Winter travel question

[Guest]

Hwy 50, end of December? I spent a few winters knocking about that area. Folks who haven't been there think of central Nevada as mostly desert, but it's far from it. Lots of mountain passes and most of those in what amounts to remote wilderness when the weather goes bad......which it often does. Snowfalls over those passes can be surprisingly heavy at times. Be sure to pack plenty of food, water, and warmth - as well as traction devices and tools for getting unstuck .

Again, what Steve and others have said. 4wd, or at least chains. Shovel and tow cable*. Victutals and water and a zero degree bag.

*I have used a tow cable a dozen or so times; a couple or three for my vehicle and the rest for other stuck folk.

If it looks to be hazardously fugly along your intended route head further south. We were in NW Montana and much of the Rockies were forecast to be near impassible in a day’s time. 24 hours and 1500 miles later we were baking in SE Arizona.

I know it’s not a canoe trip, but I’d enjoy hearing about your road adventures when you return.

 

[Steve in Idaho]

An aside here about tow cables, chains, etc....

Those who have a lot of experience unsticking tthemselves and others out here mostly eschew cables and chains except when used with a winch. For simply tugging a rig loose, those heavy nylon straps designed for such use (looped ends, no metal hooks) work much better. Having some give in the device goes easier on both rigs and helps the pulling vehicle maintain traction. Look for something in the neighborhood of 20,000 lbs pulling strength.

 

[yellowcanoe]

Not much time left and the weather in the West is quite wintry... two feet snow yesterday at Incline. -13 F in Flagstaff AZ. Be safe and look ahead.

 

[BWCA66]

Not much time left and the weather in the West is quite wintry... two feet snow yesterday at Incline. -13 F in Flagstaff AZ. Be safe and look ahead.

Yep, been watching the weather and can always adjust on the fly. Have 7 days to get to San Fran and then will have about 10 to get back once we leave. Am loading up the tire chains, tow strap, hand winch, extra 5 gal. fuel, fully charged portable power, portable air compressor, plug in and portable GPS, plenty of food and water and my cold (done -46F once) weather camping gear, bikes and the canoe. Might look like the Beverly Hillbillies but I don't really care - should be fun.

 

[Guest]

An aside here about tow cables, chains, etc....

Those who have a lot of experience unsticking tthemselves and others out here mostly eschew cables and chains except when used with a winch. For simply tugging a rig loose, those heavy nylon straps designed for such use (looped ends, no metal hooks) work much better. Having some give in the device goes easier on both rigs and helps the pulling vehicle maintain traction. Look for something in the neighborhood of 20,000 lbs pulling strength.

Those nylon straps are what I carry, augmented by a short length of logging chain I can connect through the cable loops. I’m surprised at the variety of vehicles that do not have two hooks. Including some Jeep models. WTF?

I had a winch on one of my trucks. I never used it (for me), but it gave me some increased peace of mind when the road conditions or stream fords got questionable.

Whether winch or cable there are some precautions worth taking. A snapped winch line or cable will take your head off, or if you are lucky just destroy your windshield.

I put the hood up (I can still drive with a dented hood) and drape a blanket/sleeping bag/etc over the cable to deaden the recoil if it snaps. And get everyone except the two drivers the hell out of danger’s way.

 

[Guest]

Yep, been watching the weather and can always adjust on the fly. Have 7 days to get to San Fran and then will have about 10 to get back once we leave. Am loading up the tire chains, tow strap, hand winch, extra 5 gal. fuel, fully charged portable power, portable air compressor, plug in and portable GPS, plenty of food and water and my cold (done -46F once) weather camping gear, bikes and the canoe. Might look like the Beverly Hillbillies but I don't really care - should be fun.

Well dang I am envious. Sounds like you are good to go.

It’s looking like I might get to freestyle out west for a few months this spring. Please let us know what you discover along the way.

The “we” helps a lot; I thought you were travelling solo. Having a shift driver means you can cover a lot of distance and more easily deviate from an intended route as conditions or desires dictate.

 

[BWCA66]

The “we” helps a lot; I thought you were travelling solo. Having a shift driver means you can cover a lot of distance and more easily deviate from an intended route as conditions or desires dictate.

The other half of the we loves to go along, keep me awake, do a lot of reading but hates to drive the truck! I guess I didn't marry her for her driving ability anyway.

Mike - just installed the tailgate lock you suggested, seems to work great. Thanks for the idea.

 

[BWCA66]

OK, so here goes. Thanks for all the comments and ideas. I did decide to take the alumicraft somewhat cause all the other canoes were put away for the winter - hanging from the ceiling in my kids shop plus don't think anyone will try and make off with a beat up old aluminum canoe. Probably won't paddle much but will try to find open water for at least some day trips. I put a tailgate lock on the truck, packed for winter, bought tire chains, extra gas, tow strap, shovel, ect. and the free and low cost campground book. Also threw the bikes on back for good measure. Should be an adventure.

 

[Alan Gage]

Have fun!

Alan

 

[Odyssey]

Take care and don't forget to write if you find work. (just kidding)
dang it sounds like fun! I wish I were going on this road trip. It sounds beautiful.
Happy trails BWCA66.

 

[BWCA66]

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