Community Forums

maverik/gypsy · 12-08-2007, 08:22 PM

I did a search and did not find any subject on tire chains.

Being a neophyte

would someone discuss the need for tire chains for 5th wheels if one gets caught in a winter road condition.

Many thanks, Maverik

maverik/gypsy · 12-08-2007, 08:22 PM

I did a search and did not find any subject on tire chains.

Being a neophyte

would someone discuss the need for tire chains for 5th wheels if one gets caught in a winter road condition.

Many thanks, Maverik

UPS 34 · 12-08-2007, 11:22 PM

Head South. Forget the chains

NeilV · 12-09-2007, 01:11 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by maverik/gypsy:
I did a search and did not find any subject on tire chains.

Being a neophyte

would someone discuss the need for tire chains for 5th wheels if one gets caught in a winter road condition.

Many thanks, Maverik </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You have an F450 4X4 so conditions would have to be really bad for you to require chains however if there is a chance that you could get stuck with a need for them either because of the weather or traveling where it is posted as a requirement to travers a particular road the go with what the owners manual for your F450 says under the section on tire chains.

Of course it may be simpler to just do as allready suggested; "Head South. Forget the chains".

Rock-Rocker · 12-09-2007, 06:11 AM

Back in the days prior to random uranalysis testing and it was only the dog and myself I towed a 27ft 5th in snow with a Chevy dually. Got real scary at times. I put cable chains on all 4 tires on the 5th and all 4 on the truck rear and drove real slow. I never had a problem getting started but the stopping was hair raising at times. I adjusted my brake controller periodicaly as the snow and traction conditions changed. Chaining up was something I didn't do for the guts or glory but because I waited too late and I had no choice if I didn't want to wait for the spring thaw. I recommend that if you feel like it's something you gotta do then use cable traction aids not chain. Chain is too agressive and it will vibrate the screws, rivets, cups, saucers, food, clothes, etc out of wherever they were when you started out. Ther is a reason why the birds head south for the winter... Good luck!!

Hitchhiker · 12-09-2007, 07:39 AM

Many trailers won't have sufficient clearance between the tires and the fender, shocks, frame, etc to allow chains without damage to the trailer. Lateral stability on ice would be a big concern when those conditions prevail.

I don't even carry chains, if it's that bad I'd like to not be out in it with the trailer.

UFO Pilot · 12-09-2007, 11:07 AM

It is my understanding that chains on non "drive" wheels do little if any good.

RustyJC · 12-09-2007, 12:57 PM

You might want to do a search on "drag chains". These are chains you put on the trailer to assure that the truck doesn't have more braking force than the trailer. If it does, you will experience an instant jack knife - the trailer will try to pass the truck.

Rusty

maverik/gypsy · 12-09-2007, 08:35 PM

Many thanks all.

Right on MM

---excel is sitting in fl right now. There is a possibility that I might have to travel (parent illness)into the snow regions.

But since your comments, probably best to leave my excel home and fly or drive truck and rent a place to stay. My DW and I do have pets living with us---creates a responsibilty that has to be factored into our decision. Hoping for the best, Maverik

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 12-10-2007, 03:17 AM

If it gets bad enough, I'd suggest running chains on the rear axle on the truck, and the rear most axle braking axle on the trailer. If it isn't deep & soft snow, cable chains are likely sufficient, and as noted above vibrate less and can avoid clearance issues.

As posted above, it's keeping the trailer from locking up and sliding around sideways, or from pushing the truck's rear out sideways when stopping that I'm most afraid of.

I think a really good brake controller that matches the truck and trailer braking smoothly (IE Brakesmart) is also most valuable when it's slick.

PaulDaisy · 12-12-2007, 09:34 PM

I have seen people chaining up trailers on a steep downhill on Flattops in CO this late fall. I thought it was funny but then thinking about it, made a lot of sense: a fairly steep descent, wit 16" of fresh snow, packed at the top and slushy lower down - yikes. Any kind of abrupt application of brakes and the trailer would pass you downhill, unless it has decent traction. I would be going down those mountains at 5 mph if I had to do it.
-P

xc-mark · 12-15-2007, 03:22 AM

this web page will have every tire chain known to man.... great to deal with , I got my plow truck stuff in 3 days. If your in the mountains I think chains on at least one trailer axel is a good idea . Towing my 4500 lb snow mobile trailer in the mountains in high winds and heavy snow I have never had a need to chain up the trailer , If you need chains on the truck to pull then its not a bad idea to have some on the trailer to stop and keep it strait !

http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/car-tire-chains.html

Ray,IN · 12-16-2007, 03:35 PM

Read the Oregon chaining requirements. Use "truck trailer chaining requirements" search terms to find other state's requirements. If the tow vehicle is required to use chains the trailer(with brakes) must also.

maverik/gypsy · 12-16-2007, 09:02 PM

thanks to all for the continuous info on the need for tire chains. This is a safety topic that could be very meaningful in future travel this winter. The info from XC and Ray is worth everyone's reading. So far, my travel is a negative. Maverik