Community Forums

Hahn007 · 11-22-2013, 04:08 PM

Wondering if anyone has used snow chains on a Class-A RV?

Was considering using "traction cables" vs "chains" because of tight clearance between tire and wheel opening.

Not sure if traction cables are up to the weight of a fully loaded coach though.......

Opinions???

Thanks in advance.

Chris

Cooperhawk · 11-22-2013, 04:15 PM

I used to hang the iron on the semis I drove. Not a lot of fun. If you break a link they can flail around and do serious damage as well.

Personally, if you need chains find a place to park.

JohnFreyja · 11-22-2013, 04:30 PM

Chris,
I've had the same concerns and in the winter it is required to have "traction devices" in the vehicle on many of the mountain passes. I discovered "SnowSocks" which were developed in Norway. They are light weight, very easy to install and from all reports and tests by State Highway Dept.s they work well. The down side is they are not cheap and they can not be used on bear pavement or over 30 mph. As a side note most chain companies have the same desclaimer. So take a look at the web page... Storefront Commerce Category
I now have them for my car and the motorhome which has reduced the weight and storage waste and given me much more confidence in being in compliance..

no3putt · 11-22-2013, 04:37 PM

My dad was stopped once by CHP and was asked if he had chains and his reply was the he had tractionized tires! The CHP sent him on his way, guess the officer didn't know what to say since all tires have traction. No chains for me, don't want to risk a very expensive repair bill for torn up wheel wells etc.

bdpreece · 11-22-2013, 10:39 PM

I carry cable chains for both the coach and the toad as required by law to avoid the hefty fine if you are caught without them in Oregon. I hope to never have to put them on. The only time I thought about putting on the chains was years ago coming west out of Susanville Ca. in a 25 ft class A. It was snowing so hard we could hardly find the road and I told my wife we had better stop to put on the chains. I touched the brakes and the back end started to pass so I just let up and kept on going. Did not have a bit of trouble with traction due to the coach weight and we made it just fine. Now that I am retired and not on a time schedule I won't even put myself in a situation where I might need them.

vsheetz · 11-22-2013, 11:03 PM

I carry chains because I travel to states with chain laws. I have no intensions of ever putting them on. If the weather is such that I would need them I will hole up somewhere - to spring if need be.

njs42 · 11-23-2013, 03:44 AM

Colorado State Patrol - Frequently Asked Questions

Oregon Secretary of State Archives Division

To answer the question. Here are two state laws. In Colorado if I read correctly chains means "chains", not cables. In Oregon chains can mean chains or cables.

As to which is better, I think you are right that cables would have less durability and may fail sooner. And as you see a lot of people, me in included, will spend a lot of time planning our route and watching weather to avoid chain or cable use. The one trip I made in the past ten years to the southwest through Oregon when snow required chains I turned around and found a place to stay.

I have chains in my MH not cables because if I ever have to I think they will last longer and be less likely to break.

jenandjon · 11-23-2013, 05:26 AM

When I was on the road trucking all I carried was cables. They are legal in all states. And yes they can handle a RV. If they can handle a loaded big rig they can handle a RV. If you are in Colorado on the interstate you only need cables. You don't want to be on a chain only road with an RV in winter.

Fkrel · 11-27-2013, 08:38 AM

They make a newer style of chains now a diamond style, A trucking company I used to work for used to use the regular ladder style chains untill they tested the diamond chains on dry pavement the ladder style lasted 25 miles before the links started to break, the diamond style on dry pavement lasted 140 miles before the links broke. If you are looking at chains check them out, I have a set of single diamond style chains but have not had to use them on the MH and hope I dont put myself in the situation that I need them. The diamond style are easier to put on also.