Snow Chains Questions

[telliott]

i wonder this myself. I have always used the rear because i assumed drive axel was better. However, if i have chains on, then i am most likely in 4wd also. So now the front is also a drive axel. Would the front be better because all the weight is up front? The rear has always worked for me but maybe the front would work better? I'll have to try it next time

 

[wyosteve]

My . 02--when you get the chains, practice putting them on and taking them off a few times where it's warm and dry. Will make it much easier when it's cold and snowy/icy.

 

[MSLiechty]

WyoSteve, very good advice, when I used to make 25 trips a year up the mountains, in a 2WD Nissan truck. I learned to be proficient installing chains, we had it down and could be chained up and back on the road before most people got out of their vehicles. Heard more than once that was fast and would you install my chains heres $20. 00. Made lift ticket money quite often doing that.



Michael

 

[CRuth]

I used v-bar chains on the back of my first gen 4wd with limited slip with good results.



In California there are three main types of chain controls or requirements.



1. R-1 Chains or snow tires required ( snow tires will have the small marking on the sidewall "M+S") on vehicles less then 8,000 lbs



2. R-2 Chains on all vehicles except four wheel drives with snow tires.



3. R-3 Chains on all vehicles "No exceptions"



However all vehicles must carry chains in chain control areas. I have seen the CHP check for chains and turn back vehicles with out chains.



For light weight ease of install and performance on dry roads the cable chains by I belive SSC are real good.



Lastly, I find that the torque of the diesel and the engine braking (without a jake) can easily cause the rear wheels to brake loose.

R3 usually means road closures. What didn't get mentioned, is that R2 means 4wd and no chains only applies if you aren't towing. I found that out the hard way. If you're towing you have to put chains on the axle with trailer brakes and chain the tow vehicle.

 

[KMcBride]

That is a good point CRuth and you are correct about towing and having to chain up. Very seldom do I see R-3 conditions but they do happen. I think Cal Trans and CHP use R-3 to get people off the roads without closing the road.



One more thing that does not apply to most of us, is that semi trucks with one rear axle and two trailers are not allowed in chain control areas.