Cold weather can slow down the job and put extra stress on the equipment you rely on. For year-round operators, winter conditions pose real challenges, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. One of the most common questions we hear is:
Can an Air-tow trailer operate in sub-zero temperatures?
The short answer is yes. Air-tow Trailers are built to perform in demanding conditions. However, extreme cold introduces a few considerations for safe, reliable operation.
How Cold Weather Affects Trailers
Even durable trailers can experience performance changes in sub-zero conditions. Cold temperatures can slow hydraulic systems, reduce battery efficiency, lower tire pressure, and challenge electrical connections. Understanding these effects and taking proper precautions helps keep your Air-tow trailer operating safely and reliably, even in harsh winter weather.
Hydraulic Fluids and Cold Weather
Air-tow Trailers use a 12‑volt hydraulic pump and motor system that relies on automatic transmission fluid (DEXRON II ATF) for operation. Like all hydraulic fluids, ATF can thicken as temperatures drop, which may slow deck movement or cause delayed response during startup in freezing conditions.
Cold-weather best practices for hydraulics:
- Periodically inspect the hydraulic pump/motor for fluid leaks.
- Verify fluid level only when the trailer deck is fully lowered (approximately 1” below the fill cap).
- Before full operation in cold weather, raise and lower the deck gradually to allow fluid to circulate and warm up.
- Avoid sudden or aggressive operation when the trailer is extremely cold.
These steps help maintain smooth, controlled loading and unloading while preventing overfilling or unnecessary strain on the hydraulic system.
Mechanical Components and Winter Performance
Batteries
Low temperatures reduce battery efficiency. To ensure consistent performance:
- Keep the battery fully charged.
- Use a battery maintainer or charger during storage or periods of infrequent use.
- If equipped, don’t leave the breakaway plug removed for long periods, as this can drain the battery.
Tires
Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. Underinflated tires can impact handling and increase wear. Winter tire tips:
- Check tire pressure before towing in cold conditions.
Inflate to the tire’s rated “cold inflation pressure” as listed on the tire or trailer label. - Inspect tires for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.
Electrical Connections
Most Air-tow trailer wiring is routed inside the chassis, shielding it from weather, impact, corrosion, and wear. At the front, a weather-protected modular plug connects the trailer to your tow vehicle, providing a durable, reliable connection for lights and brakes.
External connection points can still be exposed to moisture, ice, and road salt during winter. Regularly inspect these points, keep them clean and dry, and ensure proper connections to prevent cold-weather electrical issues.
Ground-Level Loading for Safer Winter Operations
Air-tow Trailers are designed for ground-level loading, allowing equipment to be loaded and unloaded safely without the need for steep ramps. This feature is especially beneficial in sub-zero conditions, where icy or snowy surfaces can make traditional ramp loading hazardous. By keeping loading closer to the ground, operators maintain better control and reduce the risk of slips, drops, or equipment damage.
Safe Towing in Winter Conditions
Sub-zero weather impacts more than equipment; it also affects traction, visibility, and stopping distances. Follow these winter towing tips:
- Reduce speed, especially in snow or ice.
- Allow extra stopping distance.
- Ensure proper tongue weight and load balance (10–15% of total trailer weight).
- Always follow the trailer manual’s pre-tow inspection checklist.
Preparing Your Air-tow Trailer for Sub-Zero Use
The best way to ensure reliable winter performance is preparation. Operators working in harsh climates should:
- Perform regular inspections before and after use.
- Store trailers indoors when possible.
- Allow extra warm-up time in extreme cold.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for fluids and maintenance.
These preventive steps help reduce downtime and extend your trailer’s life, even in severe winter conditions.
Built for Real-World Conditions
Air-tow Trailers are designed for professionals who don’t get to choose the weather. With proper preparation and routine maintenance, they can be operated safely and effectively even when temperatures drop well below zero.
If you have questions about cold-weather operation, recommended fluids, or how to prepare your Air-tow trailer for winter use, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about buying an Air-tow trailer built to work as hard as you do, no matter the season.