As we are heading into winter here I thought I would check up on the requirements for tacking my camper over the passes in winter. Because I have a 4x4 with M&S tires I figured that I wouldn't have to worry about chains. Was I in for a surprise. The rules are completely different for vehicles over 10,000 lb GVW. If I am reading this right the law requires, for vehicles over 10,000 lb's:- chains on vehicles, both drive axel, if the signs say traction tires required or chains required.- carrying a minimum of two extra sets off chains.- carrying the 2 sets of chains regardless of road conditions from Nov. 1st to April 1st regardless of road conditions if I go over a pass.Chain requirement lawIs this peoples actual experience?

I have a travel trailer and am in Oregon. When chains or traction devices are "required", we have to chain up both the tow vehicle (rear wheels only) and the trailer (any axle). So in the winter, I carry chain chains for the truck and cable chains for the trailer. Have had to use them a couple times and was glad I did. Without a trailer, then the weight limit would apply. If below that weight limit, then snow tires and/or 4x4 would be sufficient.I doubt very many people carry extra sets of chains. Though sometimes I do when winter snow camping as chains on both rear and front four wheels of a 4x4 can really pull.Same here. The carry requirement applies from about November 1 - April 1 (don't keep track of the exact dates, as I put them in plenty early)Steve

Washington will have State Patrol enforcing chain requirements on really bad days.

My 4x4 truck is stickered for 9800 lbs GVW and I carry one set of chains I can use on the front or rear drive axle on the 19.5's. When hauling the trailer, I avoid the passes in the winter but will carry a set of cable chains for it Nov-Apr just in case.

WA chain law also pertains to MHs pulling toads. If the toad has auxilary braking then it must be chained.I have been asked to see if I had chains but never asked to show. In OR, I was going over the Siskiyous and OR State Police was checking everyone. I beleive this was more to space out traffic then actual chain inspection.It is best to wait out the traction devices requirement for cars and chains for over 10,000. When the truckers go with no chains, we go!

SteveAE wrote:I have a travel trailer and am in Oregon. When chains or traction devices are "required", we have to chain up both the tow vehicle (rear wheels only) and the trailer (any axle). So in the winter, I carry chain chains for the truck and cable chains for the trailer. Have had to use them a couple times and was glad I did. Without a trailer, then the weight limit would apply. If below that weight limit, then snow tires and/or 4x4 would be sufficient.I doubt very many people carry extra sets of chains. Though sometimes I do when winter snow camping as chains on both rear and front four wheels of a 4x4 can really pull.Same here. The carry requirement applies from about November 1 - April 1 (don't keep track of the exact dates, as I put them in plenty early)SteveChains on TT braking wheels. not any wheels unless all wheels are braking wheels.

Washington Winter Mountain Pass Chain Requirements

Bedlam
Moderator
Oct 09, 2013
Don't even start about the deicers - I thought i got away from body rot when I left Cleveland. I'd rather let the idiots slide into the snow banks than deal with the recent corrosion on my truck and TC. Can I bill WSDOT for the damage?
Glacier_D
Explorer II
Oct 09, 2013
I can't stand the deicers either, a constant battle with corrosion. I grew up in Massachusetts and remember rock salt all too well. Started using that junk about 8 years ago on White Pass.
path1
Explorer
Oct 09, 2013
What could go wrong with deicers?

"WSDOT thoroughly trains all maintenance work force plus uses the latest technology and equipment. Each winter season, we conduct roadside soil, surface water, or groundwater monitoring at highway system locations. This ongoing effort ranges from academic research projects to less formal “before and after” water sampling and testing.

Most vehicles are made with a protective under coating that helps the vehicle resist damage and corrosion. WSDOT continues to strongly recommend drivers who drive on roads treated with anti-icer wash their vehicles to prevent build-up."
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/anti.htm
Glacier_D
Explorer II
Oct 09, 2013
Most vehicles are made with a protective under coating that helps the vehicle resist damage and corrosion. WSDOT continues to strongly recommend drivers who drive on roads treated with anti-icer wash their vehicles to prevent build-up."

True, however, the exhaust system (truck and camper generator), brakes, camper jacks and other parts are not. I know that corrosion inhibitors are supposedly put into the deicers, but as one of the WSDOT HWY 12 plow drivers told me, "It's corrosion contributors not inhibitors in that stuff"

Oh, and the Elk and Mountain Sheep love the taste of that stuff. If the corrosion doesn't get ya the sheep or Elk will.
Bedlam
Moderator
Oct 09, 2013
I'm actually thinking of giving up skiing after this season due their use of corrosive substances on the roads. They are making the sport too expensive with the damage it causes to my vehicles. If it's a good winter and changes my attitude, I will try to budget in bus transportation for the winter of 2014.
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Oct 10, 2013
2oldman wrote:
brholt wrote:
- carrying a minimum of two extra sets off chains.
I doubt that's enforced.

Two extra sets equal THREE sets!!!! Just how screwed up are these lawmakers?? Someone's brother in law needed a job I guess!!! :R
enblethen
Nomad
Oct 10, 2013
That is two extra chains, not extra sets. This is more based on over the road trucks.
wnjj
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2013
enblethen wrote:
That is two extra chains, not extra sets. This is more based on over the road trucks.

Yep. The laws are terribly outdated and were written when pickup trucks weighed 4000-5000lbs. 10k lbs meant you had a "truck."
stevenal
Nomad II
Oct 11, 2013
Boatycall wrote:
Paragraph A says 4x4 is exempt. But F, G and H all say chains must be required.

I say highest wins. Paragraph "A" says exempt, it wins.

That paragraph is under 1 regarding under 10000.

2 says that every drive axle is chained. So for an over 10000 4X4 you'l need two sets mounted and one spare set.

In Oregon the freeway speed limit for over 10000 GWR is 55, excepting motor homes. Glad mine is 9900.
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Oct 11, 2013
enblethen wrote:
That is two extra chains, not extra sets. This is more based on over the road trucks.

OK, I'm confused. What is 2 extra chains if not a set of chains? Cross links?