Forum Discussion

DAS26miles's avatar
DAS26miles
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2016

Carry chains- Travel Trailer and Class A Question???

My friends, one has a small pick and ultra-lite TT and the other with a 32ft Class A. We want to go to Yosemite in the coming months and the Park states that you must carry tire chains. I have been up there many times with my Class C and I have chains and only put them on once. Never again. Will wait it out until roads clear.
Question, what should my friends do, buy chains? Do they even make a set for the 19" Class A's. And what would the friend with the TT have to do? We will all just wait it out and never put them on.
Seeking Advice
  • Ava's avatar
    Ava
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    I bought basic cable chains to fit my 19.5 wheels from an O'Riely auto parts store. I have yet to use them, but I put them on one day to make sure I know how to do it and to see how well they fit.
    I am fortunate to have independent hydraulic levellers so I can lift the back wheels off the ground.
  • DAS26miles's avatar
    DAS26miles
    Explorer II
    Nov 04, 2016
    This is California. Looks like chains are required for the Class A rear outer dual and inner if it can be done (clearance issue). The TT will need them on the TV rears and the TT axle with the brakes.
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    Wa state says for certain passes some times of the year we must CARRY chains, we never have had them on.
    But we gotem
  • Searching_Ut's avatar
    Searching_Ut
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    As others have mentioned, most areas I've been to that have chain restrictions require you have chains for at least one drive axle on the tow vehicle, and one axle on the trailer. I hate driving with chains and avoid it as much as possible, although I do end up having them in the truck during winter months as they sometimes check that you have them even when you don't have to put them on.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Nov 04, 2016
    Tyler0215 wrote:
    You HAVE to carry chains if the law requires, even if you plan on waiting till the roads clear.
    The TV will need chains, not the TT.
    Someone makes the size you need. Call tire shops.


    depends on the location. Oregon requires chains on at least one axle of any trailer when chains are required on the tow vehicle. AKA drag chains.

    but, while I carry them, if it gets to that point we just wait it out. Just isn't worth it for us to chain up given the risks towing on roads that are that bad.
  • mikim's avatar
    mikim
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    I have had to put them on our Class A and on our C, when we had that, up at Mammoth Ski Area.....I did not think it was to big of a deal as long as I wore my ski pants and jacket and laid on a piece of outdoor carpeting.

    Bought ours at Les Schwab Tire Stores.
  • Two_Hands's avatar
    Two_Hands
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    We were able to rent a set of chains from our local equipment rental store.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    If I am not mistaken, chains are required on an RV trailer axle that has brakes. Many auto stores will take unused chains back if not used.
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2016
    You HAVE to carry chains if the law requires, even if you plan on waiting till the roads clear.
    The TV will need chains, not the TT.
    Someone makes the size you need. Call tire shops.

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