Living The Dream
Member
I always see threads for running vans in the winter, but who uses a trailer in the winter? Any advice to keep from freezing up and running smooth would be much appreciated!
Who runs a trailer in the winter? Tips and tricks please?
- Thread starter Living The Dream
- Start date
Mark Saiger
Mr Happy!
In our cold weather I don't know if they would work.
We get some ridiculous cold weather.
And we run Butler direct drive units which we can close the doors to run them
Living The Dream
Member
Saiger" data-source="post: 4470128" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch">Mark, I'm originally from a town not to far from Fargo in North Dakota, so I understand where you're coming from. I now live in Montana and even though it's much more mountainous the winters are considerably milder. I'm not dead set on a trailer but I think it would fit me better for the time being.
P.S. I like your YouTube videos! Keep them coming!
P.P.S . SS1 has been kick A$$ for me!
Mark Saiger
Mr Happy!
Charlie Lyman
Supportive Member
I ran one. I would keep it in the garage with the rear door open. My garage stays warm. I would shut it up and go to the first job. Start it as soon as I got there. If you are cautious, you should be fine. Just don't let it sit for long outside.
Mikey P
Administrator
Do you have any experience driving a trailer
In the winter?
In the winter?
Living The Dream
Member
Yeah, lots actually. I grew up farming!
Mikey P
Administrator
Phew!
Living The Dream
Member
I do have a heated garage . I'm thinking of running a propane heatee because I can use the tanks from the little giant I plan on running. I would like to Spray foam but it's kinda spendy. I hopefully can find some foam board insulation to use for the time being.
BradFenstermaker
Member
Fire up TM and warm everything up inside if extreme temp before leaving for 1st job.
After 1st it should stay warm all day.
Grab foam board at Lowes and put in ceiling. Duct tape seams.. Caulk any cracks at wall and floor joints. Seal it up tight.
After 1st it should stay warm all day.
Grab foam board at Lowes and put in ceiling. Duct tape seams.. Caulk any cracks at wall and floor joints. Seal it up tight.
Charlie Lyman
Supportive Member
You should be fine.
hogjowl
Idiot™
I just make sure to leave my faucets dripping if it gets below freezing. And, I sleep with socks on.
Living The Dream
Member
I wasn't sure what to think of you when I was just lurking around the board but your funny! I approve!
Desk Jockey
Member
Don't suck up to him, it just makes him worse.
Although I do agree, he is funny...looking.
Although I do agree, he is funny...looking.
Living The Dream
Member
You're *
Nate The Great
Member
No one in their right mind would run a trailer over a van........ Let alone in winter..... But what do I know, I live in a place it doesn't snow...
Seriously though, unless your strapped for cash or can't afford to buy a van, I guess a trailer is better than nothing....
Seriously though, unless your strapped for cash or can't afford to buy a van, I guess a trailer is better than nothing....
Living The Dream
Member
Nice profile pic by the way! I'm always strapped for cash but was hoping to get by with a trailer for the time being.
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When you get a ton of room compared to a van inside the trailer...some have made big sacrifices to pulling a trailer. Or they were just too broke to own a van and a truck, like me. So they buy a trailer to keep from having the expense of two vehicles, lol
Steve Lawrence
Member
Holy shit, I used to buy vans when I was dead broke.
Welcome, Swani. Sorry for the frank comment.
Welcome, Swani. Sorry for the frank comment.
Goomer
Member
hogjowl
Idiot™
It's going to cost him less.
My god man, don't make him say it!
My god man, don't make him say it!
Desk Jockey
Member
I believe most that pull a trailer don't do so because they can't afford a van. They do it because they want to use their personal vehicle to tow the van and then enjoy their vehicle off hours with no company markings.
Nothing wrong with the premise but towing a trailer everyday is not for everyone. Even with an experienced driver its still a pain to do, day in and day out. A van is much easier to work out of but there are many service business that use trailers regularly.
Nothing wrong with the premise but towing a trailer everyday is not for everyone. Even with an experienced driver its still a pain to do, day in and day out. A van is much easier to work out of but there are many service business that use trailers regularly.
Clean Response
Member
Best tip like mention close it up ASAP, On colder days I would think about letting the machine idle on slow to heat it up at you drive.
Living The Dream
Member
I just feel the overall cost would be cheaper for someone like myself starting out.
Lee Stockwell
FOJL
It will cost you more.
Living The Dream
Member
I'm all ears if you have a better alternative, I sometimes am one track minded but my reasoning is I can get a new trailer 7×14 with tandem axle for around 6k $. Most of the vans in that price range in my area are in pretty rough shape.
Lee Stockwell
FOJL
I've cleaned 46 years, owned at least 10 vans and several trailers for other uses.
Trailers used for cleaning were problematic.. harder on transmissions and brakes. Awkward at least once a day. Insurance higher for good reason. Fuel economy will drop. Image will suffer (think Jed Clampett).
Trailers used for cleaning were problematic.. harder on transmissions and brakes. Awkward at least once a day. Insurance higher for good reason. Fuel economy will drop. Image will suffer (think Jed Clampett).
Living The Dream
Member
Very good points!
Cleanworks
Moderator
6000 can buy you. Pretty nice van if you look around and learn how to negotiate
Goomer
Member
If most vans in your area in in rough shape, look elsewhere.
You should be able to find something decent with 6 G's.
If you did go with a trailer, what would you use to haul it up and over all those hills?
