Tire Chains Question

[TCdude]

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!

[BarryG20]

Yes chains are allowed and required at certain times.

Straight from the CDOT site

During an active Traction Law (also known as a Code 15), motorists must have either snow tires, tires with the mud/snow (M+S) designation, or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle. All tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread. You can also install chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock) to be in compliance with the law if your tires aren't adequate.

Find out if your tires meet the minimum one-eighth inch tread requirement by taking the Quarter Test.
Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16)
During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement a Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (also known as a Code 16). This is the final safety measure before the highway is closed.

When the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is in effect, every vehicle on the roadway must have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).

Now I have lived here for well over 25 years and I believe the code 16 has only been around a few years but I have yet to hear of it being implemented as they usually close the road by that time. They do use code 15 regularily in bad weather.

[eichacsj]

Ditto on not buying cheap or light duty chains. I bought from here

I lived in Colorado, Bailey and bought my chains there and used them, though I went off road. For my rig I got the heavy duty. You might get by with the medium duty, but if you off road I recommend the heavy duty.

[burningman]

Whatever type you get, get A LOT of the circular black rubber bungee tensioners.
Chains can work loose and be a real pain to get tight (cam locks are best) plus links can break. With the rubber tensioners you can tie up the broken ones and keep the chains tight.
Otherwise you will trash your fenders.

[d3500ram]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
don't bother with lightweight chains. ... a good solid set of cam loc chains, .... Also carry some heavy duty zip ties or wire to secure any loose links at the chain ends

Dittos on that! A good quality set and the cam adjusters are an absolute must in my opinion. With the cam adjusters, bungee tensioners and zip-ties one should be in good shape to g

[d3500ram]

Buzzcut1 wrote:
don't bother with lightweight chains. ... a good solid set of cam loc chains, .... Also carry some heavy duty zip ties or wire to secure any loose links at the chain ends

Dittos on that! A good quality set and the cam adjusters are an absolute must in my opinion. With the cam adjusters, bungee tensioners and zip-ties one should be in good shape to get a good snug fit.

[AJBert]

Numerous times throughout the winter many passes require snow traction devices when the weather is not the best. This is for all vehicles depending on conditions. If the weather gets bad enough they close the passes.

I have chains for my Blazer and cables for the wife's Monte Carlo. Been thinking of getting cables for the TT just in case I ever have to pull it when the roads are snow packed/icy.

And highly agree with the above post of doing the test fitting long before you need to use them!

[Buzzcut1]

don't bother with lightweight chains. the weight of the truck and TC will chew them apart if you need to go any distance. a good solid set of cam loc chains, Bar are nice but even a standard heavy duty chain will do. Also carry some heavy duty zip ties or wire to secure any loose links at the chain ends

[ejfranz]

I hope you have winter tires to start with.
I know some areas are fine with M/S tires, but a true winter tire has way more traction.
Chains are cheap insurance. I've used my v-bar chains a couple of times.

[d3500ram]

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!

[Dave_Pete]

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.

[bcguy2]

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]

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]

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