Heading out to Colorado (Vail, Breckenridge, and copper) for a snowboarding trip in about 2 weeks for 10 days and was wondering if I should pick up Tire Chains? Do I need them (2WD DRW truck - 4K camper)? are they legal there? as they are not legal in MN. What is a good brand to pickup or what do you use? Any tips I should know since I've never used them?Thanks for your time!

I have a set of V-bar chains. I never leave home without them.A phone call to Colorado's State Patrol could answer your other questions.(303) 639-1111

Everything you need to know - Colorado State Patrol - Chain Law InformationI don't tow my TT up here during the winter. I do have a set of chains in my truck, sort of a pass in the event I am asked if I have them but that has never happened. Those chains have never touched pavement.Do standard cars/trucks use chains here? I think I've seen it once or twice. Most use winter traction tires or studs. But, be prepared. Vail Pass is supposed to be getting 1-2 feet of snow right now. This is not abnormal.Be safe and check ahead - Colorado CoTrip.org - Interactive Road Conditions

I use winter tires that are studded and carry a set of chains...that's just me! I think that for you a set of chains would be cheep insurance. Its better to have them and not use them then to need them and not have them. Oh yea, a shovel too.

Only tip is this. Once you get them, put them on in good weather for the experience. Like pitching a new tent in your backyard before you get to the campsite at midnight in the rain.

Yes, chain are definitely allowed up here... it is a requirement to carry them on commercial vehicles. I will let you decipher the "legals" but "generally" the requirement for chains are for commercial vehicles. Realistically will you need them? Probably not, but I am not saying don't get chains. If you had a SRW the need is even less because of more weight force on a singe tire instead of spreading it over two. Many times I have gotten around more than just fine with my camper on in 2WD with no trouble at all. I do have good deep lug MS tires though. The weight of the camper is a huge advantage over unladen pick-up alone. If it were truck alone, then 4WD or chains in nasty condition is almost a must.For peace of mind, it would be prudent to grab a pair. Check out TireChains.com for a good varied selection of types for almost all tires. Good info in the FAQ section.HERE is some good law information as well as Colorado specific information.I think you will be fine, but that is only my opinion. I have never chained up only my rear axle and very rarely have I needed to chain all four- those were off road in 2+ feet with the weight of the camper... weight is a huge advantage. We are used to the snow up here and as mentioned a storm with many inches is coming down now. Municipalities and CDOT need to do a decent job of clearing roads to get your skier money coming in. Best advice I can give is be smart about winter travel. If you can wait out the road condition until they are clear is perhaps best... easy to do with your own "hotel room" on the back (I have done it many times.)Enjoy your visit out here!

Tire Chains Question | Good Sam Community

bcguy2
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
I use winter tires that are studded and carry a set of chains...that's just me! I think that for you a set of chains would be cheep insurance. Its better to have them and not use them then to need them and not have them. Oh yea, a shovel too.
RedRocket204
Explorer
Feb 07, 2017
Everything you need to know - Colorado State Patrol - Chain Law Information

I don't tow my TT up here during the winter. I do have a set of chains in my truck, sort of a pass in the event I am asked if I have them but that has never happened. Those chains have never touched pavement.

Do standard cars/trucks use chains here? I think I've seen it once or twice. Most use winter traction tires or studs. But, be prepared. Vail Pass is supposed to be getting 1-2 feet of snow right now. This is not abnormal.

Be safe and check ahead - Colorado CoTrip.org - Interactive Road Conditions
Rubiranch
Explorer
Feb 07, 2017
I have a set of V-bar chains. I never leave home without them.

A phone call to Colorado's State Patrol could answer your other questions.

(303) 639-1111

Forum Discussion

Tire Chains Question

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Tire chains questions

Safety Chains

Safety Chains Andersen Hitch

Chain hanger-gadget

Tire questions