Now that you are experiencing winter in the west
What would be your advice to a new flatbed driver from New England
Who wants to start his new venture in the middle of winter?

Sorry, but I'm in no position to give advise for some time.

I would recommend learning how to put chains on. Always fill your tanks up at night or in the morning, never know when it's going to hit the fan. Have plenty of water and canned food.

Then when it's cold enough at home go out and spray cold water on all your straps and winches then practice using the bar to beat the crap out of them to get them loose in the morning. No need to do a pretrip either, your whole frame and every part is covered in 4 inches of ice. Step on your brakes 1/32 of an inch and watch everything lock up for the first 5 miles or so. Bring your RPM's way up before shifting in the low gears cause the second you let off the pedal you lose ALL your momentum. Now go on top of your flatbed and walk around and see how long you can stay on top before sliding off the edge.

These are a few of my favorite things.... :lol:

answered like a true politician
you know what I mean
Is this a good time of year to start a venture into the west?

Well, I'm finding no lack of work as long as your willing to stay out for 3 or 4 weeks and go wherever although Denver and New Mexico seem to be my sink hole that I always end up in. I've been lucky I think the past 2 times getting a load back home at the right time.

I think it's a good time and will only get better as the warmer weather comes.

Steve, I would suggest taking your straps off the trailer if you are not loaded. Straps hold moisture and will advance the rusting process of your winches. I take mine off, roll them up and put them in my side box until needed. That way you don't need to concern yourself with beating the ice off in cold winter weather. 8)

Not only what gman said, but in real cold weather your straps can still freeze in your side box. I have run some winters with my straps on the passenger side floor to keep them from freezing and also to thaw them out. Steve you also should keep some spray pennatrant and some spray white lithium grease for your ratchets. I spray them at least once a week and they seem to last forever. This is of coarse if you use ratchets sometimes, but still applies for your straps.

I haven't had my straps freeze up too bad yet but have helped other guys whose straps were just caked with ice. I should get some grease, I haven't done them to date and a few are getting a little hard to turn. Maybe I'll go get some in the store now. Not much else to do. Watching Heartbreak Ridge for the 100th time.