bobtailing with chains?

I've never bobtailed with chains but I have bobtailed on some very bad roads (but not up any major pass). I don't see why you couldn't run chains on the passes but I'm not real sure how much good they will do on the steeper sections if it's really slick but with today's air-ride systems you should be fine. But I would avoid any major passes if at all possible.

I wouldn't run across Colorado, anyway. But WY is only slightly better and easier given bad weather either way.

 

wyoming might not have the passes I-70 has but at least colorado makes an attempt to plow and what not. wyoming dot is a joke and doesnt do jack squat. Me personally would take 70. also have to take those wyoming winds into consideration.

 

I would run 80, Eisenhower and vail could be s pain bobtail. I'm not sure I would want to bobtail chained up, sounds like a recipes for disaster. With no weight or trailer for that matter I would think you would be more apt to have traction problems with chains on. Less surface area on the ground sounds like a bad idea. I'm no expert on chaining though as I have only chained a dozen times maybe.

 

As long as you remember this; bobtails do NOT work on ice or snow! PERIOD! Chains or no chains. There is not enough weight on the drives to get traction, or stop!
Jack

 

well, now that everyone who DOESN'T live in Colorado has chimed in. By law, as discussed ad nauseum, your required to carry chains in Colorado.

First off, weather across 70 through Colo. is supposed to be decent this week, no snow called for but cold temps at higher elevations, chance of rain. If in doubt, call 303-639-1111 once you get into Colorado for the road report. If your in doubt, you can PM me and I'll send you my cell and you can text me for updates, I'll be playing in the Mtn's most of this next week.

Yes, bobtailing while chained is PITA, myself and most container haulers in this area, spend half our day running bobtail from drop/hooks to the rail or depot. Winter '06/'07, back to back blizzards, over 5 ft of snow from two storms. I spent 3 days chained up and two of those days I never left the metro area, you go slow and pay attention, anticipate stops, anticipate starts, gentle on the throttle, NO JAKES/ENGINE BRAKES, gentle on the brakes.

Last winter, co-worker in one of our daycabs made 5 trips Denver to Vail and back, loaded headed over, bobtail coming back. He had never chained until the first day, learned quickly and learned quickly what I said above. It can be done, and it can be done safely, you jus thave to pay attention.

In '98, I bobtailed from Houston to Denver via DFW during the Christmas ice storm. It was hilarious listening to all the empty's whining about not having any weight and all I had was full tanks and brass balls. Made it through without a single scratch, although 20 miles north of Ft. Worth, grandpa in a caddy almost took me out. Sign said "ICE ON BRIDGE", he stopped in the middle of my lane. I hit the brakes and did a 180 that parked me on the shoulder facing the wrong direction. Don't know about the bridge, but the road was icey in spots.

 

I have a different take...
All those hesitant to run in CO this winter.....Run S/O 40.........
The rest of us who look at at this as "Just another day at the office....With chains"....Appreciate you staying with the rest of the Snowbirds in the warmer climes......

 

Wow I better stop bobtailing then !!! I have bobtailed all over in all kinds of snow . So how does one get from point A to point B after you drop in Fargo and pick up in Omaha in the snow ?

I will admit that you do have to leave more room and slow down. At least If you do lose it and hit the ditch you don't have to worry about the trailer coming around and getting you ......LOL

When it comes to ice nobody is safe and I shut down no matter what I am pulling . Pulling empty wagons is no pick nick in the snow wind and ice . I still think i would rather bobtail but it just don't pay enough !!!

 

it'd be better if they would stay home and hide under the covers holding their teddy bear.