The winter is almost here---Chaining Tips

[Admin]

Chaining Tips

Check your vehicle operator's manual for the right type and size of chains to use.
ensure chains are the proper size, and don't deflate tires.

Carry extra chains. Washington's chain law requires vehicles over 10,000 pounds CVWR to carry a minimum of two extra chains for use in case
road conditions require extra chains or if chains are broken in use.

Practice installing your chains before you leave home, not on the side of the road when you need them.

Make sure you have the right winter clothing and gear for putting on chains in the snow.

Don't wait until you loose control before chaining up your vehicle.

Pull over to a safe, level area to install or remove chains, as far from traffic as possible.
Don't lie with your legs pointed toward the travel lane to install or remove chains.

After you have installed your chains, drive for a short distance and then stop in a safe place to retighten them.

Pull over and stop immediately if a chain fails or comes loose.

Slow downwhen driving with chains. The state may have a speed limit of 25 or 30 mph when using chains.

Keep in mind that carrying chains can add a lot of weight. Chains for an average tire can weigh more than 50 pounds per
pair for singles and more than 90 pounds per pair of duals.

Be prepared at any time for pass conditions to change.

Allow plenty of time to get to your destination in winter month.


You all stay safe :)

Maybe some other members have information or experience using different brands of snow chains. ;)

[scubadiver]

Also check with your company what their chaining policy is. The company I work for is a RV dealership is if its bad enough to chain up park it. Some companies have a similar policy.

[SUNSHINE]

Don"t do chains. If I need chains, I don't need to be out there. For some reason the Northwest disappears from my map when chain season starts.

I do carry them in my sidebox cuz certain states say I must have chains on my truckor $$$$$$.

[Uturn2001]

It is a good idea for anyone who runs in any of the western mountainous states to know how to chain, even if they have a personal or company policy to park it if chains are needed. You never know when you might get caught in a situation where you will need to throw some iron to get to a safe place to park it.

[tahoetr]

my co. has a no chain policy. And i make sure i'm not going to get caught in the mtns. One or two days out, i'm looking at noaa.gov at the weather. I'm making phone calls to freinds/ family in the area, and i'm online to that state's website looking at the road report.
I have been in Reno , telling dispatch that the chain law is in effect over Donner, they all but call me a lier, so i send them the caltrans website addy, the cal trans rod report #. And they shut up. Just ell me to rol safely when i can.

[scubadiver]

Good point UT, but to reduce the chance of that happening is to listen to the radio. Also watch the weather, Mother Nature quite often will give hints, if one pays attention. Out west here the Mtns usually cloud up first and passes will get hit first.

[Big_Dave]

A CB with Weather Bands is a good idea to have or a NOAA Weather Radio receiver (one that does NOT receive Law enforcement channels).

I had a Bearcat BCT7 in my truck when I ran OTR. They are illegal to have in a CMV in some states, so make sure that you check the laws out for the states you run in. When the MNSP DOT cop searched my truck and came out holding my scanner in his hand, it cost me a ticket to the tune of $295 (if I remember correctly).

Scanner & Radar Detector Laws (http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/)

[TotallyTwisted]

CHAINS............Just Say NO! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[maxmiddle]

An old timer once gave me some good advice on chains.

"You use the chains to get OUT of trouble, not to get INTO trouble"!

In other words, chain up if you must, to get to a safe place, and then WAIT IT OUT!!!!!!!

I do not have chains, will not have chains, and will not go where they are mandantory. I am an O/O so I can do that.