Should we carry tire chains ?

[Scooter]

I plan never to use them. But you never know.........

Nothing in owner's guide about chains or clearances or damage to undercarriage. In OR you are required to have them on-board during snow season.

So.....do I buy chains or cable chains and what brand ?

[Rook]

Uh.......another option......spend the winter in Arizona!! From a former Oregon resident......Beaverton......then working for Tektronix....now RETIRED! Rook

[dagray]

If there is a remote chance I would have to drive my motorhome on snow or ice. I would head south.

[ksg5000]

I don't travel that much in Winter - the couple of times I have gone to Calif in the Winter I have purchased chains from Les Schwab just in case I needed them to get over the mountains - Schwab allows you to return them after x number of days if you don't use them - I have returned them both times.

[Submustang]

Most manufacturers say don't use them. I can't imagine using them. I would rather wait it out. It makes for an issue here in the Northwest since both Oregon and Washington require they be carried on certain routes in the Winter. Do you buy them to carry around even though you will never use them or do you take your chances with the law?

[RoyM]

I bought a set because we would be traveling over the Siskiyou in December. Didn't need them. I mounted one once to make sure it fit. The truck was stolen in March, chains were gone when we got it back.Oh well, it's only a hunnert bucks. Probably will buy another set, figure it's cheap insurance.

[JohnRR]

When it comes time I need tire chains for any reason that's when I'll park it.

This is not an example of how to park it when chains are needed

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRR When it comes time I need tire chains for any reason that's when I'll park it. This is not an example of how to park it when chains are needed

They haven't finished packing the snow inside yet!!

I found that ours handles very well on ice and snow. Manual says NOT to put chains on, clearance won't allow it either. BUT state law requires that we carry them after Nov. 1 on certain roads, so I have a set that's never been used. I throw them in a compartment in the winter.

[njs42]

I carry chains---just in case---better to be caught with them than without. Some states (Oregon) require you to carry chains during certain parts of the year. I travel North to South in December most years and by planning well have avoided snow on the trip every year---which I intend to keep doing---but there is that one in a million chance so I am prepared (also legal in Oregon). My set of chains are commercial type with lugs---and I truly hope I never use them---but just in case have practiced putting them on.

[wa8yxm]

Should you carry tire chains? Depends on when and where you drive.

Flordia in August.. No need, in fact in 49 states in August no need.

Alaska in January. YES,

Now, those are extreme cases. but hopefully they serve to illistrate.

Mountains in December,, By all means.

Personally I winterize by the "S" method (Drive south till someone looks at a snowblower stapped to the outside and says "What the @))@# IS THAT THING FOR?")

Or until you no longer see "Bridge ices before road" signs. whichever comes first.

[Dr4Film]

I do not carry snow chains for my coach. I do drive ALL over the North American Continent at various times of the year.

My philosophy is that if any road is closed or only passable with chains on the tires, I don't need to be there. I will find a place to hole up until the road has been reopened and passable without chains.

I don't mind driving in snowy conditions. We did that on our way back from Alaska last year in September. Only happen in the higher altitudes, so once we got over the passes, it was clear sailing.

You have to drive according to road conditions. In those areas where the snow is falling, my speed is greatly reduced and people are welcomed to go around me anytime they want.

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Submustang I can't imagine using them. I would rather wait it out.

Ditto here and I don't carry them either. So far I haven't had to travel any roads at a time of year when carrying them would be required... and I don't want to either.

Rick

[1ciderdog]

I live in Oregon most of the year and I have cable chains for and in the RV. Do I pan on using them? No! Do I plan on using my insurance policy? No! Can't control the weather & can't control the other drivers so I have them if need be and hopefully won't need to use them.
Safe Travels
Bob

[bigskymt]

We carry chains and have used them once. Light rain turned to heavy snow overnight. By morning with no letup in sight we chose to chain-up and escape to a plowed road.