Okay, so about a year ago my DW and I get the brilliant idea of taking our 8 grandchildren to the Polar Express Train ride in Williams, AZ. We then decide to buy a motorhome and put them all in it for the journey. This is how we ended up with our fabulous Foretravel. Well now the day draws near. We are heading to our Arizona home next weekend and will be going to the Polar Express on Monday December 20th with our 5 children and there spouses, 8 grandchildren and our Foster grand daughter and her husband and new baby. The concern here is now that I am "all in" it appears it may be snowing on the day we are heading to Williams. I look for any adivce from our fellow forum members of the do's and dont's as we head into the cold and snow. :) :)) ???
Since you have so many bodies and I can only see you tying them to the roof, the first thing you will need are a number of -20 degree sleeping bags. ;D ;D
Second is if the roads are wet, with either snow or water, do not use the retarder.
Whew! "All in" is an understatement.
Don't go through any conditions that you don't consider safe. Stop in safe places and enjoy your time together. Riding the Polar Express is a great excuse to be together. Riding the train might be fun. Being together is important!
If you drive in any situation where there might be any slick spots, keep the transmission retarder turned off. Don't drive in such situations if you can avoid them.
Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable time together!
I'd use a string of sleds in tow. Heating the Foretravel WILL Not be a problem with that many BTU's inside. Guess even the bays could be used for sleeping.
Snow or ice on the roads would be an absolute NO-NO. The whole family in one vehicle accident would be horrible beyond words.
The 1st paragraph is tongue in cheek.
FWIW
John
General wisdom is to not use the retarder (if equipped) in wet and snow, since it can cause the tires to skid in low traction conditions, and then the heavy end of the unit (the rear) will want to come around and "lead" the parade. Might make for an interesting ride......
When retarder off, the coach will take a LOT farther distances to stop of course......try it out in dry conditions first.
Be very aware of the weight of your precious cargo. If you choose to carry as many as eight "extra" people, it will make a significant difference in the weight of the coach. Check to verify that you won't overload your coach with people and supplies. If they travel with you, don't let them all remain on one side. Keep them distributed from side to side and front to back.
Carefully check your tire pressures and make sure they are appropriate for the loaded weight AND the ambient air temperature. Tire pressure can change about 1 psi for every 10F change in ambient temperature. You might start out in sunny California at 70F with proper inflation and end up in Arizona with tires that are not inflated sufficiently to be in the recommended safe range.
Hey Scott,
I am in the dark here. Where are you driving from and to? Is the Polar Express a term you use to describe the trip or do you actually visit a location named The Polar Express?
I think you are getting some excellent advice. I would not drive my motorhome in ice or snow with or without my family inside.
Sounds as if you are not an experienced motorcoach driver. Please do NOT start out driving in marginal situations like ice and/or snow! I count 23 souls in your coach, this is a very hazardous situation in itself, also. There is not room for that many folks in a 36 foot (or 40 or 42 foot coach ). Driver attention would be compromised, at least. Previous post about having all of the family in one vehicle is also very wise.
Thank you all for your advice. The Polar Express is a train ride out of Williams, AZ near the Grand Canyon that is a great depiction of the story the Polar Express. It is a wonderful experience for children and adults alike. We went last year, just the wife and I and another couple, just to check it out and had a blast. You get the added bonus of being only an hour away from the Grand Canyon so you can visit as well. Last year it was covered in snow...an amazing site. We are only taking our grand children in the motor home. There parents are following. We will head your advice in the event of bad weather and make alternative arrangement from our house in AZ to Williams. We reserved 6 hotel rooms for the sleep over so only the wife and I would be spending the night in the motorhome. Regardless it will be cold and a good opportunity for us to see how the coach operates in cold weather conditions if we are give the opportunity. Thank you all for the input and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Various posts have addressed not using the retarder while driving on wet or slick roads. I would like to add do not use the cruise control on wet or slick roads either. And I would not want to use the cruise control in very heavy traffic or other adverse driving conditions.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Be safe and have a wonderful time with your family. Post some pics when you get back if possible.