Chains?
Do you put chains on your trailer? What kind? Are they the same as regular truck chains? We hope we don't need them, but want to be prepared. Thanks!
Forum Discussion
The first question that comes to my mind is: Have the AutoSocks been approved by the various State DOTs for use on mountain passes? If they have not been recognized as approved traction devices, you will probably NOT be allowed to proceed when chains are required.
they say that the AutoSock is approved in every state except Nevada, so they cannot be used on the Nevada side of Donner Pass.
they give MCA 61-9-406 as approval for them in the state of Montana. Here is the applicable section of the Code:
" (6) If the department of transportation determines at any time that dangerous or unsafe conditions on a highway require particular tires, tire chains, or traction equipment for vehicles in addition to or beyond the ordinary pneumatic rubber tires, the department may establish the following recommendations or requirements with respect to the use of the equipment for all vehicles using the highway:
(a) chains or other approved traction devices recommended for driver wheels;
(b) chains or other approved traction devices required for driver wheels; or
(c) chains required for driver wheels.
(7) Equipment required by subsection (6)(b) or (6)(c) must conform to rules established by the department of justice."
Note that there are three levels of requirements, (a), (b), and (c). It would appear that if the level (c), Chains required, condition exists, the AutoSock may not be used. It does not state that the AutoSock is an "approved traction device" as recommended in (a) or required in (b).
Section (7) of the code says that traction devices must "conform to rules established by the Department Of Justice". It would make sense for AutoSock to show that they in fact DO conform to those rules.
But, that is neither here nor there, since they may not be used when the sign says CHAINS REQUIRED, I won't be buying them.
they say that the AutoSock is approved in every state except Nevada, so they cannot be used on the Nevada side of Donner Pass.
they give MCA 61-9-406 as approval for them in the state of Montana. Here is the applicable section of the Code:
" (6) If the department of transportation determines at any time that dangerous or unsafe conditions on a highway require particular tires, tire chains, or traction equipment for vehicles in addition to or beyond the ordinary pneumatic rubber tires, the department may establish the following recommendations or requirements with respect to the use of the equipment for all vehicles using the highway:
(a) chains or other approved traction devices recommended for driver wheels;
(b) chains or other approved traction devices required for driver wheels; or
(c) chains required for driver wheels.
(7) Equipment required by subsection (6)(b) or (6)(c) must conform to rules established by the department of justice."
Note that there are three levels of requirements, (a), (b), and (c). It would appear that if the level (c), Chains required, condition exists, the AutoSock may not be used. It does not state that the AutoSock is an "approved traction device" as recommended in (a) or required in (b).
Section (7) of the code says that traction devices must "conform to rules established by the Department Of Justice". It would make sense for AutoSock to show that they in fact DO conform to those rules.
But, that is neither here nor there, since they may not be used when the sign says CHAINS REQUIRED, I won't be buying them.
