Why a parked trailer makes snow harder
A plow or snow blower can only clear open pavement. Anything that stays parked in the same spot all season creates a few problems:
- The pavement under and right around it is not cleared, so snow packs down there and turns to ice.
- Wind drifts snow against the side of a trailer or truck and into the gap beside it.
- Snow on the trailer, boat cover or truck roof melts on sunny days, drips onto the driveway and refreezes overnight.
- It narrows the space left for your other cars, so there is less room to back out and to pile snow.
Choosing where it sits for the winter
- Park it at the side or the far end of the driveway, out of the main lane, so the rest of the driveway can be cleared in one clean pass.
- Keep it away from the front walkway, the steps and the garage door, so meltwater does not run across the routes you walk on.
- Do not park it over a drain, a catch basin or the spot where your downspout empties. Our guide why catch basins and drains matter in winter explains why.
- Leave furnace and water heater vents, the gas meter and any heat pump clear on all sides. See keeping furnace vents and gas meters clear of snow.
- Check the City of London’s rules on parking trailers, boats and recreational vehicles at home, and any rules in your condo or rental agreement, before you settle on a spot.
Work trucks that come and go
A work truck that leaves early and comes back at the end of the day is a different problem. It is usually not parked when you most need the driveway cleared, but it can be blocking the way when snow is falling in the evening.
- Agree on a regular parking spot so whoever clears the driveway knows which part is usually open.
- If the truck leaves before dawn, a cleared lane and a cleared City windrow matter most. Priority early-morning clearing is a seasonal add-on for early commuters.
- Brush the snow off the roof, hood and box before you drive away. Snow left on top melts on the driveway later and can fly off on the road.
Our guide where to park during a snowstorm covers moving cars around on a storm night.
Snow piles with less room
A trailer takes up some of the space you would normally pile snow on. Plan where the snow will go before December, because piles get taller and harder to move as the winter goes on.
- Keep piles low near the end of the driveway, so you can still see the sidewalk and the road when you back out.
- Do not pile snow against the trailer or truck. It traps the vehicle and the pile melts against it on warm days.
- Keep piles off window wells, vents and the side gate. Our guide what happens to snow piles on a small lot has more ideas.
Before the first big storm
- Clear and cover the trailer or boat, and check that the cover is tied down for wind.
- Put stakes or markers along the driveway edges so they are easy to find under snow.
- Note anything the plow should avoid, like a trailer hitch, a wheel chock or a jack stand sticking out.
When you request a quote, mention the trailer or work truck and where it will be parked, so the quote covers the part of the driveway you actually want cleared.
How a seasonal plan helps
A seasonal snow removal plan clears your driveway automatically from December 1 to March 31 whenever 5 cm or more falls. In long storms we come back for return visits, the City windrow at the end of the driveway is cleared, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit. Edges, steps and drains are marked before the season, so they are easy to find under the snow. If your truck leaves early, priority early-morning clearing can be added to a seasonal plan.
Prices (all plus HST):
- Single or 1.5-car driveway: $650 to $725 for the season
- Double driveway: $815
- 3-car, paver or stamped driveway: $1,050
- Walkway and steps: from $150, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps; sidewalk $90
- Seasonal salt, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
- Pet-safe de-icer: $120
- Priority early-morning clearing: $125
- Season extension from November 1 to April 15: add $95
Prefer to pay only when you need it? Per-visit snow removal is $70 to $85 a visit. Seasonal plans take a 30% deposit with the balance before December 1, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, are registered with WSIB and are LPMA members.
Get a quote
Every quote is measured from City of London maps, and residential quotes come back within 1 business day. Ask for a free quote or call or text (548) 639-2069.
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