mowermech wrote:
Some will say that if you have a 4X4 with real snow tires, chains are not required.
In some states, that is true, IF the 4X4 is not towing! If it is towing ANY kind of trailer, and chains are required, even though it is a 4X4 it must have chains on the rear axle, and IF the trailer is equipped with brakes, IT must have chains on the wheels of at least one axle. If the trailer is a light weight with no brakes, it may not have to have chains on any wheels.
Also keep in mind that many states now require brakes on ALL axles of any trailer that is required to have brakes. Montana does: Single axle, tandem axle, triple axle, doesn't matter. ALL wheels must have brakes if the trailer GVWR is over 3000 lbs.
there are times in oregon that they have required 4wd to chain up. Very rare but it does happen. Normally if you have 4wd and winter tires you aren't required to chain up.
It's rare that they require 4wd to chain up but it has happened. and when this is requirement the OSP is there to stop anyone without chains.
But by that time, there is NO way I'd try to tow. glare ice and mountain passes are NOT a nice combination.
I never had to use chains in when I lived in montana or north dakota. Then I moved to oregon with it's freezing rain and ice storms.
Nice to know about montana chain requirements. I believe oregon requires chains on ONE trailer axle, at least on non comerical towing.
