Tire chains questions

I live just South of you in Oregon. There are times when they require chains by law. You run them on the outer back rear. Can't say I've ever seen all four chained up but maybe they do. That being said, avoid putting them on unless you can't stay overnight or two. A lot of guys say once you run chains on the RV, the rig is never the same. The intense vibrations loosen up the cabinetry and everything else in the rig. For Oregon, go on the computer to Tripcheck. They have cams all over the passes which also give you the temperature so you know whats going on.

Carrying chains during the Winter is mandatory over some of the passes - you might consider purchasing some from Les Schwab as they allow you to return them in the Spring if you haven't used them.

T18skyguy wrote:
... A lot of guys say once you run chains on the RV, the rig is never the same. The intense vibrations loosen up the cabinetry and everything else in the rig....

I've never had to use chains. I always assumed it would be a temporary, slow speed situation just to get to where I could pull off and wait for the roads to be clear.

Do people actually tow long enough and fast enough that vibration is an issue? (obviously they do, from you post) I think it would be a terrible trip, using chains for any length of time.

Actually, now that I think about it, I am thinking of the chains that I have for my truck just in case we get caught in the snow for late season trips up to Vermont. These are BIG chains, with welded on "V" chunks for added traction. Are people talking about smaller, thinner setups like cable "chains"?

If you are driving any distance, like over a pass, you need real chains not the tire socks or bands that are designed to get you away from the curb but are not for distance driving.

Chains are good for mud and snow driving. I recommend having a set summer and winter so you are ready if you run into muddy roads or snow/ice conditions.

Read and follow carefully the directions about which side to face the tire vs the road surface and do not skip using the rubber tensioner.

We "just" bought a set of cables for our Bigfoot 26Sl. We thought that ice would "likely" be our biggest challenge rather than deep snow. Hence the cables. A little easier to install, less damage "if" they come from "un-together" :( and you can drive a little faster than with chains. We went with Peerless Super Z Light Truck/SUV. We tried them on, easy installation and good fit. Also bought an extra pair of binders....just in case!

We also use them on the front, steering can be as or more important than stopping!!!

When we're using our 5er (as it's often for an off-road hunting situation) we have both cables or heavy chains (deep snow or mud) for the truck and cables for the 5er. We've even used chains on the 5er if in snow or mud and road has some "bad angle" toward a steep downhill, off-road adventure! :W

Our chains/ cables stay in the rigs at all times. They don't take up much room, and are "never" at home when you need them!

Just bite the bullet and buy a set of dually chains. Like someone has already mentioned, if you go to Schwab and by them, return unused ones in the spring for a full refund.

I agree with Todd...chains stay in the TV and in the TT year round. If I'm ready I won't need them!

If you chained just the outside you could drive the inner wheel up onto a block so you could get the outer nice and tight as it would be off the ground. Having chained enough trucks in my time the importance of tensioners cannot be overstated. Also purchase chain repair links, absolutely a must as they do break and then havoc strikes.

I have seen on a number of motor homes including mine a note saying that you cannot use chains. I need to check into this more.

I bought chains for our very first RV trip and used them for about 5 miles only. Heavy vibrations. Not had to use them again.