Need to bring my snow tires -- how?

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Frank B

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Joined
Apr 23, 2005
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Location
Calgary, Alberta
I just bought a new set of Nokian studded snow tires for our 06 1 ton GMC truck.  We are planning a trip from Western Canada down through the Western States, some 7 to 8K kilometres total.  Once we get out of the snow line, we'll be on dry roads most of the time.  However, we have to come through the mountains to get to the Oregon coast, and I don't want to do that on summer tires with our small 5th on.

I'd like to take two sets of tires, which I have on rims, and change them once we get out of the snow.  However, these are 265/75R 16 tires, and they are big and heavy, being just over 31" in diameter.  I have some room in the box, but not enough for 4 of them long with with the aluminum chest that is already there.

I had thought about a roof rack, but can only find single-tire mounts, most of which are made for SUV's that already have factory roof rack rails built into the roof.  Our crew cab truck does not, and it doesn't have 'drip rails' either, to which older accessory roof racks easily attached, and which would carry a lot of weight.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Frank.
 
What time of year?  Oregon and Washington states do allow studded tires up till about April 1 so you could leave them on.  But from my experiences studded tires are pretty much useless except on snow/ice covered roads.  Instead how about a set of tire chains for the now portion of your travel and stow them once you get far enough south?
 
Frank,

Are you towing?  If so you will need chains for the trailer/5er or ????

My advice is to hole up if chins are required and go when the road is clear.  The interstates a usually only need chains for a few hours or maybe a day in a bad storm so you can get through without using chains.

Chains should only be used if you really, really have to go through. My opinion!!

There are very good reasons for not using chains because if you break a link, easy to do, you will damage the truck/trailer and it will probably require extensive body work, lots of dollars, to repair.

I do not own or use chains.  IF they are required, I find a hotel/motel/RV Park and stay till they are not.  I have been caught once in over 60 years of driving and that was at Medford OR when the pass required chains.  It was open the next day and we went over with no problems.

Depending on your route some of the states may require chains to be carried.  I have never heard of anyone being challenged unless chains were required.  If we ever meet up ask about my brother and the CHP with regard to chains and not using them.  Long story, short punch line, he beat the ticket!!
 
This is a very timely discussion for us.  We are in Portland, OR and will be headed back to TX in a few weeks. 

My personal preference is not to travel if chains are required, but my understanding is that it's state law to carry them.

So my dilemma is - do I buy them and chance not needing them?
 
Phil Hyde said:
This is a very timely discussion for us.  We are in Portland, OR and will be headed back to TX in a few weeks. 

My personal preference is not to travel if chains are required, but my understanding is that it's state law to carry them.

So my dilemma is - do I buy them and chance not needing them?

Phil, you have to remember, at least in Oregon and i believe CA that if chains are required drag chains also must be installed on the trailer.  so it is not just one set of chains, it is two.  Personally i would plan my trip south for decent weather in the Siskiyous and go for it.  In reality if you are heading south on I5 you only have about 150 miles  between Myrtle creek and redding to worry about then it is dry roads.
 
donn said:
Phil, you have to remember, at least in Oregon and i believe CA that if chains are required drag chains also must be installed on the trailer.  so it is not just one set of chains, it is two.  Personally i would plan my trip south for decent weather in the Siskiyous and go for it.  In reality if you are heading south on I5 you only have about 150 miles  between Myrtle creek and redding to worry about then it is dry roads.

Yes, I had already planned to purchase chains for the RV as well.

We are in agreement as to the plan going South.
 
Phil
Did you ever fix your landing gear?

Let me know if you want to see my setup while your local.
Don
 
donn said:
Phil, you have to remember, at least in Oregon and i believe CA that if chains are required drag chains also must be installed on the trailer.  so it is not just one set of chains, it is two.  Personally i would plan my trip south for decent weather in the Siskiyous and go for it.  In reality if you are heading south on I5 you only have about 150 miles  between Myrtle creek and redding to worry about then it is dry roads.

Yes, they are required on the trailer in Calif. if you're in a chain restriction area, as well as the tow vehicle.

For close space between tire and fender (such as trailers and 5th wheels), the Super Z-8 is a good choice.....  http://www.scc-chain.com/tire-chain-finder/traction-product-choices/super-z8/
 
Thank you for the product recommendation.  That is a concern, as clearance is low on my fender skirts.

And just to clarify, the law is to carry them and use them if required, correct?  I am guessing you don't have to run through the passes with them installed at all times...
 
In Calif. you only have to put them on if you see the sign "chains required".  But on I-5 or I-80 you can usually wait a few hours or the next day and the signs will be down.  That's usually while it's snowing.

I-80 is clear today (and yesterday).
 
When are you leaving and when will you be back?

Since Studded Snow Tires were invented , in the late 60's, all of our cars and light trucks have been fitted with Studded Tires on all wheels every Fall through Spring. We have traveled all of the western states, pulling our 5th Wheel RV's, plus Ranch Trailers, with and without trailers hitched to our trucks, (without trailers when driving the cars) in every state west of Iowa and Missouri. South to Texas and Arizona and West to Oregon and California, since the 1960's with studded tires in winter. We have never had a problem in any stiate since we are licensed in Colorado. We take the Studded tires off our vehicles in Spring, usually in late April.
 
Jim, and others:

Chains should only be used if you really, really have to go through. My opinion!!

My sentiments exactly.

I drive with studded winter tires for less serious situations, like compact snow on an otherwise plowed road.  I don't take chances with 'all season' tires, and I don't travel when one shouldn't travel.  However, I do carry chains for the truck -- cable chains -- just to be legal.  I don't ever intend to use them.  I'll park and wait it out first.  The trailer is winterized, and we've been out in -29 C with it with no problems, and I've got 4 or 5 days worth of battery power, even with the furnace running.

I'm not concerned about the legality of studded winter tires.  AFAIK, they are legal everywhere we will be going, including Arizona.  I just need these tires for day to day use where we live, and I don't want to beat them up on warm, dry roads in the Southern US.  Snow tires use softer rubber, and wear rapidly on warm pavement.

I decided to forgo the aluminum toolbox, and I strapped the summer tires (on rims) in the front of the box.  By carefully deciding what we need, and what we don't need, I've managed to get it all in the box.  (I swore after I sold my one and only short box truck that I'd never have one again.  Now I remember why.  :) )  Once we get south of the snow line, I'll have the tires swapped, then do the same when we head back North.

Thanks, all, for your suggestions and comments.

Frank.

edit: fixed quote formatting - LS
 
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