What are your tips for touring in icy conditions?

Sorry about the multi posts, I seem to have a dodgy micro switch in my mouse.

When on site it is advisable to bring your water pump inside last thing at night to prevent it freezing up. I always use insulation  pipe tubes around my water hoses and keep them off the ground with Y shaped fishing stands at a graduated height to ensure water runs away from the caravan.I always lag the water  container as well and that usually doesn't freeze up it is only where the pipe comes into the caravan so taking out the pump prevents this happeneing. Good Luck and enjoy.... Sg2.

Some  Good  Advice  There  BUT   :--

I'm  surprised  that  nobody  has  mentioned  the  one  vital  bit  of 

advice  I.E.  If  you  really  Must  go  out  in  the  slippery  stuff

never,  never,  never  do  it  without  a  full  fuel  tank  !!

Being  able  to  run  the  engine  when/if  you  are  stuck  for  longish 

periods  can  be  a  life  saver  --  No  Fuel  means  no  engine  and 

that  means  No  Heat  !

B

And always remember antilock brakes have no effect on ice and snow. Always keep your distance and slow down.

I would say check the weather and if the conditions are bad remember your lives are worth more than any deposit.

On long trips check the location of suitable sites along the route so you know where you can stop if you need to.

Winter tyres from October onwards. Drive gently on the gas and brakes.

If you feel a skid coming on, hit the clutch ! The vehicle will soon adopt a straight line and you are quickly back in control again .

Learned this on a skid driving course. If you can find such a course locally - do it, it really is worth it and will get you out of jail, believe me !

 That's o.k if your manual.BUT by dipping the clutch eliminates the drive potential !! You should still be in gear to control the vehicle.!! By gentle acceleration on the drive wheels if possible.in a straight line,steering into the skid therefore controlling the direction of the vehicle !!Otherwise ,with an automatic ,a low selection could achieve the same result !!Staying OFF of the brakes and steering as necessary ,as before !!

If you start to lose control the best way to regain control is to come off the power and let go of the steering wheel..i.e foot off the accelerator and loosen your grip on the steering wheel.

You stand a better chance of regaining control of your vehicle using this method than trying to fight with the steering wheel.

You can find basic winter driving tips on Youtube, this one doesn't address skids but offers general advice.

I followed the advice given when I had to make a journey. I took a shovel, warm clothes, blanket, food and a flask. I was fine but I got some funny looks from the other people on the bus.