The super truckers flying by. I got off and took my break while billy big rig said it wasnt nothing and kept rolling.

Point is, while i was counting down the mile post to the t/s in white haven, i gained a good amount of experence that night. Nervous, hell yeah but i kept a cool head. I know the op has concerns having never driven on snow before but they need to do the #### thing to get the exp. Take it easy, drive at your safe speed and if it gets to bad find a safe spot to get off.

Btw. I saw 4-5 super truckers in the ditch the next day. One went off the right side and luckily the trees kept him from a several hundred foot drop. Two were on there sides in the median.

 

I got very lucky the first time I did ice/snow. A little bit of Mo. and MOST of I-20 from AR to Dallas. Could break the drives loose for a thought. Trailer stepped out with ANY breaking.

Pure fun to my way of thinking!

Would NOT want to do mountains heavy or liquid tanker!!!!!

 

That would be a great route if it weren't for - Wyoming!

I'd do I-70 over I-80/Wyoming every day of the week except Sunday. Literally, except Sunday because the skiers returning to Denver muck up the roads every time. If you end up crossing on Sunday expect a 4 hour trip on the down hill side of I-70 alone.

 

I've only driven for two companies but neither one let us drive I70 west of Denver. Not so much because of any danger. It costs a small fortune if you break down there.

Wyoming is it's own planet. It can go from dry and sunny to freezing rain to blowing snow...and that's just within 5 miles...LOL