Forum Discussion

CarnationSailor's avatar
CarnationSailor
Nomad
Aug 19, 2018

Satisfying Oregon's Snow Zone Laws

I will be towing our 5th-wheel south from the Seattle area at the end of December to snowbird in the Palm Springs area. I plan on taking I-5 thru the Siskiyou Mountains in southern Oregon, and I know that it will be designated as a "Snow Zone" beginning on October 1st. As such, I will be required to carry "chains".

First of all, there is no way I will tow thru the Siskiyou Mountains unless I-5 is completely clear of snow. If there is snow on the road, I will take 101 along the coast. I am just looking for the cheapest way of satisfying the law by having "chains" in the truck.

According to the Oregon DOT website, "chains" is somewhat of a generic term. I quote, "First, remember that "chains" can be links, cable chains, or other devices that attach to the wheel, vehicle or outside of the tire that is specifically designed to increase traction in snow and ice."

Since my Silverado owner's manual states not to use chains on the tire size I have, I am considering buying two sets (one for the truck and one for the trailer) of "snow socks" such as "AutoSocks". They are about $100 per set, and in the extremely remote situation that I might actually need a traction device, they are compatible with my truck and trailer.

So, my question is: Does anyone know of a lower cost alternative for keeping the Oregon DOT happy?
Seeking Advice
  • souraider's avatar
    souraider
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2018
    If you're not in a rush just choose a non stormy day to cross the Siskiyou summit. If there is not an active storm the pass is always clear. The Oregon section of the Siskiyou pass is only about 20 miles...then you are in California. There are no ODOT vehicle checks regarding chains (unless during an active storm). Just travel on a non storm day and you will pass no problem. Once you get to Redding you will be out of potential snow zone.
  • NMDriver2's avatar
    NMDriver2
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2018
    link

    $16 I suspect these are useless in a real situation but are cheap and meet the requirement.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2018
    Consider buying your chains from Les Schwab - if you don't use them you can return them for full refund. Worth a phone call - think you have to keep them a number of months b4 they allow you to return but it's still an inexpensive alternative.
  • CarnationSailor's avatar
    CarnationSailor
    Nomad
    Aug 19, 2018
    souraider wrote:
    If you're not in a rush just choose a non stormy day to cross the Siskiyou summit. If there is not an active storm the pass is always clear. The Oregon section of the Siskiyou pass is only about 20 miles...then you are in California. There are no ODOT vehicle checks regarding chains (unless during an active storm). Just travel on a non storm day and you will pass no problem. Once you get to Redding you will be out of potential snow zone.


    I will travel on a non-storm day. I doubted there would be checks on a non-storm day, but wondered if I was stopped for some other reason (violation, mechanical problem, etc,) if they would ask if I had chains. I suppose it is low risk and the fine ($190) is about the same as the cost of the snow socks.
  • CarnationSailor's avatar
    CarnationSailor
    Nomad
    Aug 19, 2018
    ksg5000 wrote:
    Consider buying your chains from Les Schwab - if you don't use them you can return them for full refund. Worth a phone call - think you have to keep them a number of months b4 they allow you to return but it's still an inexpensive alternative.


    Yes, I thought about Les Schwab and actually have a set of chains from them for our sedan. I really don't want to deal with the weight and space required to carry 2 sets of real chains, and the Les Schwab website doesn't say anything about selling snow socks. I'll call them in the morning. Thanks.
  • T18skyguy's avatar
    T18skyguy
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2018
    When they nail you is if your the guy without chains blocking the traffic behind you, otherwise they usually have better things to do. Before you go, use the passcam site Tripcheck.com You can see all the summits and the temperature also. I time it to go between storms. No ice or snow for me.
  • PawPaw_n_Gram's avatar
    PawPaw_n_Gram
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2018
    A couple years ago, I bought a set for my truck at Auto Zone in Eureka, CA.

    Returned them a month later to an Auto Zone in Portland area, OR. Got a complete refund for the unused chains.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2018
    If you dont want to deal with them, drive down 101 all the way to at least Ukiah and cut over to I5.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Aug 20, 2018
    ksg5000 wrote:
    Consider buying your chains from Les Schwab - if you don't use them you can return them for full refund. Worth a phone call - think you have to keep them a number of months b4 they allow you to return but it's still an inexpensive alternative.


    x2. and while my denali manual says no chains on the tires I have it is beyond me why chains wouldn't work on the rear if needed. And I did get a set of HD chains from Les for the denali and a few years ago I did need to use them even with 4wd (no trailer) no problems.

    ODOT normally won't check for chains in decent weather. there are times they will either check or not even let you proceed w/o chains especially when towing. But the weather needs to be pretty extreme, weather where you would normally decide not to proceed.

    Hint. In the winter we plan on being able to hit Canyonville (7 Feathers casino) before dark, stay at the RV park cheap for the night then go over the pass in the daylight after any bad weather clears.

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