4x4's & Chains

lol duratracs n 4x4.... yeah you aint even gonna come close to needing chains. Hell i was up in mammoth in just after thanks giving... roads all sorts of icy and snowy.... i had my dirbike in the back and never needed 4x4 and im only on hankook dynapro atm rf10's which are probably less traction than duratracs.

BUT like stated in chain control areas you are LEGALLY REQUIRED to have chains regardless if you need them or not.

 

For snow use you could most likely find a set of the Cable chains that would work on the front. I used to have a set of "chains" that were nylon type straps with plastic cross links that had a few studs in each cross link. Used them on an ifs fwd Tercel and they worked great. Idea was that if they broke they wouldn't trash the suspension. As to being asked to see my chains, hasn't happened in 40 years of living in the mountains. Though the chain control guy on echo summit last night asked to see that I was in 4wd (checked the light) which was a first. Then again, I have triple peak rated snow tires on all 3 of my vehicles. Did see a Taco heading Tahoe way who was chained up with good old steel link type chains on all four! When it comes to icy stuff...even the dedicated winter tires aren't as good as chains or studded tires.

 

Totally false info. I have lived in big bear for 20 years plus. And there has been numerous times that 4x4 with chains is required by cal trans/chp. The roads do not close. Only time roads are closed is because of people without chains on crashing when they are required. We just had snow storm and part of the 18 was closed due to multiple accidents, including 4x4 jeeps and trucks that did not have there chains on and slid out on ice. R3 conditions...Chains required on ALL vehicles.

 

You only are required to carry chains if snow conditions exist

 

Anybody used those zip tie chains for the front?

 

I didn't know what that meant so had to look it up. Holy crap there are some wacky traction aids out there. The Tire Grip Black Ice Protection spray was my favorite. Don't know why I've been crawling around under my truck trying to find a way to fit front chains. Just spritz 'em!

 

I think the tire sock was mine!

 

I ran 4 chains on my last truck (Nissan) fairly often when wheeling in the winter. When I bought this one, I was rather motivated to make it work. With my current setup (skinny 33s, 4x4, 2.5" lift, no locker...), I go places without chains that I used to need all 4. I do carry v bar chains and have needed to used them several times. If I find myself in a spot where I need all 4, then it's time to winch the truck around and head back from whence I came. YMMV

Aired way down with chains on rear is extremely capable, even without lockers.

 

Why have my chains been on about 6 times so far this year then? Depends where a guy wants to go, and come back from. LOL. Yup, last weekend I was laughing where two other trucks tried to follow me - and failed miserably. The road was steep there, but not more than 4" of snow. New 'tracs this year - second set.

 

whaaat, not every road is shut down when chains are needed. on the news just now some roads in utah hit with snow are requiring chains. otherwise you should not be driving those roads.

 

Chains work great in mud.

 

Im saying for the spots the person i quoted wanted to go... the roads are going to be plowed n nice... duratracs n 4x4 shall be good. But like i have stated its ALWAYS good to have chains as a backup. Rather have em and not need em then need em and not have them.

 

re-read my post..... here in so cal, every time i have seen a main road get to chains AND 4x4 required conditions they just shut the road down.... cus no one knows how to drive in these conditions here.

 

Only ever had this happen once and it was awesome. Me and two other trucks doing 15 miles an hour in the middle of the road for several hours. Most the time they just close the road which sucks.

 

Looks legit.

 

Gotcha - and I agree - worse case scenario is the chains are an extra 40 lbs of weight, which wont hurt either.

 

The RUD Grip are good chains. https://tirechaindealer.com/0160.html

Stationary install, easy install, don't need auxiliary tensioners. Rear only, too thick I think for the front.

 

Let me know how that goes. I'm planing on heading up there in a few weeks. I heared they are pretty strict about chains in the park. Where are you staying?

 

Will do! I am staying at the Yosemite View Lodge (13 miles outside of the park). It was either that or "camping" in one of the canvas tents at Curry Village. The GF didn't want to deal with an unheated tent. Glad it's the low season or I would have had to pay 5X as much-that is, if I could even book a room only 2 weeks in advance.

 

Those tents with the wood floors are fine if you like mice! They also get mighty cold in the winter. I believe you made the wise choice.