travelling across the Rockies in December, please help

Brakes, no problem. I assume you're in some sort moving van? They do on occasion shut down I-70 W of Denver and I-80 W of Cheyenne. It will all depend on the timing of your trip with major weather systems that may come through.

Colorado has chain laws that may be in effect I suggest you google "colorado chain law" for more info. Sometimes you can run across WY, no problem, while CO and I-70 is brutal, and vice-versa ... monitor the weather closely in a detailed manner at Vail and at Rawlins and Green River and make your best informed decision. What is your departure and arrival points? There may be other better alternatives.

 

I would take I-80 myself.

 

I-80 preferable, but if you're arriving CO/WY just ahead of a major system, you may beat the worst of it across I-70/vail in some cases if the timing is really good. Soldier summit (Utah) can sometimes be an issue but not terribly often.

 

I would take 80. Be careful of the wind gusts across Colarado and Wyoming. In a wind storm it can easily roll a truck. Take youre time if the weather turns bad and give yourself a few extra days just in case the roads do close or the wind picks up and you have to drive slower. Remember if you are driving slow to turn on your 4 way flashers to warn people coming behind you. Have a safe trip.

 

Take I-80, but be wary of high wind advisories between Cheyenne, WY and Rawlins, WY. Drive 55 mph for safety since you aren't accustomed to driving a large truck from what it sounds. Most car drivers are in the habit of sudden jerky reactions which will roll a truck. Get out of that habit, slow down, and think and look far ahead. Don't daydream or talk too much either. The worst hill you will have to worry about overheating brakes on is Parleys Summit, check out some YouTube videos for what it looks like. Turn your flashers on and drive slower, about 35 to 45 going down. If you are on the brakes more than 1/3 of the time, then slow down, let your speed fluctuate 5 mph between braking and coasting. This allows cooling.

Good luck! Hope you survive!

 

It might not be a bad idea to take some food,water and a blanket with you.
The usual common sence stuff.

 

http://www.pensketruckrental.com/moving-truck-rental/moving-and-storage/winter-driving.html