Prepared for snow?
I am thinking of taking my Caravan to Aberdeen for Christmas - I have no idea about the weather forecast but can anyone tell me how to be prepared for towing in snow. I did it about 50 years ago but I am sure there are easier fit chains etc etc. Any answers appreciated about towing - I do know how to winterproof the water and things like that - it is just towing I am wondering about - socks? chains? Thank you.
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First thing Pippah, before all else is a set of well treaded tyres since Snow Socks & Chains are not really good on tarmac roads with but patches of snow / ice. But I'm sure your recently purchased motor will have decent tyres if not of the snow - capable variety.
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Pippa all you can do is watch the weather forecasts and don't attempt to take the van if the forecast is bad. I'm sure you know that snow gates will be used in certain parts of Scotland so maybe just check your route. If the snow is heavy you would have to wait for the snow ploughs to go through first. People do get stuck so have some warm clothes and a flask with you if there are any delays, plus a shovel and mats. You will be likely to skid on compacted snow and ice, take care, fingers crossed the weather will hold at least till the New Year when it tends to get colder and the snow is more likely to appear.
Hope you manage to get there ok without any problems.
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I see that one of the tabloids had a reference to the heaviest snow for 70 years forecast for this winter. Hibernate or migrate is the answer.
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Thank you everyone - I am not particularly impressed by the tyres on the car - missed a trick swapping with the old car - so I may well invest. Yes that weather forecast could be dire or it might not happen! I will be prepared to cancel if necessary!
Socks or Chains? I guess socks are easier to fit?
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I've never used chains or socks when living in Scotland Pippa, I either went out or I didn't, sometimes I wished I hadn't! There may be some out there who are skilled in towing in poor conditions but Youtube might be your friend for fitting snow chains etc. I think the rule is to practice beforehand.
Anyway good luck with your trip.
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Pippa, In Scotland, the weather is not entirely predictable. Are you taking your caravan to Aberdeen City or Aberdeenshire.?--- There is a big difference. As in all things it is wise to be prudent and not venture out on the roads with a van on the back during snowstorms.
Snow chains or socks are OK to get you out a "stuck in a snowdrift" situation but not for long journeys. Winter tyres are a much better option.
Whatever you decide stay safe.
K
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Pippa.
What type of vehicle do you tow with, is it front or all wheel drive. We have always towed with a heavy 4 wheel drive vehicle, but I would have to be very desperate to go out towing in snow with a front wheel drive car. And I drove trucks all my working life.
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Headed for the Club site on the coast - yes I know that could be chilly!
Tow car is an Outlander 4 x 4 caravan a Swift Conqueror 2 birth.
I don't venture on the road in extreme weather with the caravan - snow or wind and not when floods are predicted either.
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If you are not deliberately heading into the white & fluffy then I'd stick with the new tyres, Pippah, & if you really do want some additional cover then I'd go with Socks. Always remembering that they are for definitely short term & short distance use only.
Which ever way you decide then please enjoy Scotland in the White and let us know ON HERE how you got on . It could make a confidence booster for whichever of us got the guiding advice correct
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I think myself to be an experienced caravaner (just) but I wouldn't consider towing in snow, maybe a slight dusting but even then and anything more than that I would stay at home. Yes I drive an (on demand) 4x4 but the van is still '2x2' and I wouldn't know how it would behave in ice or deeper snow. Also I would be going so slow and visibility reduced that it would be too demanding to enjoy.
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Thanks again! Winter tyres sounds a good idea - I think I asked last year and told they weren't worth having. But also on my bucket list is going to Norway in winter to see the Northern Lights almost certainly more spectacular than in Scotland. Chains almost certainly necessary there! I remember in a previous life several winters in Germany we had tyres with studs in on my car and big winter tyres on the Land Rover.
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Check the LEGAL REQUIREMENTS for winter driving "over there" Pippah, the Alpine countries have specific requirements and it is quite possible the Nordic countries have similar demands in the winter / snowy season.
The info you get from those inquiries might influence your choices now,
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If you want to go to the North of Norway in the winter, a much better plan is to fly to somewhere like Tromso and book a hotel, or take a cruise on Hurtigruten.
I come from up there, am used to driving in the snow, but considering driving all the way there in winter is madness!
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The Dunlop M+S (mud and snow) tyres I have used on the two XTrails I have owned and fitted from new, have preformed well. One year we had several feet of snow and the roads were empty apart from 4 x 4's for several days. I experienced no problems, even on the hills around here. They were significantly more expensive than standaed tyres at just under £200 each, when I replaced two in September. Wear rates are reasonable, particularly on the rear, which only drives when necessary. Most of the year it will be front wheel drive.
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Many sites in Norway don't open until June, and start closing from the end of August, the season, especially in the North is very short.
June can often still be quite cold, with snow still on the ground in some places, so I would not travel before June.
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I've been to( not driving though) Greenland, North Cape, Svalbard, all in summer. Much as I want to see the Northern Lights, it's cold enough then, let alone winter.
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You have to be flexible on arrival and departure, sit it out rather than venture into a bad forecast or lying snow.
I've been stuck on a no facilities CL for 2 days after a 24 hr blizzard, had 3 cylinders of gas and a spare battery so no prob keeping warm.
Gas consumption was approx 6Kg /30 -32 hrs, but didn't need spare battery as 12v was only used for lights and blown air.. Farmer dug road and access out.
Wind was severe and ripped our awning off at the rail, found some shreds half mile downwind a few days later.
fun times
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Quite an adventure then via! When the beast from the East hit us last year it was three days before we got dug out. One of the neighbours organised a tractor via Facebook - I was a little disappointed as I was enjoying the peace! Not that I was away in the caravan though! Having always lived in pretty isolated places I am used to being kind of ready for most things. Interesting what the gas consumption is under those conditions. Thank you for sharing.
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That's interesting info, thanks. Cold no good for OH - wanted to go for our 25th wedding anniversary doc advised against it. Had thought we'd do midnight sun for our 40th, but not on the date cos that would be dark dark dark! So I'll have another think, 13 months to go 😉
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If you are coming up for Christmas you should be ok as we are not due to fly off until the 3rd week of January, if we are to get heavy snow then that's when it will happen
Pippa if you are going to Stonehaven most of the roads on the way up here are either dual carriage or motorway until you get to Stonehaven, but as its on the coast I don't think they get that bad snow. Are you staying for the New Year as there is a wonderful event on then called the 'Fireballs' worth it if you can stay for it.
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Not had any problem towing slowly and steadily in lying snow - but that was in the days when Series III Land Rovers were in the showrooms!
What is more of a difficulty nowadays is the police action of closing a road, and leaving the people in the queue to fend as best they can for themselves. You will be fine, just move into the caravan. But be prepared for a stream of folk coming to the door looking for a heat, a drink, and a shot at your toilet! Carry plenty of provisions and gas, but you can melt snow for water.
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..... some people swear by them.
