Tire Chain Selection

[alexh]

It seems they have changed the rules - in CA they now require 4WD with snow tires to carry chains (or perhaps they always did but never checked). I got asked if I had any and I lied and said I did. If I did get stuck I probably would have paid a fine.

While I have never seen an R-4 road condition I figure if I have to carry chains I might as well get some that work off road also. I found this site and the only chains that seem to work well are 2 link style chains -

http://tirechain.com/Truck-Tire-Chain-Rating.htm

However, if you look at their truck chain page they don't really show a chain called a 2-link.

http://tirechain.com/16INCHTRUCKCHAINS.HTM

I serched 2-link and I think it refers to the spacing of the laterals - standard is 4 link spacing. Of course price goes up very fast with 2-link.

What do you guys think? What's a good choice of chain for an expedition vehicle or is it something I'll probably never need?

Thanks

[RedRunnertc]

Get vbar style. Something to really consider leaving home though, as they take up quite a bit of space, they're heavy, and they're a "unitasker" (in the words of Alton Brown)

[gsmsnuffy]

http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm

[alexh]

Get vbar style. Something to really consider leaving home though, as they take up quite a bit of space, they're heavy, and they're a "unitasker" (in the words of Alton Brown)

Agreed - in CO do they they ask/check if you're carrying chains with a 4WD vehicle?

In CA I think it's a case of more and more regulation that doesn't really make sense. My parents lived in lake Tahoe for 10 years and they told me they never saw a an R-4 requirement. Generally they would close the road before issuing an R-4.

Perhaps it migt be better to just get a pair of cheap cable chains in case they actually ask to see them. I think it's highly unlikely that would actually ask to see them anyhow.

If you got stuck on the highway and they had to rescue you they would certainly come down on you for not having chains but nobody on this forum would ever get stuck on the highway, right?;)

[Topper]

agree - V-Bars

Don't worry about the weight, just think of it as an extra sand bag.

Don't forget tensioners, or some short black rubber bunggies.

5-10 minutes a tire is all it takes and you are good to go.

[Shelberford]

Do you have Les Schwab tire stores in your area?

You can buy the chains there and if you don't use them they can be returned in the spring for a full refund. They will also take exchanges if the chains are unused no matter how long you have had them. This is especially helpful if you change rigs or tire sizes. In 10 years of living in Oregon I have had 4 sets of chains (un-used) that I have traded in on different sizes. Plus any price difference bettween what I paid and what the new ones cost.