Chain Requirements

[KKaiser]

Does anyone know off hand what California's chain requirements are when trailering. I have a 4X4 and haven't had to install chains in twenty years with this advantage, but I've got to go over the Sierra tomorrow with my toy box in tow and there are currently chain requirements on all the routes



I appreciate any input. I really don't want to relearn the technique!



Kent

 

[JWhitcomb]

I don't think you are required to run chains on the toy box. Just watched the weather and my guess is the roads will be OK on Thursday. If you are going 50 that might not be the case, it always drops the control later than 80.

 

[KKaiser]

JWhitcomb

50 is the preferred route, going toward southern Nevada from the Placerville area. Chain controls don't bother me normally but I sue don't want to chain up the truck and the trailer. Are you sure about the trailer? How 'bout the truck?

I've definitely been watching the weather.



KK

 

[rwitt]

KK,

If chains are required you will have to chain both the truck( even with 4x4 ) and one axle on the trailer. Been there, done it.

Rich

 

[JWhitcomb]

KK,

Going on previous experiance pulling a boat with a 2WD. Never told to chain the boat but sometimes it comes down to the guy checking your set up. I have been refused passage with my 4WD because of the size of my camper. No other 4WD vehicles were told to chain up. The law does say that even if you are 4WD you are required to carry chains. It has stopped raining down here in the flat lands. May be a sucker hole. Wish I could be more precise on the law, good luck.

 

[Big Best]

According to the weatherman there will snow at 1,500ft. Iusually put a drag chain on left rear axle. good luck.

 

[KKaiser]

Time to go

The truck's warming up, so I called CHP. Chains on every route and for even longer than last night! Bummer! Also talked to an officer, he told me that when pulling a trailer even a 4X4 must chain and if the trailer has brakes, one axle must chain. Double bummer! So rwitt hit it on the head. Thanks for the answers boys.



Kent

 

[BV]

Calif Chain info

Sorry I'm late but here is the link to the California DOT chain information site



NOTES

• All vehicles, including four wheel drive vehicles, that

are towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle.

• Trailers with brakes must have chains on one axle.

• Front wheel drive vehicles must have chains on

front (drive) axle.

• On any semi-trailer, only one set of chains is required

regardless of number of axles.

• Chains are not required on tag axle.



Be safe

 

[KKaiser]

Well we're back. Had to chain for about 50 miles. It basically added about an hour to the trip. I don't think those trailer wheel wells were ever designed for chains, I'm talking no clearance! Checked the tightness a few times though and wound up with no damage. So all's good.



On the way back we were running into a 20-30 mph headwind, got a wopping 8 mpg for the first tank? I thought my engine was failing, absolutely no (perceived) power. Finally got out of the wind problem and the re found power was almost orgasmic. I'm sure the Cummins appreciated it too!



Kent

 

[mberry]

Glad to hear you made it over and back in one piece Kent. Those chain requirements are a pain.

 

[JWhitcomb]

I crossed Donner Pass on friday night. Miles of crawling in granny just to get to the chain check. When I got there the checker looked at my truck/camper and said put it in 4wd only if you feel you need it. I never got up enough speed due to the traffic to warrent 4wd. Over the last 30 years I have noticed they get overly cautious on Friday and Saturday night. Got to keep us flatlanders slowed down some way.