Our Top Winter Trucking Tips

[@tykellerman6384]

Don’t put your trailer breaks on when you park or they will freeze to the drums then it’s screw driver and hammer time

[@SmartTrucking]

That's right!! Should have mentioned that. Dave

[@Capitanvolume]

Dont use a screwdriver, it will damage the tip. It's best to strike the drum directly with a sledge. I carry a 4lb sledge in the truck.

[@tykellerman6384]

Smart Trucking hard to think of everything Dave.

[@rubenrivera2799]

I carry small propane tanks and a torch ..... can’t I just heat up that freeze? Asking since I’m from so-cal and now run in the northwest-Midwest. Been paying attention here...

[@Dr_Nick_]

This is also an issue with aircraft. Since planes almost never have driven wheels, if a pilot sets the brakes during winter, they freeze.

[@TachySteve]

Always carry glad hand seals no matter the weather!

[@jo6520]

Do a cold start on the peterbilt

[@halkael2317]

Even in the bad weather I have trucks tailgating me, flashing highbeams, passing on double solid lines... some people are just idiots looking to kill someone! No load is worth a life!!

[@SmartTrucking]

It's true and you're right! It's scary the number of fools out there! Dave

[@bigb9061]

I agree with you. I have many years of driving in winter conditions. I lived in Montana for many years. Today for me if I am on the road and not much traffic I am good to go. But when you get in traffic today I find it better to just get off the road. Just last week the road conditions was bad. Around 6 to 8 inches of snow on the road. Snow plows could not keep up with the snow. Then add high winds. I tell you I never seen so many truck drivers that can not drive in snow. They had to be going 65 mph. There was trucks off the road trucks ran into each other. It’s a nightmare. I pulled off the road could not make my delivery time. But no one question me why the load was late. It’s my ship. I am the captain. I had trucks passing me. They was next to me I could reached out and touch them and I was on the rumble strip. It is so crazy. I met another driver in the truck stop. He was saying the very same thing. I even learn things from you. I don’t know it all. Thank you for all you do!!!

[@timothycook2917]

May I suggest to all drivers, NEVER store fuel treatment bottles in the compartment under your sleeper bunk (or anywhere in the cab). The contents are extremely toxic and a leak can cause severe respiratory distress and can permanently damage the rubber or carpet lining of the cab or storage area

[@eejaee123]

As someone who just got their commercial license this year, you have been a blessing. Thank you for the time, effort and commitment you put in these videos. They are lifesavers. 👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad to help!

[@Rubmaster]

I'm at snail speed in the winter. It takes some time but I get there in one peace, and the customer is happy to get the load :)

[@ktanner11]

Best tip for winter driving, stay south of I40 😆

[@SmartTrucking]

Hehe. Yep that is a GREAT TIP.

[@elmerluzero3puertastechito501]

I keep a bag of SALT, this morning I got stuck, my wheels would spin on the the ice, I used salt, and 5 minuter later, took off.

[@patrickmccullough3222]

You sir are a true professional Ana credit to our beloved way of life. I've been in trucks all my life an driving 20 years now no tickets no accidents but I still find your videos informative useful an a pleasure. I send them to my fellow drivers an to none drivers o know to share an inform to what we face everyday. Thank you for doing what you do an god bless

[@rodneystewart8958]

I like to carry a good heavy chain in case I or someone needs a pull along with a shovel

[@yhwhswarrior6086]

A snow shovel has saved me a few times.

[@grejsancoprative]

Every year when the ice sets in; on my way home there's a small bend just before a roundabout just as the motorway end. Every year there's always a car laying there in the ditch on it's roof. And this year was no exception.

[@eugeneklemenz]

Great advice just to add one more snow brush

[@hamishkay3010]

In the winter the snail will always be the safer one, the hare will be the four wheeler that goes too fast. That's the way I see it

[@SmartTrucking]

Agreed!

[@tommyreed4220]

I have all you listed watching u over the years you have taught me well grasshopper.👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Tommy! I imagine winter has already hit in your area as well by now. Let the fun begin. Stay safe! Dave

[@DJPereira2012]

Around here we wait it out when its not safe. Good time to get some rest and check the truck.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly!

[@franbric5640]

Heated wiper blades for good visibility.

[@SmartTrucking]

Can you get those for a truck?

[@danrowley6934]

You keep a cooler (plug in fridge) full of eats & drinks, to keep you hydrated, for the times when the cops close the "cow" gates?

[@SuperHigear]

Good advice. But I'd like to add two things: 1) when you're driving in rain and there's a possibility of it turning to ice (and you don't have an outside temperature gauge), listen to your tires. When the whine of your tires stops - you're driving on ice. 2) if your truck isn't equipped with a kitchenette unit, like so many are today, pack away some emergency food supplies somewhere. In winter I carried a loaf of bread, a jar of peanut butter, a few cans of baked beans and some canned fruit. You'd be surprised how many times I was glad I did.

[@kellypenrod2979]

Hey Dave! a couple of tips from the low boy gallery. when I park up for the night, while I'm coming in to park off the hi way, I ride my brakes lightly in wet weather, it dries them out, then when I park I set the tractor brakes then I set my scotch blocks under the drive's and release the brakes. No froze brakes. Also, this next tip will save you ALOT of grief, and work, when you've been running sloppy conditions with a tarp load, carry a pump up yard sprayer with used antifreeze in it and before you roll up your tarps, spray them lightly with this and roll them up. when you go to unroll them again and it's been cold a while, they ain't all frozen and stuck together, and you aren't beating them with a winch bar and knocking holes in them. Stay safe brothers!

[@SmartTrucking]

Excellent pointers Kelly! Thanks . Dave

[@ktanner11]

I use the anti freeze too but i suggest RV antifreeze as its non-toxic. Its not cheap, but i think its better to work with and if you spill it or aomthing no dogs or anything can get sick.

[@scottminikhiem1399]

I just crashed the 15th out on 84 west bound through Utah near the mile 89 marker. Stay safe yall play it safe and go slow. I rolled.

[@markshuput5228]

I used the jake alot on snow. It worked well

[@jamesmcfayden9778]

Dave I always like your advice on safe driving. Not to many drivers I've seen takes it slow and easy in bad weather conditions. I seen so many drivers driving to fast for condition and get upset with me because I'm taking it slow. Then later on down the road I see that same driver in a ditch or in a major accident

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@lawrencegolba2244]

Very thorough, well done. For lock de-icing on my personal vehicles, I've pre-treated them in the fall by dipping my key in anti-freeze, placing it in the key hole and turn it back and forth. I repeat several times for each lock. The lubricant in the anti-freeze won't corrode the lock internals like alcohols will. Anti-freeze has also worked as a lock de-icer when no de-icer was available. Be careful not to allow anti-freeze to drip or spill onto steps as it is slippery. Keep on truckin' !

[@Henrydawg]

I’m a 30 yr driver and love to watch your videos.Can never learn enough!I had a beautiful auto and gave her up for a standard,I was debating the switch but you gave me the information I new was right..I have more control in a standard.so made the switch..ps..I drive in the snow states

[@BlueDually4x4]

I keep a bag of ice melt in one of the tool boxes, handy for those times you need a little bit more traction and you don't want to fight with chains to move only a couple feet.

[@electricsg4321]

Sir thank you for this channel you’ve given me so much invaluable information it’s honestly crazy. I got one year experience, I started as soon as I turned 21. Your tips have kept me out of so many situations I’ve seen other trucks get into by not paying attention. Thank you Dave!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Casper!! Dave

[@johnm6642]

All good items to carry with you. One thing I like to carry in addition is a can of spray the ice I try not to keep too much heat on a defroster I'd rather just keep it set to cabin, on a low heat and just let the warm air rise. Sometimes though the wiper blades will accumulate ice and I found a carrying spray the ice you can hit right on them helps get rid of it and then clears up a little bit

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey there Big Strapper. Thanks for tuning in and watching the video on Winter Driving! Do you have a favourite SECRET that you like to use in winter weather?

[@nicksmith8166]

Don’t set trailer brakes and a Big ‘ol bucket of rock salt and a propane torch for defrosting brakes if I accidentally set trailer brakes.

[@cliffp.8396]

Excellent expert advice

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@cliffp.8396]

@@SmartTrucking Your welcome

[@nxlevelautodetailing7661]

Thank you !! Great video Lots of information

[@bestb.1169]

This is my first winter and so I asked one of the men with 25 years experience and he said remember two things: 1 slow down 2 increase following distance The basics are not simple but they are foundational.

[@patchrat1]

I take extra breaks when it get crappy out it helps me to stay a little sharper Relax and don’t overdrive the truck Also keep the 5th wheel well greased so it won’t push you when you’re turning

[@SmartTrucking]

Good ideas!

[@elimarc3891]

"looks guffy as hell" 😂 his words about the winter Canadian hat. This is one of the best chanels I know.

[@davidbrown4868]

Thanks a lot. Nice, clear, and straight to the point.

[@davewhite5258]

I'd like to see a cold start video of your Pete, maybe a little drive to get her good and warmed up.

[@SmartTrucking]

Sadly, I don't drive it in the winter anymore but I can do a cold start for you. She doesn't really chug away at first like the older engines used to do, she's still pretty tame when she does fire. Dave

[@davewhite5258]

She's a fine older truck, what are your plans for it?

[@BACONBITZ96]

This video was handy as hell.......2 thumbs up!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you! Dave

[@jimmystate]

Even 2 years later this video still helping people especially a newbie like me I've driven in the winter time for decades in a car. But the things you laid out here are pretty great especially with black eyes and dispatch. Thank you very much

[@manuelrincon9472]

Thankyou so much Sir for you valuable informatiòn,God bless you and your family and happy hollidays.

[@SmartTrucking]

You too Manuel!

[@leswalker2639]

Great advice

[@melissahall4715]

Great info!

[@kulwant747]

Thank you sir

[@theleastofhisbrothers]

Great information thank you I live in the Alpine area in Australia and have some snow to go over when leaving home all your information is great thanks again 👍🦘

[@amitrathore3697]

Very true.. thanks for the tips👍

[@Rphasmid]

I qualified for my class 1 license back in the Jurassic, well 1973. I hauled almost everything except livestock, but that changed when I went to work driving a bus for the City of Edmonton. I needed a steady paycheck. My kids were little then and I wanted to be around home. Now I have grandkids and I retired after 32 years of hauling old ladies to bingo and kids to the mall. Really enjoy your videos. Makes me wonder though if I have forgotten how to drive those big ugly hunks of iron. Hope not. I can still fall off a bicycle. Should be okay to drive a truck other than I'd miss my afternoon nap.

[@chevyon37s]

In my personal pickup truck, I built up a nice supply in my tool box and under my back seat. Military surplus ET/ folding shovel, socket set, wrench and tool roll, heavy tow strap, shackles, and other recovery gear, long and heavy jumper cables, and a good first aid kit.

[@saudijizan3878]

Thanks sir for the tips in driving in winter. Am here working in Saudi maybe next year going to apply in Poland as Truck driver. God bless you take care. Am Filipino.

[@afriendofafriend5766]

I've started skiing more recently, as the weather has been getting colder here. Granted I just drive a boring old four wheeler, but go SLOW and stay in CONTROL. That's what I've learned. Getting where you're going in a car is faster than going in a hospital bed.

[@canceraxe1447]

Hello guys, my first week completed at trucking school! So excited to get behind the wheels and learn trucking😊. These tips are helping me big time. Keep em coming...❤️

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for watching!

[@timothyfritsch8801]

thanks dave great stuff

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Timothy! Dave

[@nunyadontyaknow]

Got all that chief! Even the sleeping bag. Great vid! The boss handed me keys to a 2020 Volvo this afternoon when I got back to the yard. Not a big fan of Volvo, but wow they sure are nice when their new. Wish it was a Pete. 😞 The cell phone thing is a big one.....even plugging in your milage when crossing state lines..... not a good idea.

[@senditkevin]

I got a 2020 Pete 567. Cummins x15. Now a few months later it's got almost 24k miles.

[@vintagestrings6]

If you're using a truck GPS it should keep track of miles in every state. 👍

[@MrAutospec]

Agree on every part! Hello from russian Siberia!

[@SmartTrucking]

Wow! Hello out there! Dave

[@briandarazs6620]

Great tips there Dave. I also carry a small butane camp stove and lots of water.

[@joycereid7268]

Great video as always. I look forward to each of your guys videos. Blake

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@johnfreitas1124]

All great tips. Thxy for all yr video's cheers.

[@Vickvineager]

Or if water starts freezing on the backside of the mirrors, there’s ice on the roads.

[@philliphurd6545]

Thank you for all the information you put out on this channel as a new driver I observe and listen to the older experienced drivers. I've learned so much from you. Keep up the great videos!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Phillip!

[@victorchambers7613]

I really appreciate your videos. I watched a bunch before starting training with a company. Much advice is welcome, excellent videos.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@rogerpenske2411]

You know I don’t drive too much in ice and snow these days, but every now and then I will get sent up to Albuquerque. Wal Mart does not stock below freezing stable windshield washer fluid at any time of the year here in Phoenix! Make sure that you never nab some In a location where it is sold!

[@yhwhswarrior6086]

I delivered to a place in Chicago once that did not tell anyone they moved. I backed into the dock to wait until they opened. Opening time comes and I walk to the door and the place is closed so I call them. They tell me they are opened so I ask them if they are really at the address I was at. Surprise they moved!! This dock was at a steep grade with around 3 foot of snow. A snow shovel to move the snow and hammer to break the ice then I was free!!

[@SmartTrucking]

For Pete's sake, eh!

[@captainflatbed.7927]

Hence the term. “Ridin round lookin goofy”. But them ears ain’t cold 🤣😂 great video

[@raymondbradley6788]

Thanks Dave words of wisdom.

[@aliver8176]

Nice video

[@joelucho119]

Great video !! Basically the last advice was the best of all “you are the boss and don’t let your dispatcher tell you when to go”. So because of that I know exactly who didn’t like that advice. I’m sure those 4 dislikes you got on your video are from: swift, Werner, Prime and CR England.

[@SmartTrucking]

I bet you're right!

[@kashifshehzad2328]

Gr8 vlog as usual. Useful info.

[@GageP]

What's your opinion on the old Freightliner Classic trucks?

[@SmartTrucking]

Freightliner had it's good years and bad years as far as quality control was concerned. I found sometimes they tried so hard at making the truck light that components could break too easily. I helped a guy with a Freightliner change a clutch linkage in Salinas one time and the rods were as thick as a pencil. No wonder they broke. Dave

[@user-jl4ji3bu5t]

The classic xl are great trucks. They were spec'd better than most others. They are the best looking freightlines imo. Especially the flattops. People hate on freightliners. My xl is a workhorse. Its easy to work on the engine because of the long nose too. The downside of mine is that it turns like a yacht

[@markofexcellence5209]

I felt like the FLD was cheaped out on in a lot of ways but I don’t consider it to be the worst purchase in the world either, there’s far worse out there.

[@Bryacs]

Thanks you sir for your very informative video. I always watch your video and I learned a lot, I’m just new trucker / picker operator here in Alberta.

[@SmartTrucking]

Stay warm Bryant!

[@mmtruckingllc657]

Very good advice! I carry all that and one more thing, thing of kitty litter, if it's icy around a trl I'm hooking to and can't get under it, I throw a bit down and it's like dry pavement!

[@mrc1539]

It’s a shame that you have to keep reminding drivers about all the things that should be just common sense. But I thank you anyway.

[@SmartTrucking]

For some guys this will be their first winter, but yes, there is no replacing just good old common sense. What I've noticed the last few years though is that common sense isn't so common among people anymore. Dave

[@anthonyc362]

Mr C some guys are from areas that don't have winter. I never saw snow till I went in the Army. Many new long haul truckers see snow or real cold for the first time at work when they are on their first long haul.

[@baggabrar7082]

Very helpful & Please Keep an extra set of windshield wipers as well

[@joelb.336]

Thank you for sharing much insight. I am a new truck driver working on attaining an orientation with Covenant trucking. I look forward to utilizing your experiences once the rubber hits the road.

[@saeedmsimmons333]

Solid bro.. thank you

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Saeed!

[@tylerscully75]

Always keep a spare wiper blade and chain pliers are good to have also

[@deaconcobbs7640]

Great advice 👍🏽

[@savoy6730]

Great tips! I'll add my two cents. Carry a bag of salt for situations where you need a little traction to get the truck moving. If you park on snow or ice after your trip move the truck forward some after 5 or 10 minutes of tire cooling. Carry not one pair of insulated gloves but at least two, they get wet. Learn how to put chains on before you need to put chains on! The weather is going to be pretty crappy when you do need them.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good tips!!

[@rodkneed]

Electric heated wiper blades are a good investment too.

[@chevyon37s]

All to often guys are too ignorant to call it quits and pull off the road.

[@inmyzone7080]

Yes sir

[@michaelmedina8304]

We need a video about celadon dave will save the day!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

I was just saying to someone else what a shame that is. That was an alright outfit in the days when Steve Russell had it.

[@jerbear7952]

Add some silicon lube to your weather stripping on your doors when it is SUPER cold. I've had condensation from my breathing freeze up on the doors and lock me out.

[@AlanAlan-pb9vl]

I always run lower pressure 95 psi in winter ( CTI has 50 psi when empty) tires warm up faster. Better traction in winter. Yes might burn more fuel when fully loaded. Not empty. But who is paying the tow bill. Wrecked steer by object hidden under the snow on the shoulder. Cant see as far. LoL Take your sun glasses off get some sunshine and take your vit C and D during covid. Yes keep up rpm up when climbing icy hill. Again warm up tires wheel bearings on trailer too before pulling the hill. Put methonal ( windshiel washer fluid 40% methonal Cdn washer) Jake is good because of front auto- adjust front brakes. Some old trucks had NO front brakes. Had an old Ford Lousiville had a "slipper road setting" on the front brakes. Old trucks had manual adjusters could be "slacked off" in winter. Trailer brakes too. ( just one rolling wheel rather than sliding will help prevent trailer jacknifing ( got a ticket once for that NO weight at back end) When i left inspection station X trucker DOT made comment ( what u do when u leave here i dont want to know) He knew it was safer. I had a tri- axle. More braking power than a tandem. If they one wheel was totally backed off. Wow. Safer byt got a ticket. Totally messed up system. So yes use jaje ( engine break gives drives more breaking power if need to use some pedal brake. You dont want toloose your stearing by having to use excessive brake. I ussually leave the "engine brake "on the low setting. Dont use the high setting in low range. New ISX Cummins ( and some others) excessive back torque through driveline. Could cause driveline/ rear end damage. Yup seen it happen. Snap bang pop. Use high setting only on dry pavement. Only in high range. 1 403 830 4124 we build "emergency traction on ice" for vehicles ( semi have own pressurized air system) locomotives have systems. Why NOT your truck. To rear of trailer too. Great for preventing jacknifing too.

[@matthewthomas7648]

Bleed your air tanks so no condensation will build up and freeze in the air lines. At the end of the day I bleed all my lines.

[@69adrummer]

I wish I had a mentor like you.

[@NWforager]

i'd recommend to NOt do Anything *suddenly* on snow ,ice or wet bridges . Turn , Excelerate , Brake, even shift personally ,its Incredibly easy to break traction which you are trying to avoid like the dickens. Dave is correct about following distance ,and about getting the heck off the road asap in ice . for CDL drivers in most cases Chains are Not for driving your route , They are for getting to where you can stop safely or to where you can drive without em.

[@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739]

Great contant

[@snidelywhiplash285]

Always keep the fifth wheel properly lubed in the winter.

[@SlimClarke]

Great job on the video driver

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Slim!

[@902Steeler]

Is it a good idea to slide your trailer tandems all the way back on slippery conditions to put more weight on your drives for traction?

[@jeffersontrucker8027]

Just met you at Tim's. Have fun in the snow lol

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey Jefferson! Nice meeting you! Never thought to ask where you were headed? Dave

[@jerrylittle2726]

Do like I do save up for the winter months don't drive in the winter prepare your bills ahead of time

[@Silvervwolfee]

Don't know if this is a good idea or not but it is what I do. If I'm not sure about the condition of the road.... When no one is around me I put it in neutral and gently step on the brakes. Yes sometimes I might slide a bit if it's slick but at least I know! And I never try and drive on ice. NOTHING works good. Also if I can't drive at least 25 mph I park it.

[@jamesschultz30]

Hands down one of your best videos yet Dave. I would just say, much of the stuff you mentioned in the beginning, you should be carrying that anyway.

[@cyriluebbing22]

Nice

[@JacksonGuitarsPlayer03]

I got all my winter rides undercoated and fluid filmed that stuff will not dry until a long while or it starts getting washed off or all the road debris sticks to it/ sand/salt/snow. Keeping undercarriage from rusting

[@1ptrcrlvr565]

You should do a video about parking on the shoulder of the interstate. 95% of my loads are oversized and it is not a good idea to park on the shoulder of a 65 mph highway just to take a leak or some other small detail that could easily wait for the next exit ramp but it happens,,, mostly 4 wheelers tho. Love your videos man👏👏

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks and you're right! the shoulder is rarely a good place to be. It never ceases to amaze me when I see a four wheeler parked on the shoulder when there's an off ramp 100 feet ahead!

[@maxxod1]

I’ve always hard it as “keeping the shiny side up” but that works too. You didn’t mention using your trailer spike. If you LIGHTLY pull on it your trailer brakes will pull you back and keep everything straight. One more tip. Check the forecast before you head out. Wondering why you don’t run an open shoulder tire eg. XDN2 or XDS? Either way, good tips. More people need this info. 👍

[@floridajake58]

I like your Canadian trucker hat lol

[@aviatortrucker6198]

Trucks, especially today should be idled below 20ﾟF. The reason is because fleet trucks are predominantly automatic and very expensive to get a wrecker out there to jumpstart you since you cannot pull it with a chain. Regardless whether you have new batteries or not if it is cold enough the motor oil will thicken up after being shut down for any length of time and you will have a tough time starting the truck. One more thing is if you have a strong sulfur smell when you are driving that means you have 1 or more batteries that are failing and is cooking off. At that point you need to get your battery check and replaced as soon as possible. Another tip, automatics and super singles are a deadly combination in winter driver. If you have both, best to park it!