ram 3500 srw 4x4

So tell me more about these chains??? I have used them on fire trucks many times and we are told we are not allowed to drive faster than 45mph with them on the trucks. That apply to pick up and car chains as well? Any other "rules" or advise for driving with chains on your pick up? I did some google searching and see they make chains for dual wheels. On the fire trucks it just goes on one tire not both. That not recommended for a dually? Get the ones made for a dually? Any other snow chain advise?

Just general questions from a Texas boy who knows little about snow chains.

Chains on one axle of the trailer? Interesting. Has anyone actually ever done this. I imagine it might stop a jack knife situation.

bbaker2001 wrote:
Thanks,
But forgot to ask
real chains or cable
have never used the cable ones.
saw somehere someone used zip ties

Cable chains meet the law, but if you are having issues with traction with a 4X4 you will want real chains. The DOT or SP can restrict you from travel even with 4X4, keep in mind that while 4X4 will get you going, ALL vehicles have four wheel braking! Many with 4X4 will overdrive the braking ability of their vehicle due to the improved ability to get going and steering control.

Thanks to all
was hoping to get away tomorrow morning, but have been putting sandbags around my and neighbors house. Lots of work left to do
this storm is ugly

donn0128 wrote:
Tripcheck will show you road conditions over the Siskiyous. Which is where you need to worry. Now, go to LesSchwab tire center and buy a set of chains. Next spring if you dont need them take them back for a full refund.
BTW this winter there is no way in heck would I leave home without chains.

97 turns off at Weed South of Siskiyou Summit and heads to Klamath Falls.

I drove on snow with our 3500 SRW 4x4 towing a box trailer. FS TA are half worn out BTW. Did not even put it in four wheel drive. Seemed very stable! Only need chains if towing and you need at least one trailer axle chained when chains are required.

So no, unless you are towing. Chris

Washington state:
Shall carry sufficient tire chains to meet the requirements from November 1 to April 1 of each year or at other times when chains are required for such vehicles:

I-90 between North Bend (MP 32) and Ellensburg (MP 101)
I-82 between Ellensburg Exit 3 (MP 3.00) and Selah Exit 26 (MP 26.00)
SR-97 between (MP 145) and Junction
SR-2 between Dryden (MP 108) and Index (MP 36)
SR-12 between Packwood (MP 135) and Naches (MP 187)
SR-97 between junction SR-14 (MP 4) Columbia River and Toppenish (MP 59)
SR-410 from Enumclaw to Naches
SR-20 between Tonasket (MP 262) and Kettle Falls (MP 342)
SR-155 between Omak (MP 79) and Nespelem (MP 45)
SR-970 between (MP 0) and (MP 10)
SR-14 (MP 18) to Junction 97 (MP 102)
SR-542 Mt Baker Highway between (MP 22.91) and (MP 57.26)

Grit dog wrote:

CWSWine wrote:
I don't know still the same rules now since I have out Wa area for quite few years ago but there was areas with chain check stations and if don't have changes you don't pass -- PERIOD --.

Where have you all experienced chain up requirements for 4wd vehicles?
I must be naive but I live for winter and travel TO the best snow I can find regularly in many western states and no once have I seen "4wd chain laws". Commercial vehicles, yes, non awd, yes, towing yes.
Not t to discount the traction they add, but unless you're busting 2' of fresh up I 90 or it's glare ice, they aren't necessary. In both cases I'm betting road is closed by then.

Again talking rural roads, off the beaten path, etc they are good insurance especially in Cascade concrete. But so is a snowmachine if you're trying to get somewhere that 4wd won't cut it.

The law in Oregon says you still have to carry chains when using the 4x4 exemption, not necessarily have them on. Not sure if Washington has the same thing. Carrying them makes sense if conditions were to change to glare ice once you're already miles up into the pass.

Thanks,
But forgot to ask
real chains or cable
have never used the cable ones.
saw somehere someone used zip ties

CWSWine wrote:
I don't know still the same rules now since I have out Wa area for quite few years ago but there was areas with chain check stations and if don't have changes you don't pass -- PERIOD --.

Where have you all experienced chain up requirements for 4wd vehicles?
I must be naive but I live for winter and travel TO the best snow I can find regularly in many western states and no once have I seen "4wd chain laws". Commercial vehicles, yes, non awd, yes, towing yes.
Not t to discount the traction they add, but unless you're busting 2' of fresh up I 90 or it's glare ice, they aren't necessary. In both cases I'm betting road is closed by then.

Again talking rural roads, off the beaten path, etc they are good insurance especially in Cascade concrete. But so is a snowmachine if you're trying to get somewhere that 4wd won't cut it.

larry barnhart wrote:
It would be silly to travel over mountain passes in the west without carrying chains.

chevman

If you're towing a significant trailer I agree. Other wise a 4wd with good tires is 100% sufficient for roadway travel.
Never seen a mtn pass stay open to the point that 4wd passenger vehicles were chains req. by that time, the road will be impassable to most and shut down.
Most all my life in snow country and 20years in mountains. Only use chains for forest roads with deep snow, pulling large trailer off highway somewhere or in the mud a couple times.

If you're venturing off regularly plowed roads, chains are a benefit or necessity. On the highway it would have to be a very unique situation to actually have to use them.