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...
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!!
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
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!!!
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. 👍
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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' !
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.
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
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
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.
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
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!
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?
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
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.
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.
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
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
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...❤️
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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. 👍
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 👍🦘
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.
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!
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.
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.
Last week, I refused to run a load up north, because of freezing rain. My coworker made fun of me, and tried telling me that I need to learn how to drive in it. Personally, I feel like I made the right decision. I just decided to run it the next day
You forgot about not using cruise control. I learned that lesson and the road wasn’t even white!! Light load and worn tires. I saved it but only by God’s grace!!!
I've lived in Tennessee for all of my 26 years of life. Seeing people get feet of snow at a time is just mind-boggling to me. P.S. Keep the great videos coming! I'm planning on going to CDL school in the next few months; and watching these videos, as well as diving head first into the mechanics of giant diesel engines and 18-speed transmissions, have played a huge part in my decision making.
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👏👏
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!
When trailers have been parked air bags deflated. The trailer brakes are ussually been set. Or leak doen causing brakes to come on. In winter take caution. Make sure trailer is the correct height to tractor fifth whee. Under shooting is such a hassle anyway. Hook up air lines to trailer. And yes air the trailer " before" hooking up with 5th wheel. The " pump" on the kingpin by the 5th wheel will loosen frozen brakes "if the trailer brakes are air up". Old Cdn trick. Yup some will wonder what the heck u are doing. Yup the others get hookef up quicker. But you get to actually drive away sooner. While their out banging on the back trailers brakes in the snow and cold with a hammer. He who laughs last laughs best. Next time they just might ask what the heck you are doing. I did LoL
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
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
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.
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
I disagree with you on one thing, the four wheelers are a problem but the biggest problem I have are the super truckers running in the hammer lane way to fast for conditions. It's not a neighborly thing to do but when I find them in th e ditch 5 miles down the road I always give them a double toot of the air horn. It's not worth it being out there in the white stuff I usually call it a day to many variables I can't control, my truck doesn't get wrecked and my insurance rates don't go up
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
That's right!! Should have mentioned that. Dave
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.
Smart Trucking hard to think of everything Dave.
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...
This is also an issue with aircraft. Since planes almost never have driven wheels, if a pilot sets the brakes during winter, they freeze.
Always carry glad hand seals no matter the weather!
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!!
It's true and you're right! It's scary the number of fools out there! Dave
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
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!!!
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. 👍
Glad to help!
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 :)
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.
Do a cold start on the peterbilt
Best tip for winter driving, stay south of I40 😆
Hehe. Yep that is a GREAT TIP.
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
A snow shovel has saved me a few times.
I like to carry a good heavy chain in case I or someone needs a pull along with a shovel
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
Agreed!
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.
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.
Around here we wait it out when its not safe. Good time to get some rest and check the truck.
Exactly!
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!
Excellent pointers Kelly! Thanks . Dave
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.
Great advice just to add one more snow brush
Heated wiper blades for good visibility.
Can you get those for a truck?
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?
I have all you listed watching u over the years you have taught me well grasshopper.👍
Thanks Tommy! I imagine winter has already hit in your area as well by now. Let the fun begin. Stay safe! Dave
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' !
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.
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
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.
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
Yup!
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.
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
Good ideas!
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!
Thank you Casper!! Dave
I used the jake alot on snow. It worked well
"looks guffy as hell" 😂 his words about the winter Canadian hat. This is one of the best chanels I know.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
Good tips!!
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
Or if water starts freezing on the backside of the mirrors, there’s ice on the roads.
I'd like to see a cold start video of your Pete, maybe a little drive to get her good and warmed up.
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
She's a fine older truck, what are your plans for it?
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...❤️
Thank you for watching!
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.
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.
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
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.
All to often guys are too ignorant to call it quits and pull off the road.
Agree on every part! Hello from russian Siberia!
Wow! Hello out there! Dave
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.
I bet you're right!
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!
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!!
For Pete's sake, eh!
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.
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.
Excellent expert advice
Thank you!
@@SmartTrucking Your welcome
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.
Always keep the fifth wheel properly lubed in the winter.
Thanks a lot. Nice, clear, and straight to the point.
Electric heated wiper blades are a good investment too.
This video was handy as hell.......2 thumbs up!
Thank you! Dave
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.
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.
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.
I got a 2020 Pete 567. Cummins x15. Now a few months later it's got almost 24k miles.
If you're using a truck GPS it should keep track of miles in every state. 👍
Hence the term. “Ridin round lookin goofy”. But them ears ain’t cold 🤣😂 great video
Thankyou so much Sir for you valuable informatiòn,God bless you and your family and happy hollidays.
You too Manuel!
Always keep a spare wiper blade and chain pliers are good to have also
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!
I learned trucking from an old demon of a trucker, and its nice to see someone in the public teaching people what needs to be taught
Thanks Tim!
Great tips there Dave. I also carry a small butane camp stove and lots of water.
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!
Thanks Phillip!
Thank you !! Great video
Lots of information
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. 👍
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 👍🦘
Thank you sir
Great advice
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.
Very true.. thanks for the tips👍
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!
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.
Do like I do save up for the winter months don't drive in the winter prepare your bills ahead of time
I really appreciate your videos. I watched a bunch before starting training with a company. Much advice is welcome, excellent videos.
Thank you!
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.
Thanks Dave words of wisdom.
thanks dave great stuff
Thank you Timothy! Dave
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.
Last week, I refused to run a load up north, because of freezing rain. My coworker made fun of me, and tried telling me that I need to learn how to drive in it.
Personally, I feel like I made the right decision. I just decided to run it the next day
big matt, this happened to me too
You did the right thing. If your coworker thinks he has total control and the same stopping ability in freezing rain, he's a fool.
I wish I had a mentor like you.
All great tips. Thxy for all yr video's cheers.
Great info!
Very helpful & Please Keep an extra set of windshield wipers as well
Great video as always. I look forward to each of your guys videos. Blake
Thank you!
You forgot about not using cruise control. I learned that lesson and the road wasn’t even white!! Light load and worn tires. I saved it but only by God’s grace!!!
Gr8 vlog as usual. Useful info.
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?
I hate winter a little more every year
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.
Stay warm Bryant!
I've lived in Tennessee for all of my 26 years of life. Seeing people get feet of snow at a time is just mind-boggling to me.
P.S. Keep the great videos coming! I'm planning on going to CDL school in the next few months; and watching these videos, as well as diving head first into the mechanics of giant diesel engines and 18-speed transmissions, have played a huge part in my decision making.
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👏👏
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!
Great advice 👍🏽
When trailers have been parked air bags deflated. The trailer brakes are ussually been set. Or leak doen causing brakes to come on. In winter take caution. Make sure trailer is the correct height to tractor fifth whee. Under shooting is such a hassle anyway. Hook up air lines to trailer. And yes air the trailer " before" hooking up with 5th wheel. The " pump" on the kingpin by the 5th wheel will loosen frozen brakes "if the trailer brakes are air up". Old Cdn trick. Yup some will wonder what the heck u are doing. Yup the others get hookef up quicker. But you get to actually drive away sooner. While their out banging on the back trailers brakes in the snow and cold with a hammer. He who laughs last laughs best. Next time they just might ask what the heck you are doing. I did LoL
What's your opinion on the old Freightliner Classic trucks?
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
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
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.
We need a video about celadon dave will save the day!!!
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.
I like your Canadian trucker hat lol
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
I disagree with you on one thing, the four wheelers are a problem but the biggest problem I have are the super truckers running in the hammer lane way to fast for conditions. It's not a neighborly thing to do but when I find them in th e ditch 5 miles down the road I always give them a double toot of the air horn. It's not worth it being out there in the white stuff I usually call it a day to many variables I can't control, my truck doesn't get wrecked and my insurance rates don't go up