How to Survive Driving a Rental Truck in the Snow

Is It Safe To Drive a Rental Truck in the Snow?

It can be safe to drive a rental truck in the snow if you're a confident winter driver and you have experience driving big trucks. If you've never driven in the snow or the weather conditions are severe, it's best to stay off the road until things clear up.

Even if you are confident, it's best to keep in mind that rental trucks have some limitations that can make it more difficult to navigate snowy or icy roads:

• No winter tires: Most rental trucks come with all-season tires, which have less traction than winter tires.
• Rear-wheel drive: Trucks with rear-wheel drive often have poor acceleration and traction in snow.
• Empty vs. full traction: When your moving truck is empty, it's harder for the wheels to grip the surface of the road.
• Longer braking distance: Big, heavy trucks take longer to stop, which can be dangerous when it's snowy and icy.
• Tall profile: Windy conditions can make it difficult to control tall trucks on slippery roads.

As you decide whether you feel comfortable driving your rental truck in the snow, consider the factors that can affect your safety, like local road treatments and the weight of your truck.

When Winter Truck Driving Is Safer

You don't have to swear off moving in the winter (it's the cheapest time to move, after all!). So long as you know what the best conditions are, you can make a good decision about when it's fine to hit the road. Here's when it's usually safe to drive a moving truck in the winter:

• You're a confident winter driver: If you've lived and driven in a snowy area, you likely have the skills and experience to navigate snowy conditions safely.
• Snow isn't sticking: If the snow is falling but not accumulating on the road, you're probably safe to drive.
• The forecast is clear: When the forecast doesn't predict any major storms or extremely low temperatures, it's usually fine to drive.

When Winter Truck Driving Is Not Safe

While there are plenty of days in winter when it's safe to drive, conditions can change quickly. Here's when you should delay driving a moving truck in the winter:

• Bad weather: Don't drive in high winds, ice storms, whiteout conditions, or blizzards.
• Mountain passes in storms: If you need to cross a mountain pass or another steep incline, don't do it during a storm.
• Icy roads: Black ice, slush, and compacted snow can make even straightforward stretches dangerous, especially for heavy moving trucks.
• Lack of experience: Driving a moving truck is stressful in the best of conditions. If you've never driven a truck or experienced winter driving, it might be best to leave the driving to experienced movers.

Survival Tactic #1: Prepare the Moving Truck for the Snow

Taking a few extra steps can go a long way in making your winter move safer, especially when snow is a factor. Even if you're confident driving in wintry conditions, it's worth reviewing some simple precautions to help keep your trip safe and on track.

If you're not sure whether you should be driving, you can use this quick-reference chart to help you make a decision based on the road and weather conditions.

Gauging Whether Winter Truck Driving Is Safe

Disclaimer: Keep in mind that this table is just a guideline — you should always rely on your best judgment when deciding whether it's safe to drive.

Find Out If You Need Tire Chains

If snow is in the forecast for moving day, check your state's Department of Transportation alerts page. They may recommend or mandate the use of chains during your travels. Chain laws vary by state and may depend on the type of road and the current weather conditions.

Keep in mind that some rental agreements expressly prohibit attaching chains to your tires because they can cause damage, especially if you don't put them on correctly.

But what do you do if chains are required, but your rental agreement bans them? Stop driving, and contact your rental company. They can make recommendations, but you'll probably need to wait out the snow. If you try to drive without chains, you put yourself and other drivers at risk and increase the chance of getting a traffic ticket.

Whatever you do, don't put on chains if it's not allowed. You could risk voiding your insurance coverage and racking up extra fees.

If your rental agreement allows chains, make sure to put them on as instructed. Chains can be tough to find last-minute, so think about renting or buying a set in advance. Check with local auto parts stores, tire shops, or your rental company.

Research Your Route

In the winter, one of the best things you can do for a move is to plan out your route well before you set out. Google Maps is a great starting point and can show you major highways and mountain passes. If you're nervous about winter driving in the mountains, it might be worth choosing a different route.

Keep in mind that steep roads aren't the only concern. Blowing snow and high winds can make it difficult to drive certain highways, including I-80 in southern North Dakota and Wyoming and I-90 in South Dakota.

You may also notice weigh stations on your route. While you're on the DOT page, double-check if your state requires rental trucks to be weighed. Some states want nearly every truck to stop at weigh stations.

Inspect and Prep Your Vehicle

If it's already snowing by the time you're ready to hit the road, start by warming up your vehicle. Then, clear any snow or ice, paying special attention to the windows, mirrors, lights, and steps. Don't forget to sweep the roof and sides so all that snow doesn't blow onto the unsuspecting car behind you.

Once that's done, do a few safety checks:

• Confirm that antifreeze and wiper fluid levels are where they should be. Get them filled if they're not.
• Double-check that your truck has a spare tire, jack, and tire iron.
• Have flares and reflective triangles on hand. They improve visibility and warn other drivers if you break down or get into an accident at night. Plus, in a pinch, you can start a fire with a flare.
• If you're driving through a mountainous region, check if tire chains are required. If so, make sure they're allowed by the rental company.

Pack Extra Supplies in Case of Emergencies

In all likelihood, your move will go off without a hitch. But it's better to be safe than sorry, so you should carry some emergency equipment just in case. Getting stranded while traveling is never convenient, but during snowy weather, it comes with far more complications. Keep these items on hand just in case:

• Good boots, sunglasses, and warm clothes (including hats and mittens)
• Food, water, and a first aid kit
• Flashlight, batteries, and thick blankets
• Ice scraper and shovel
• Toolkit with basic tools
• Matches (Keep them in a sealed plastic bag. They're useless if they're wet.)
• Wiper fluid, windshield deicer, and a jug of antifreeze
• Shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter (for traction)
• Jumper cables and tow straps
• Flares or high-visibility triangle markers

Survival Tactic #2: Load the Moving Truck Properly

The way you pack your moving truck can affect how it performs in the snow. During the winter, it's crucial to ensure your load is stable and evenly balanced. And, you also need to wear the right clothing and equipment as you're loading the truck.

Take these precautions:

• Wear snow boots with good tread.
• Choose gloves with rubber grip surfaces.
• Distribute the weight evenly inside the truck.
• Don't overload the truck.
• Avoid tall stacks of boxes that could tip if your truck slides.
• Ensure all items are tightly secured.
• Spread salt and sand around the loading zone for better traction.

Survival Tactic #3: Drive the Moving Truck Safely in the Snow

Driving a moving truck in the snow is all about preparation and caution. These winter driving tips for truck drivers will help you stay in control, protect your vehicle (and yourself), and avoid common cold-weather hazards on the road:

• Slow down: Moving trucks don't respond as quickly as passenger vehicles, so make sure to drive slower than usual. Slow speeds make it easier to stay in control of the truck if it's icy or windy.
• Leave more space: A loaded rental truck won't stop on a dime, especially if the roads are icy, so leave plenty of extra room ahead of you.
• Pay attention: Be vigilant while you drive, looking out for icy spots, snow buildup, and other drivers. The sooner you see potential hazards, the more time you have to slow or stop your moving truck.
• Maintain a clear line of sight: Keep your truck's lights and mirrors clear of ice, frost, and fog. Pull over and clear them if you have to.
• Watch fuel levels: Moving trucks use fuel quickly, so keep an eye on the gas gauge. If you drop to about half-full, stop and refuel. Low gas levels can lead to water condensation in the fuel lines.
• Minimize your phone usage: Driving a big truck requires your full attention, so make sure to put your phone away. Plus, you'll want to make sure you have enough battery life to call for help if you get stuck in the snow.
• Watch the weather: Check the forecast every time you stop and before you head over mountain passes. That way, you don't risk driving the truck into a big storm or a chain-only zone.

What To Do If You Lose Control in the Snow

Losing control of a big truck in the snow can be scary, but it's important to react calmly. With the right response, you can regain control and stay safe.

Here's a quick overview of what to do in common winter-driving situations. Remember that these are just suggestions — you should always use your own best judgment when driving a rented truck in the snow.

How To Deal With Potentially Hazardous Situations in the Snow

If the Moving Truck Starts Skidding

If your truck starts skidding on the snow, don't slam on the brakes — instead, lift your foot off the accelerator. Pay attention to the direction the back of the truck is sliding, and move the steering wheel gently in that direction (this is called steering into the skid). Eventually, the truck should straighten out and regain traction; at that point, you can brake gradually and steer normally.

If You Hit Black Ice

When you hit black ice, your moving truck might stop responding to normal steering and braking. Take your foot off the accelerator and steer into the skid, downshifting to slow down if necessary. Don't try to steer or brake hard. If you can do so safely, move toward a surface with more traction, like the shoulder of the road.

If the Moving Truck Won't Stop

When you step on the brake, but your truck keeps sliding, pay attention to the brake pedal. If it pulses or you hear a grinding sound, it's probably your anti-lock brake system (ABS) kicking in; keep your foot on the brake. If the moving truck doesn't have ABS, you might need to push on the pedal gently a few times until you slow down. Whatever you do, don't slam on the brakes — this can cause the back of the truck to fishtail.

If Visibility Is Poor

In low-visibility conditions, slow down, and make sure your truck lights are on (but not the high beams). If blowing or falling snow creates a sudden whiteout, stay in your lane, avoid braking suddenly, and drive slowly until you can safely pull over. When possible, wait until visibility improves to keep driving.

If the Moving Truck Gets Stuck

If you find yourself stuck in the snow, put out reflective triangles to warn other drivers, and make sure there's no snow blocking the exhaust pipe. Clear the snow from around the tires and try to drive, rocking the truck forward and backward gently if necessary.

Spread kitty litter or sand around the tires to help them get traction, or use your floor mats in a pinch. If you're still stuck, call roadside assistance to help pull you out.

Moving in the Snow: What Most People Forget

Moving in the snow isn't easy, but it's manageable if you're prepared and cautious. To make the process run more smoothly, make sure to avoid these common issues:

• Loading and unloading on ice: Heavy boxes and ice are a recipe for disaster. Before you load or unload the moving truck, spread sand or ice melt around the back of the truck and in front of your door.
• Missing slippery ramps and walkways: Don't forget to de-ice your truck ramp, sidewalk, and front walkway — the last thing you need is to slip on the ramp when you're carrying a couch.
• Dealing with frozen locks and doors: Moving truck doors and padlocks can easily get coated in ice in the winter, making them difficult to open. Head off this issue by lubricating locks, door hinges, and handles before you move. Or, keep a de-icing spray on hand for emergencies. Don't use hot water, which can make the issue worse.
• Forgetting about limited daylight: Make sure you start on time and load the truck quickly so you can get on the road while it's still light outside. Avoid driving after dark — things tend to freeze quickly when the sun goes down.

Sometimes, moving in the winter is unavoidable. By planning ahead, choosing a safe route, and preparing your moving truck for the drive, you can navigate snowy roads like a pro. When in doubt, use HireAHelper to find professional movers to handle the loading, unloading, and winter driving for you.