Anyone ever actually need your tire chains?

[arctictraveller]

I hate chains and will do almost anything to avoid using them, but still carry them just in case. Sure there not light, but there only a small fraction of everything else I carry.

[witoke]

I'm with you AT, I hate them too for some reason but man, do they work when you need them! Back when I was young and broke but with a taste for ski touring, all I had for wheels was a '69 Plymouth with worn out springs and shocks. I'd throw chains on that thing and was able to take it where I needed to go, snow and ice be dammed...

[1der]

SCC SZ462 for our 285/70-17 in da bag.
Size 10 Crocs for reference.
Weigh 19 lbs.

[Steve_382]

witoke, I had a 69 Z28 when I was MUCH younger. It wouldn't move in the snow at all, so I put a set of chains on. Unbelievable results. Couldn't stop it.

Just wondered, I guess people only use them on the rear wheels? Unless you have much better wheel well clearance than I do, you would tear up the front wheel wells.

[witoke]

Steve, your question makes me laugh and remember another story about chains that (sort-of) addresses your question. Some 20 years ago, a female co-worker at REI was telling the story about being told at a road block that she needed chains to get to the local ski area. She hopped out, managed somehow to put the cable chains on her Honda Civic by following the instructions on the box and off she went. She was proudly telling us how well the car subsequently performed on the steep uphills and deep snow, when someone asked her which wheels she put them on. "why the back wheels of course".

I have not really thought about putting them on the front of my Quigley since I only have one set. I'm pretty sure they'd fit but then I have a 4 inch lift and small tires (31").

And for those worried about the weight of chains, do they make cable chains in big sizes for YUGE vans? Not as tough but much lighter, easier to use and durable enough for occasional use

[Fitz]

CA Department of Transportation, good to know what their rules are when running up to Tahoe.

[daveb]

I've been asked here in sunny CA a couple times but never had to produce them. I've seen times where the local LE requires chains on a 4x4 and sometimes all 4 wheels must be chained up. I only carry one set as of now since changing to 315's. Because it's rare when they force a 4x4 to chain up I'm not too worried. There has been a few times I wish I would have chained up where I found myself in a crappy situation trying to stay on a shelf trail. If I'd have slipped off into the canyon it would have been bad. I was never so happy to see the road...miserable experience trying to get to pavement even though it was covered with 3 feet of snow. I will say these vans seem to do much better in snow than my 4x4 pickup.

[1der]

Yikes Fitz!! Did I read that right? R2- 4wd UNDER 6500 GVR is exempt. Does that mean over 6500 chains required??

[Fitz]

Unfortunately, that's the way I read it also. Seldom enforced is the best comment I can offer, that plus knowing enough to "guess wrong" if you are ever asked the weight of your vehicle in this situation.

[rltilley]

I carry two sets of chains with me when I go anywhere there may be ice. I slid one time in my old Xterra 4x4 on ice but was able to pull out before hitting anyone. I can get out of most slides by using the gas pedal but would greatly prefer not sliding at all. Being a San Diego native driving on ice freaks me out a bit. I haven't needed to chain the van up yet but I'm ready for when I do need them.


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