Cold Weather Trailering

[Joel K.]

Are there any special considerations one should take into account when trailering a Corvette in cold weather -- low to mid '30s, open trailer. The '68 that's been the subject of many of my posts over the past few years is finally done and needs to go home. The little trailering I've done has always been done in warmer weather. As much as I want to get this car delivered, I don't want to commit stupid in the process. As always, thanks for any ideas and suggestions.

[Chris E.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

I'm not sure about mechanical considerations, but I would protect it from road salt like crazy!!! Here in MN, the roads have salt on them more than 6 months out of the year.

The obvious easy way around this is a covered trailer. You could check Craigslist to see if someone locally will rent you one. I know there are a few places here in the Twin Cities that will.

[Dan M.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

A friend of mine learned the hard way about the radiator and anti freeze. He trailered his modified from New England to FL for some winter time racing. Like most tracks, the track in FL did not allow anti freeze in the cooling system of the modified so he trailered it down to FL without any in the car. Just water/.Got to the track and cranked it up and; yes; he had cracked his block!

Even in mid thirties ambient temps, with the 60 mph "wind chill" the car will get pretty cold and w/o anti freeze in the cooling system you run the risk of damage. I have seen it first hand and it's not good.

[Michael F.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

I heard other day that windchill has no effect on freezing of water in an engine, water will always be temp of ambient air temp oil temp in my 2003 zo6 is always very close to ambient temp (before cranking of course) any experts care to comment with truth or myth of this.

[Michael W.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

This is a topic that full of misunderstandings and myths. Windchill has no effect on an object that is not producing heat. Windchill cannot cool an object to a temperature lower than that of the air itself. The term is used as a reference to indicate the equivalent temperature that would be perceived by a human exposed to a given wind speed and temperature. The effect is due to removal of heat from an object at a greater rate due to the movement of air .

The coldest windchill equivalent I've been exposed to is -90F. Riding a snowmobile at 60mph with a temp of -36 is not a smart thing to do.

[Joseph K.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

As mentioned previously during the winter there is always some salt, sand, and chips on the roads. Do not recommend towing the car in open air. The tow vehicle through these particles at your car. If you have to tow it wait until after a heavy rain and let the roads dry. A heavy rain will wash the sand away. good luck

[Joel K.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. For the time being, I'm going to keep an eye on weather forecasts and play it day by day. I've looked locally for an enclosed trailer but so far, haven't found any for rent and I'm not ready to buy one yet.

[Jack H.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

The issue of wind chill is OFTEN used by those reporting the weather to emphasize/sensationalize the weather report. Wind chill is REAL and it pertains to the additive effect of evaporative cooling. Liquid water changing state to water vapor is an endothermic process that absorbs heat making the water wetted surface cooler than the surrounding ambient temperature.

Those who report the weather OUGHT to add a clarifying tag line to their reports to the effect, "For those of you who intend to go outside in the NUDE and expose your body skin to the elements..." But, that wouldn't get the desired effect they're looking for!

Your car's cooling system is sealed. Therefore, wind chill created by evaporative cooling is meaningless...

[Bill M.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

Jack

Well said it is almost impossible to get the reat temperature on a new york tv weather report. Each x ray ( news caster) is looking for the biggest fear factor.

[Chuck L.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

Where are you going from and to? The reason I ask is there are many open car carriers around the country very inexpensively that move cars on trailers, but they are subject to the elements. If you are taking it in an open trailer you have to have a shield on the front of the trailer or the front end will be ruined. Otherwise, cold weather will not be any worse than driving it somewhere in the winter on an open road.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

Joel,

I see you're from PA, there is a trailer company in Lansdale that rents enclosed trailers, call Paul at Cargo Trailers

http://www.cargotrailersales.com/

Good luck,

Kevin

[William L.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. For the time being, I'm going to keep an eye on weather forecasts and play it day by day. I've looked locally for an enclosed trailer but so far, haven't found any for rent and I'm not ready to buy one yet.

Joel
Remember to keep an eye on your tire air pressure on both your tow vehicle and trailer. If you leave some where its warm and go to some place where its cold your tire pressure can go down a bunch.
If your open trailer has a floor and an air dam it will help to keep your pride & joy a lot cleaner..
Bill

[Joel K.]

Re: Cold Weather Trailering

In reply to Chuck's question, I'm moving the car from the Lehigh Valley area of PA to Fairfax, VA. In the past week or so, there's not been much difference in weather between the two locations. Kevin, thanks for the tip on the place in Lansdale; it's not all that far from me, so I'll definitely check them out!