Towing on snowy roads
Years ago, I hauled a 26' bumper pull TT with a 1500 4x4 Suburban up to the ski area every weekend. Never had to chain up or set a drag chain. Now, I am preparing to haul my bumper pull TH with my 4...
Forum Discussion
Bedlam wrote:enblethen wrote:
In Washington, a 4x4 locked in gear does not need to have chains unless the signs are out for trucks to use chains. You must carry chains! Normally you would install when required on the rear drive axle and on the last braking axle of trailer.
https://www.wsdot.com/winter/tires-chains.htm
If your vehicle is over 10k lbs GVWR or you are towing, you must chain up in WA even if you have 4wd anytime chain controls are posted.
Typically a single drag chain on the trailer can be mounted on any wheel of any axle that has brakes. If your trailer does not have brakes, you must still mount a set of chains/cables to one wheel.
My experience would be that a single drag chain on the trailer does not actually meet Revised Code of Washington(RCW) upon a liberal interpretation. Many WSP officers are too busy when weather is poor to strictly enforce this issue. However, get into an accident and or get stuck -the ticket will be painful along with increasing your "at fault" risk...
Also, remember that as soon as you connect any trailer to a vehicle per RCW -you are subject to being considered a "Truck" for many driving situations including speed limit and snow chains.
A tip on the trailer -make sure your electric brake wiring is fastened down properly and the splices are weather tight. WSDOT uses lots of brine water and mag chloride for deicer -this stuff reeks havoc on electric connections. Make sure the chain/cable tails are cut back as much as possible to minimize damage to the trailer.
2nd tip. make sure your brake controller is set to lead the truck slightly for the best control.
