I parked my tractor and trailer on a slope a day before a winter storm. Am I screwed?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Trucks66, Jan 10, 2025.

  1. Trucks66

    Trucks66 Light Load Member

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    The weather was fine when I parked it, then a day later, a winter storm hit. WIll my truck be ok?
     
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  3. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    Depends on a lot of factors. Steepness of the slope, what is the parking area made of, type of precipitation and force of wind speed. Also, whether the truck is loaded or empty. Now, as to if you will be able to pull out of the parking space, well that is a coin flip.
     
  4. Trucks66

    Trucks66 Light Load Member

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    moderately steep, pavement, snowing and sleet. Empty. Not moving it until everything has melted.
     
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  5. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Depends on the slope, the weather and whats at the bottom. If its just a very slight slope it will likely be fine unless its a full blown ice storm and even then likely fine. If its an extreme slope.....could be intresting, could be fine. Depends on if water can get under the traction and cause it to slip. If theres stuff infront of it and you go to move and its icy you could go into what ever is at the bottom. If its a direct pull away and not super long you can likely just let it roll down under gravity and be fine. It just depends.

    That said if it were me and i was really concerned id throw some/a lot of icemelt and sand around all the tires every time it snowed or rained. Then when i went to leave throw icemelt down all the way to where id turn and wait like half an hour for it to work before i tried to move. It will reduce the chances of stupid by a lot. May not prevent it if your on a steep enough incline and there is enough ice. But it does reduce the odds of something bad happening.

    That said as a general rule. If its icy or going to be icy at any point in the near future. Dont park on a slope. If you absolutely must for whatever reason. Mix salt and sand 3 to 1 salt to gritty traction sand and throw it down around where ALL the tires will be and totally cover the ground. It will both prevent iceing and give you better grip. Again may not stop it in extreme weather but reduces the chances by a lot.
     
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  6. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    If the ground was dry when/where you parked it should be fine. The ground underneath where the tires are touching will still be dry.

    Unless someone else crashes into it and pushes it, then all bets are off.
     
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  7. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    Or heavy wind. Wind can make a truck especially an empty one rock and over time if enough ice works under the tire, then a good gust or as you said bump can "break it free" very easily.
     
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  8. sirjeff

    sirjeff Medium Load Member

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    Chances are you can roll back onto a nice dry patch where your trailer was sitting, then lift off. If it's a tiny layer of ice, dump a couple gallons of washer fluid down.

    Even if you don't go winter trucking, get some of these to stash in your jockey box and never worry again. Everybody should pack them

    20240921_134640.jpg
     
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  9. idriveaholden

    idriveaholden Super Heavy Hauler

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    auto or manual?
    if auto you're screwed, gl
     
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  10. mustang190

    mustang190 Road Train Member

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    Carry a gallon of bleach.
    If you’re on ice just splash a little bit on your drives. After a couple of spins the ice will melt and off you go.
     
  11. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

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    Depends. A slope going UP, DOWN, or to the side?
     
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