I DON'T THINK I'LL EVER NEED CHAINS FOR MY TRUCK...HOWEVER...

[DebiB33]

I moved to the mountains in CA (5,200 Feet) and I purchased a set of chains for my Frontier, along with a new set of Grabber ATX tires. Never needed the chains, even with 2 Feet of snow on our roads, and I would just plunge my way through the roads while everyone else was waiting for lazy snow plows to finally get there....

Fast forward 12 Months, I no longer have that set up. I got my Gladdy in May (37x12.50x20 TOYO OPEN COUNTRY M/T's) and so far they have worked well in moderate ice / snow. I know they aren't a "SNOW" tire, and they wouldn't have been my first choice either, but rather than buy better tires, I'm going to use them to their full potential.

We have snow this morning, and with all of this crazy weather that Socal has got over the past few days they decided to set up a safety check at the bottom of where we live. I have been through a check once (when I had my Frontier with Chains), but never with a 4x4 without chains. I know that if you have a 4x4 with Mud / Snow tires you are good, but CA still requires you to atleast carry one set. Not knowing if I would get a ticket, I just decided to stay home today and make snow balls....

What chains do you guys have? I atleast want to buy a set to have so I'm Legal, but at the same time I want a set that is high quality, incase I may actually need them (Like a condom). I am not interested in buying cheap garbage chains just to have. I have had cheap chains in the past for a passenger vehicle, and one actually broke on the first use. I want something that will hold up for many years, and they need to be durable enough to get some serious use out of them. I would even be willing to buy something used if it is atleast a quality product. Any Recommendations???

22' Gladiator
3.5" Lift
37x12.50x20 TOYO OC M/T's

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[DebiB33]

Dark Side: I have almost the same setup as you.
22' Gladiator
3.5" Lift
37x12.50x17 BFGoodrich K02 tires.

I live in Tahoe and have NEVER been stopped or questioned by CalTrans to check for chains. They always just wave me through. My Gladiator cuts through the snow without any issues.

Good luck tho finding the chains you’re seeking.

 

[fourfa]

Agreed with others above, it's getting more rare to encounter R-2 or R-3. More often they seem to just go from R-1 to closed so they can plow faster (without worrying about Subaru bros acting out their rally/drift fantasies).

I have had someone lean in the window to ask if I had chains, and at that time I wasn't lying when I said yes. But there was no check beyond that. I really don't think you'll ever get in trouble just trying to get home up your hill.

Regardless - the topic of "actually good chains, not just cheap compliance crap" is a good one. For instance someone mentioned Pewag, but their website lists a max size of 32". But it's an old and creaky website, so it doesn't surprise me that I see them here:

https://www.etrailer.com/parts-by-t...ect=12.5&tiresize=17&productgroup=tire chains

Throw up links if you have them

 

[DARK SIDE]

Dark Side: I have almost the same setup as you.
22' Gladiator
3.5" Lift
37x12.50x17 BFGoodrich K02 tires.

I live in Tahoe and have NEVER been stopped or questioned by CalTrans to check for chains. They always just wave me through. My Gladiator cuts through the snow without any issues.

Good luck tho finding the chains you’re seeking.

I have experienced the same thing, Except I have never seen Cal-Trans checking, it's always CHP.

 

[DARK SIDE]

Agreed with others above, it's getting more rare to encounter R-2 or R-3. More often they seem to just go from R-1 to closed so they can plow faster (without worrying about Subaru bros acting out their rally/drift fantasies).

I have had someone lean in the window to ask if I had chains, and at that time I wasn't lying when I said yes. But there was no check beyond that. I really don't think you'll ever get in trouble just trying to get home up your hill.

Regardless - the topic of "actually good chains, not just cheap compliance crap" is a good one. For instance someone mentioned Pewag, but their website lists a max size of 32". But it's an old and creaky website, so it doesn't surprise me that I see them here:

https://www.etrailer.com/parts-by-tire-size.aspx?tirewidth=37&tireaspect=12.5&tiresize=17&productgroup=tire chains

Throw up links if you have them

Thank you

 

[DARK SIDE]

My preference.
https://www.rudchainusa.com/tirechains

Great link, thank you.

 

[DARK SIDE]

Trimmed to fit......

Trimmed?

 

[DARK SIDE]

Get the real chains whatever you do. I have the OEM tires so I can't help with exact fit, but I found a set of LaCledes that work and are of the conventional v-bar type. They are a pain in the ass to put on but work on pretty much anything including deep mud.

The mountain here and nearby passes require them during the Winter regardless of tires or vehicle type. Spray some good anti-corrosion on them before putting them away.

Those look pretty legit...

 

[DARK SIDE]

Pewag, made here in Colorado.

I should add, "There is no chain or traction device carry requirement for vehicles under 26,001 lbs. anywhere in Colorado in any season."

That said, I'm up Wolf Creek Pass a lot in the winter, and you don't want to go off that edge.

Noted. I just checked out their website, I think these are exactly what I am talking about. I just want assurance, that in the rare event I may actually have to chain up, the chains are quality. Great info, Thank you!!!!

 

[SD Rider]

I was stopped years ago on my way to Big Bear Mtn in my Chevy 1500 4x4, spacer lift, and 33 ATs and had to go get chains.

I don't know....but does Kalifornia recognize socks as chain alternatives?

Also suggested: When I was a kid my dad would but cement bags in the back of the truck to help with traction. I assume sandbags would also help. If I lived up there I'd probably do the same.

 

[DARK SIDE]

I was stopped years ago on my way to Big Bear Mtn in my Chevy 1500 4x4, spacer lift, and 33 ATs and had to go get chains.

I don't know....but does Kalifornia recognize socks as chain alternatives?

Also suggested: When I was a kid my dad would but cement bags in the back of the truck to help with traction. I assume sandbags would also help. If I lived up there I'd probably do the same.

Haha my grandpa put sand bags in his truck also, I think he did it to look cool lol. I think socks are a alternative to chains and considered CA compliant.

 

[DebiB33]

I have experienced the same thing, Except I have never seen Cal-Trans checking, it's always CHP.

Yes.. forgot to mention, nor CHP ?

 

[SD Rider]

Haha my grandpa put sand bags in his truck also, I think he did it to look cool lol. I think socks are a alternative to chains and considered CA compliant.

I think my dad got the cement bags from work (aka, free fifty free). Put them in and swap to "snow tires". I don't remember him ever getting stuck. (Kentucky)

I would certainly want to ensure that they were. I completely understand wanting to have some, just in case. No sense in senseless delays....same reason I'm rocking the front license plate and bead grips instead of bead locks. ?

*EDIT* Adding this link here. Looks like socks are considered "traction devices".
https://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/documentation/cc/cc-chart.htm

 

[CrazyCooter]

Trimmed?

Ya, cut off a few links as needed to fit tight. Tougher and cheaper than the chains marketed to us rich Jeep guys running big tires.

 

[DARK SIDE]

I think my dad got the cement bags from work (aka, free fifty free). Put them in and swap to "snow tires". I don't remember him ever getting stuck. (Kentucky)

I would certainly want to ensure that they were. I completely understand wanting to have some, just in case. No sense in senseless delays....same reason I'm rocking the front license plate and bead grips instead of bead locks. ?

*EDIT* Adding this link here. Looks like socks are considered "traction devices".
https://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/documentation/cc/cc-chart.htm

Great Link! I am going to post it at the top of the thread...

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