Tire Chains - still a thing?

[Zapper]

Many years ago I had a sweet 1991 BMW 318is, and I had a set of tire chains in the trunk. I used them maybe once but boy did I feel smart to have them- it was chaos on the roads after a heavy snowstorm, cars were at 45 degree angles and on the sidewalks everywhere, but that little RWD BMW with chains just kept going.

I've kept chains in all my vehicles since then. I have a really good set for all four tires that I've kept with me for about 10 years, moving from vehicle to vehicle. This includes an old G-Wagen, a Grand Cherokee and a Commander. The thing is, in all that time, I've never used them. In fact before the snow started falling I spent a couple hours re-learning how to put them on in my driveway so I didn't have to figure it out when I was in need.

I've found that when the roads get really bad up here, they end up closing them before I could make use of them. Other than that, all my vehicles have been capable enough with decent 3ps/M+S tires and 4wd/awd. A set of truck chains weighs a lot (50lbs?) and takes up a toolbox I have in the bed.

Should I retire the chains? Does anyone else carry chains regularly? Have you ever been in a situation where it was worth the headache and mess of actually putting them on?

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[Fpolanco]

I’m pretty sure in some parts of the United States, they’re still required equipment. I’m pretty sure Colorado has a law that if you’re traveling around the interstate through the Rockies, it’s mandatory equipment. State troopers will stop you and make you turn around otherwise.

Seems like they’re light enough and compact enough that it’s better to have a not need.

 

[Minty JL]

Yup, still a thing depending on the region or where you live

 

[Lost_In_The_Woods]

It's something that I've carried for over twenty years. I haven't needed them all that much, but when I did need them, I was really glad to have them.

 

[red/green hawk]

In North Idaho there are signs and designated areas along major highways to put on chains.

 

[smlobx]

I believe the snow chain requirements are for commercial vehicles. If you have a 4x4 and snow rated tires I don’t believe you will be turned around by the police.

We went through Vail Pass on I-70 last year when the tire chain requirements were in effect during a major blizzard and all the semi’s were pulled over installing chains but we were allowed to pass without issue.
They ended up closing the highway about half an hour after we passed but we drove through in 4 Hi without issue… Jeep for the win!

I will add that we were Overlanding and our rig was fairly heavy so we had good traction. I’m not sure I would feel comfortable if the truck was empty without anything in the bed.

 

[Fpolanco]

I believe the snow chain requirements are for commercial vehicles. If you have a 4x4 and snow rated tires I don’t believe you will be turned around by the police.

We went through Vail Pass on I-70 last year when the tire chain requirements were in effect during a major blizzard and all the semi’s were pulled over installing chains but we were allowed to pass without issue.
They ended up closing the highway about half an hour after we passed but we drove through in 4 Hi without issue… Jeep for the win!

I will add that we were Overlanding and our rig was fairly heavy so we had good traction. I’m not sure I would feel comfortable if the truck was empty without anything in the bed.

Yes I-70!

I figured there were some other requirements for chain use but if you’re heavy enough and take it slow, you should be ok.

Thanks for clarifying!

 

[Gladi8r_22]

Ive had a hard time finding Cable/Chains for the anything larger than 35's. Unless i am just looking in the wrong places. Where can i get them for 38's?

 

[Pliny]

Ive had a hard time finding Cable/Chains for the anything larger than 35's. Unless i am just looking in the wrong places. Where can i get them for 38's?

You didn't specify what width of tire you have but a quick search gives:

https://tirechain.com/38-14-5-17-tire-chains/

 

[arosen1997]

Ive had a hard time finding Cable/Chains for the anything larger than 35's. Unless i am just looking in the wrong places. Where can i get them for 38's?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266058673823
These will fit 38s and are durable enough to run offroad.

 

[CampThree]

We used them when I was based at Camp David, Md from 1982-1984. We had CJ-5's and some of the blizzards (1983 especially) we had they were a must in the mountain terrain. I haven't see any since but then I refuse to live where you might need them.

 

[Tyandpi]

Call me old school, but I still carry them. We live right off I70 in Summit County in Colorado. I look at it as one of those things I may only need once in a very long while. Better to have and not need, than to NEED and not have. My last use was during a hunting trip where you could not get up some fire roads without them on. Those that tried ended up against the mountain. Threw them on and good to go!

The traction laws in CO mean that you have to have either chains (cables work too) or snow rated tires. CDOT will light up signs when the traction laws are in effect. If you cause a problem because you are not properly equipped state troopers can cite you.

 

[InvertedLogic]

I’m pretty sure in some parts of the United States, they’re still required equipment. I’m pretty sure Colorado has a law that if you’re traveling around the interstate through the Rockies, it’s mandatory equipment. State troopers will stop you and make you turn around otherwise.

Seems like they’re light enough and compact enough that it’s better to have a not need.

I believe the snow chain requirements are for commercial vehicles. If you have a 4x4 and snow rated tires I don’t believe you will be turned around by the police.

We went through Vail Pass on I-70 last year when the tire chain requirements were in effect during a major blizzard and all the semi’s were pulled over installing chains but we were allowed to pass without issue.
They ended up closing the highway about half an hour after we passed but we drove through in 4 Hi without issue… Jeep for the win!

I will add that we were Overlanding and our rig was fairly heavy so we had good traction. I’m not sure I would feel comfortable if the truck was empty without anything in the bed.

There's differing levels of traction law in CO. Commercial vehicle chain law gets enacted fairly often, but Passenger Chain Law (which is different than Passenger Traction Law which is satisfied by M/S tires and 4x4) does get enacted a couple times per year when it's really gnarly.

I've got one pair that I keep in my bed toolbox over the winter "just in case". I haven't needed them yet, but it does feel like good peace of mind for a 45lb weight penalty.

 

[Figmo]

Don't own any and have never regretted it. Really only time I would even consider using them even if I did have them would be on "black ice". But, fortunately, that kind of road condition is uncommon.

For your standard slick snowy/icy roads that you encounter 99% of the time, 4WD with a snow rated tire works fine if you'll just slow down and drive appropriate for the conditions (e.g. go easy on the throttle and brake).

I do put studded snow tires on the wife's Bronco Sport every winter just for that extra layer of safety for her.

One point I like to make anytime somebody mentions tire chains: I can't count the number of times I've been show wheelin' and come across somebody who thought "OH - I want maximum traction so I'll put chains on my tires". Tire chains are for ICE - not deep snow.

In deep snow, they act like little snow shovels on your tires and dig. Which might help - *IF* the snow is shallow enough to dig down to the ground beneath and grab traction.

But once you get off the road, chances are more likely the snow is deeper than your tires are tall. You'll just dig down until your axles are sleeping comfortably on a nice comfy bed of snow. While your fully locked front and rear diffs just have all 4 tires spinning in thin air.

So keep in mind the "to chain or not to chain" decision is really only for highway travel.

Not for "over the river and through the woods"

 

[MrBones]

Some food for thought here. I found a notice within my purchase contract documentation stating the following: "As equppied, this vehicle may not be operated with tire chains but may accomodate some other type of traction device. See owner's manual for details."
Page 348 of the manual:

I haven't paid much attention since I live in SoCal.

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