Driving through the snow with a t@b.

I thought the restriction specified "chains or 4-wheel-drive required"?

No? I may be wrong about that.

We pulled the Tab through heavy snow in (flat) southern Ontario. Didn't have a problem, but did wish we'd put snow tires on the Tab, just as a precaution. I think it'd be more likely to track better and brake better in slippery situations with snow tires.

Towing *anything* in the snow, especially mountain passes, sends chills down my back.  Thankfully I don't speak from experience!  But from what I've seen....

In-town with slight (or no hills) is manageable, but down steep snowy mountain passes is another thing.  It's very easy for the T@b to get ahead of you especially if your vehicle has chains.  Before you know it you'll be sideways with the T@b swinging in front of you!

One idea is you could put chains on the T@b too (outback models only I'd say), and keep a hand on your brake controller to let the T@b do your braking down the hills.

I personally wouldn't risk it in any case, unless the roads were just slushy.  YMMV.

TomStephens1, I would have to agree with Dale and PXL on this one. Having lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life, and [as dalehelman] driving truck over mountain passes and black ice, I personally would NOT chance it. It's not the going part that bothers me, it's the stopping/slowing down part. Once that trailer starts coming around on slick roads, it is very difficult to get straightened out again, not to mention that it will scare the wits out of you! Slush and black ice are the worst, snow for the most part is pretty manageable. Going across bridges that go over water even present a different type challenge even on flat ground as they become very icy from the mist of the water. As dalehelman stated above, even if you install chains on the T@B, breaking/ not having them tight enough would cause a considerable amount of damage to your trailer. These things being said, what ever you choose to do, please be careful!

jdargis, I haven't seen too many here on trailers, usually in the beds of a pick-ups. The other thing would be a lot lower center of gravity as opposed to towing a T@B. Sounds funny, but makes a lot of difference when you get out of shape downhill. Would be interesting to hear their point of view on the subject though.

I can speak to the snowmobile question. Worked for a manufacturer and Dad was a snowmobile dealer. It is the low center of gravity for the sleds. Most trailers have the low sloped bull nose covers, or at least the sleds themselves are low, relatively heavy, and  don't catch the wind like our T@bs. I have also trailered 4-wheelers, and the increased height creates an effect that makes them  worse than sleds with the jackknifing.   Many of the trailer hitches are a bit squattier to help reduce play, too.   Of course the preferred scenario is to have a cabin where you can keep your sled, versus having to trailer a lot.

We've been driving here in WA for 20 years with our Subaru.   Usually the chains required does not apply to 4WD or AWD,  but if it's really severe conditions,  they can require chains on all vehicles.  Mt. Rainier NP will not let you enter Paradise in the winter without chains,  even though the rangers know you can't put chains on the Subaru.  Subaru specifically says not to use chains, and most don't have room in the wheel wells for even cable chains.  That said,  you are required to carry chains over the passes from Nov. 1 to April 1,  or you risk a big ticket.  So I've carried an old pair of chains that don't fit the vehicle for 20 years.   My next car, I will buy the snow socks that cover the tire,  they are legal in WA and OR, I think.

If I anticipate a lot of snow,  I take the Xterra,  which I do have chains for.   Haven't towed the T@B in the snow yet,  but I imagine I will at some point.  If the roads get too bad, I'll stop and camp.