Whether snow or ice – how to drive safely with your trailer in winter
When it is snowing outside or ice makes the roads like an ice rink, many of you still face the same situation: the job must get done and the trailer has to be transported to the destination.
To ensure that driving and braking with a trailer remains safe, vehicle technology specialist AL-KO VT has put together tips on how to drive with confidence even in snow and icy conditions.
Why is driving with a trailer in winter dangerous?
Towing a combination is generally more demanding than driving a car without a trailer. In winter, manoeuvring such a combination calls for even more care than under 'normal' conditions: In critical situations – such as on black ice – it becomes even harder to maintain control over a heavy vehicle. Therefore, it is particularly important to brake gently and to keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front than you would otherwise.
Tip 1: Optimise the stability of your towing combination
According to the Road Traffic Regulations, you are not required to fit winter tyres on your trailer, although we still recommend doing so. This will give you a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
To further stabilise driving behaviour, you should also consider retrofitting special coupling heads such as the AKS 3004 or AKS 3504 from AL-KO VT.
Your advantage: By operating the stabilising handle, four special friction linings press against the car's towball from the side, rear and front. Swaying and pitching movements, which become more common on icy roads, are effectively suppressed by the stabiliser coupling.
De-icer spray protects the coupling from freezing
Before the first frost, you should treat the coupling head of your trailer with a de-icer spray. This keeps the safety indicator – which shows you correct coupling – moving freely rather than freezing. Should it already be frozen, the spray will help thaw out the safety device. If your trailer is not in use, protect the coupling head from moisture and frost. For example, the different breathable and water-repellent AL-KO VT weather protection covers provide ideal protection for the coupling head.
Tip 2: Secure your load
Due to more limited braking conditions, the importance of properly securing your cargo increases in adverse weather. There are a number of safety aids for this, ranging from nets and tarpaulins to what are known as lashing devices such as tie-down straps, ropes or chains. All securing devices must always be in proper condition. Please observe the relevant safety instructions in the user manual. We have summarised all key information on this topic for you here.
Tip 3: Allow for a longer braking distance
If the road is covered with snow, the braking distance for a vehicle without a trailer can be quadrupled. Therefore, you should drive more slowly and with extra caution. You can also upgrade your trailer to optimise its braking performance. The AL-KO VT Vehicle Technology has significantly improved the braking technology of trailer models with its patented AAA (AL-KO Automatic Adjustment) Premium Brake solution, thanks to automatic self-adjustment.
AAA Premium Brake for more braking safety
Modern car trailers are equipped with an overrun brake. With this system, the trailer moves up against the braking vehicle as soon as the driver brakes, which activates the braking process. The deceleration of the towing vehicle is transferred via linkage and Bowden cables to the trailer’s drum brakes. To ensure optimum braking performance, the brake linkage and the drum brake must be regularly adjusted. If this is neglected, the braking distance of the combination may increase.
For peace of mind, retrofit with the AAA Premium Brake. If the brake shoes develop too much play, the high-performance brake uses automatic self-adjustment to correct it. This protects the brake linings, ensures optimal braking throughout the brake's service life and can reduce the braking distance by up to five metres – a decisive advantage when towing in winter conditions.
Check Bowden cables more often in winter
Another aspect to check more closely in winter is the Bowden cables: The trailer’s brakes must function reliably in all conditions. Moisture entering the Bowden cables can cause corrosion and freezing. A useful tip is to hang the Bowden cables higher in the centre so that no standing water can freeze. If you are unsure, you can have the cable heights checked and, if necessary, adjusted by a workshop. It is ideal to use special holders for axle Bowden cables and modern AL-KO VT Profi Longlife Bowden cables, which allow moisture to escape and keep the braking system fully functional in the long term.
If you spot white rust on galvanised chassis components, there is no need to worry. This is caused by a corrosion process triggered by moisture, snow and road salt during winter, but it does not represent any defect in quality. It is usually enough to wash off winter road salt from your trailer with water after transport or to clean affected areas with a brush.
