Tire Chains-AGAIN!

[BHolland]

Being the owner of a new 2012 3500 CTD Dually 4x4 I hate to ask this question but now it's snowing in the Cascades. Oregon law requires any vehicle towing to chain up (4x4 or not). It also requires what is towed with a brake axle to chain that axle.



I tow a dual axle snowmobile trailer with one brake axle. I have chains for that. The chains from my old 99 CTD won't fit the new 2012 so I will be buying new.



Given what I am towing, should I be chaining the front or the rear of the truck?



Bob - Oregon

 

[Simplysmn]

Rear of truck and you can Only use Cables on the new truck's

 

[Schrowang]

Rear of truck and you can Only use Cables on the new truck's

Why? Edict from RAM? Voids the Warrantee?

 

[MChrist]

I don't understand the question. If you have to chain your truck, why ask which axle you should chain? Don't you have to chain front and rear??

 

[Simplysmn]

Most of the time they only make you chain the rear's

 

[BHolland]

In Oregon, technically, if you are in 4x4, you are supposed to chain all four. In reality only chaining the front or the rear will get you by. When towing they really look to see that what you are towing is chained. I never chained my 99 when towing, just lucked out when hitting the passes. Now with the dually, coupled with the camper, I am feeling more adventurous about traveling to some great snow, having to chain up or not.

 

[MChrist]

I still don't get what chaining the front is going to do for you. Why not chain front AND rear??

 

[BHolland]

Not having a lot of experience with "chaining up", I have searched out the question on a number of forums. The question of front or back has been debated heavily and I see as many "chain the front for steering" as "chain the back for braking". Obviously chaining up all four would be the best along with chaining up the trailer. So is putting on six sets of chains going to increase my safety margin enough to justify the time to do so, versus the four mandated by law??:-{}

 

[craiggo]

The chain requirements in Calif (yes, we do have snow here in some parts), it requires the rear tires to be chained when towing. I know you didn't ask about CA but it might be helpful in your decision making process.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Most of the time the attitude that is given to the cop's will determine the amount of chains required. When driving class 8 trucks when chain's were required I chained the 4 outside drivers and the outside driver side #4 axle and the outside passenger side # 5 axle. I drove a truck and trailer. And did it meet DOT requirements NO did the cops know that and ask if I had more YES did they make me put them on no because I didnt give any I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER If they said to I would if they didnt say to they said drive safe. It's all in the attitude with them. GIVE THEM THE RESPECT THAT MOST DONT DESURVE AND YOU WILL GO ALOT FURTHER. And that was in 11 western states





Given what I am towing, should I be chaining the front or the rear of the truck? QUOTE



Ask yourself the PUCKER QUESTION Is you A** Hole PUCKERD? THEN MAKE THE CHOICE. IN 30+ years of driving Trucks I HAVE ASKED MYSELF MANY MANY TIMES THAT VERY QUESTION

 

[surfbeetle]

The logic in chaining the rears as opposed to the fronts is the same as when you go to a tire store and they will only put two new tires on the rear axle. They believe that if your rear end slips out, you will find the rear slide around to the front. So by having better traction on the rear, you are less likely to have the rear break loose and cause a spin out. As for your towed vehicle, chaining the axle with brakes should allow you to prevent a jackknife situation.

 

[Mhannink]

Another cali version but I think it will apply almost anywhere, when towing the drivers and one trailer axle need to be chained that's 4x2 or 4x4. Its also the minimum, depending on conditions and the cops attitude, it can vary, that's why they have 3 railers sometimes.



I would carry enough to chain all tires and hope I never have to use them. If I do I would politely ask how much they want. Probably all you'll ever do is the drivers and the braking trailer axle.

 

[BIGNASTY]

At times 3 railers are required on Donner and I-5 North of Redding but if I need them ill stay put. I would rather sit than throw on that much iron.

 

[bigblock_doc]

If I need to chain up----I'm going to stop and wait for 65 degrees and sunny.

Safety is important. Just pull over and get a room, if possible.

 

[BIGNASTY]

If I need to chain up----I'm going to stop and wait for 65 degrees and sunny.

Safety is important. Just pull over and get a room, if possible.

you may have to wait A LONG TIME FOR 65 DEGREES UP HERE

 

[MChrist]

If I need to chain up----I'm going to stop and wait for 65 degrees and sunny.

Safety is important. Just pull over and get a room, if possible.

What are you... UNION??

 

[pvanwig]

I cable the front 80% of the braking and 100% of the steering. I put the rear cables on last year to pull a hummer back on the road : )
I've never pulled the trailer in the ice and would like to keep it that way!