Snow Chains

Yes, they can cause damage.
No, they have to meet the states requirement for chains. Odds you are over 10,000 so you need to check for truck chains.
Best thing to wait out the weather. When big rigs go with out chains get in line with them!
California chain requirements
Note they are suppose to go over both tires, if possible.

You can buy cable chains. Easy on. They sell them for buses. I have them. I wouldn't be without them for my MH. You never know when you may need them.

Thanks for the link on California chain laws.

If you use them properly, they shouldn't cause damage.

- Install them tight, get some good bunji cords or factory tightners to keep them tight and have a couple of spares. If the chains are operated loose they will hit things as the centrifugal force spins them outwards.
- Don't run them for long distances on dry pavement. Besides wearing them out, the cross members will break and tear up anything within reach.
- Don't run them for long distances on hard ice or dry pavement. The chains should sink into the snow covered pavement. I've seen tires where people ran the chains way too long on the chain cross members wore slots into the tires ruining them. Lazy driver with a lighter wallet.......
- For easier installation, assuming you have rear duals, get two pieces of 2X4 or 2X6 about 8" long. These are to run the inside dual up on. This will lift the outside dual off of the ground sufficient distance to slide the chains under the tire and then provide room to work them around to get them tight.
If you just need them for one trip, I have seen auto part stores in ski areas that sell chains and then if they're unused, they'll buy them back for about 50% of what you paid for them. That's steep, but if you're never going to need them again.......

I've never used cable "chains" so I can't speak about them.

Bill

Chains for outer dual is fine unless you are on an expedition then go double.
Fit them on before you go. Leave 2 or 3 extra links if you cut to size.
Lay the chain on a 2x4, drive up on the wood for easier install.
Practice with no extra tools and using ski gloves in your front yard before you go.
Use tensioners to keep them tight and prevent damage.
Now you are an expert.

I believe that Colorado requires chains for commercial vehicles. Textile Traction Devices, like the AutoSock, are also approved.

If you're still in "Downey Ca" area bear in mind that (in my opinion) CHP uses the chain law to slow people down. And probably not bad idea the way some people don't slow down for conditions. Came over the grapevine couple years ago and maybe 3 snow flakes and bit of ice and they required snow chains. However, it did slow people down.

Mine are not easy to put on. Very little clearance in wheel well. I don't even carry them anymore, law or no law. Listen to weather reports. If in doubt look up a truck stop or something that's open in the area where there might be a problem and call them and ask.

If you travel on a schedule ....different story. And you might not be able to wait out weather.

What ever you do get chains of some type. The fine in many areas for not having them can run into big bucks.. If you can, just do not travel when they are needed. However, having set for 6 hrs one time and 19 hrs another, most of the way up the Siskiyou pass while they clear a wreck ahead. Then it started snowing while we sat. Then having to chain up to even move 1 foot again made me a firm believer you do need to carry them.. Also carry a small folding shovel to clear snow so you can install them.

WyoTraveler wrote:
You can buy cable chains. Easy on. They sell them for buses. I have them. I wouldn't be without them for my MH. You never know when you may need them.

X2 - Also if you place a couple 4x4 blocks under the inside duals it will make it easier to install the cables. Depending on the width of your tires you may need a couple blocks under each wheel. When the cables are on and tight just drive off the blocks.

I wouldn't be without them for my MH. You never know when you may need them.

Exactly,sometimes you can't even get out of the camp your in, without them.That's the NW mountains for you.