Driving to the East Coast in February

[Jks3369]

Any Advice? I am driving a moving truck (26 foot) from Seattle to New York. AAA tells me rte 90 is the best way to go even in the winter. Has anyone done this drive? Are chains needed at all for the snow? I can’t seem to find any info. I have done the trip in the summer before just not during winter weather. Thanks in advance.

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[wakeflood]

Short answer, it’s a crapshoot. I’ve done it going the south route but that adds at least a day to the trip and you still have the potential for bad weather delays, maybe not as nasty as a more northerly route but still a delay.

If it was me, I’d plan on using I-90 and look at the forecast a week before you leave and make the call.

And take chains no matter which route you go. It’s like an umbrella. If you bring them, you probably won’t use them but if you don’t…

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[Breezy]

What wakeflood said.

I drove from Oregon to Virginia in late January years ago, used the southern route through Dallas/Ft. Worth thinking I’d escape winter weather. Not. Ice/snow storm through Texas. And yes, bring chains no matter what route you take. Good luck with the move!

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[trickycoolj]

I would be extremely cautious going cross-country with the persistent weather pattern keeping the Midwest in sub-zero temps. If you absolutely have to, keep plenty of emergency supplies to stay warm in case of a break down or weather so bad you have to stop for it to pass over. Those cold temps have dipped down all the way to TX and they don’t really know how to drive on ice as the northerner winter-friendly folks do.

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[HMC Rich]

Do you have any long haul trucker acquaintances? You have a lot of mountain passes to traverse. Drive in the daytime. Be careful of bridges that can ice over. You MUST have chains and YOU MUST know how to put them on and take them off. Remember that your rig is much heavier than your car. You must drive slower and brake sooner than usual, especially on off ramps. Like someone else said, keep an eye on the forecast. If snow is forecast find a good hotel and hunker down. Snow isn’t so bad to deal with but once the roads ice over in the evening stay off the roads.

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[Kimberley]

I’d be a bit weary going I-90 (or even 80 or 70) in the winter, especially given the midwest weather. The advice others have given above is solid.

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[miws]

Jks, I don’t have any additional advice, but want to wish you a safe journey, when it commences, and please be sure to check in with us, and let us know you have arrived safely.

Mike

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[JoB]

jks3369

i have some very practical advice. make sure you purchase some hand and toe warmers before you leave.

while driving, they will allow you to keep the cab temperature a little lower which will help you to stay alert… and if you happen to get sidelined somewhere they will literally save your life.

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