My 16 Ram has new Open Range tires coupled with 4wd. The NL is not the heaviest, but fully loaded I'm around 12k. If I head over certain passes in the right months I am required to carry chains (over 10k in CA as I recall). I dont think I really need them and would be unlikely to push it if the weather was actually bad. That said, I need to carry something to be legal. Any recommendations on something that would be small storage but effective when installed? Ideally something quicker to install would be better since I dont expect to use them regularly enough to get practice. It hasn't snowed in NW WA yet so prices haven't spiked. Would like to get before they do or find a sale if there is such a thing.EDIT: tires are 295/70R18 if it matters

Red's not a 4x4 but I run A/T's on the rears with a locker. I carry cable chains for just such situations. That being said with 7K on the rear tires and the locker...I've NEVER lost traction in the snow and haven't EVER needed chains except when empty.

I recommend the diamond style. Cables are good too just to carry something lightweight.https://www.tirechain.com/Truck-Tire-Chains.HTM

I see you are in WA. You must carry tire chains with your 4x4. You do not have to put them on unless signs say "All vehicles must use chains". You state that you are over 10,000 pounds. This puts a slightly different light on subject.Most other times you can travel in four wheel drive.From WSDOT website. WSDOT winter driving4WD/AWD and chains4WD/AWD vehicles (under 10,000 pounds) do not need chains installed during "chains required" notices, but drivers still must carry chains with them in case conditions worsen and they're required to install chains during a "chains required on all vehicles" notice.

I’ve driven 4X4’s up here in Canada ( BC mountains) for YEARS and have never ever had to use chains on the Hwy. And where I live you can’t get out of the valley with out going over Mountain pass. If the law requires you to have them, that’s one thing......do you need them, I highly doubt it. I also have a NL camper and drove out of here two winters ago on my way to AZ in a snow storm, I used 4 wheel drive but never needed or came close to need Chains.Just get something that will fill the law requirement, you will most likely never use them on the Hwy.Soup.

I drove 4x4 under 10,000 lb and was turn back when passing Truckee grade on I-80.Caltrans employees don't need to have education to get the job, yet they have authority and you are not in position to negotiate with lane of vehicles waiting behind you. Doubt it is different in WA. For such situation cables are the best solution. Light, not expensive when you buy them in advance, but very expensive mid-storm in Truckee.

Tire chains needed? | Good Sam Community

bkenobi
Explorer
Nov 20, 2019
I generally dont cross if I know it will be bad as anything I'm crossing for is recreational (WA anyway). I have crossed I90 with traction required (4wd ok) and it was nothing and gone up hwy 2 with some kind d of recommended sign and it was terrible. Inconsistent...
enblethen
Nomad
Nov 20, 2019
Should note that I was in MH going south at Ashland.
I was in 4X4 SUV at Cle Elum
specta
Explorer
Nov 20, 2019
enblethen wrote:
I was along with everyone else, at Ashland Oregon.Siskiyous were in fair to poor shape. Oregon State Police was stopping everyone to spread the traffic out to avoid accidents.
Here in Washington I was entering I-90 at Cle elum after fuel stop, WSP was on the on ramp checking vehicles for traction devices. Pass had chain requirements!

Thanks. That what I was thinking.
enblethen
Nomad
Nov 20, 2019
I was along with everyone else, at Ashland Oregon.Siskiyous were in fair to poor shape. Oregon State Police was stopping everyone to spread the traffic out to avoid accidents.
Here in Washington I was entering I-90 at Cle elum after fuel stop, WSP was on the on ramp checking vehicles for traction devices. Pass had chain requirements!
specta
Explorer
Nov 20, 2019

My chains got here just in the nick of time. ;) :B
specta
Explorer
Nov 20, 2019
enblethen wrote:
Here in WAshington, it is a law to have them! Yes, officer I have them!
I was asked in Oregon if I had them, but did not have to show them in either state.

Were you stopped and asked? Stopped for another reason and asked?
Inspection point? During a storm?

Just curious.
enblethen
Nomad
Nov 20, 2019
Here in WAshington, it is a law to have them! Yes, officer I have them!
I was asked in Oregon if I had them, but did not have to show them in either state.
specta
Explorer
Nov 20, 2019
enblethen wrote:
The ice lugs are a good choice to where there is packed snow and ice. I haven't used chains in many years.

I haven't used chains in years either and don't plan on using these either.

But.......... ;)
enblethen
Nomad
Nov 19, 2019
The ice lugs are a good choice to where there is packed snow and ice. I haven't used chains in many years.
specta
Explorer
Nov 19, 2019

My new chains arrived today. :B

I've never run chains on a paved road. They've always been for off road use.

I've never had studded snow tires either or even had a set of winter tires on any of my vehicles.

Years ago when one of my daughters was still in the house I bought her 4 studded winter tires because she drove 25 miles to work on the freeway.

I could hear her coming home from a few blocks away. LOL

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