How to know if you need chains.

The rule in Washington state is that if "Traction Tires" are required for cars, chains are required for trucks weighing over 10,000lbs GVWR. Now I have neither the time nor inclination to learn 50 different sets of rules, so unless I see a sign stating otherwise, that's the one I use.

 

I guess I’ll add “ability to predict the future” to the truck driver skill set. By the time you need to put chains on, you probably should already have them on. Let’s also remember that “chains are required by law” and “I should have chained up” are not always the same thing.

Traction tires advised and traction tires required are two separate warnings in WA. Last time I went over Snoqualmie, the traction tires advised sign was lit at the 34. Chain law wasn’t in effect until the 45, but guys were freaking out and chaining at the 34. Some of them were hanging iron in the middle lane of the interstate, just to run on bare, wet roads for the next 12 miles.

 

when forward momentum stops you need chains

 

Well, actually you needed them right before………

 

I thought I saw a chains required sign on I75 between Ocala and Tampa today?
But I was mistaken.

 

i only ever chained up once because they said you needed it to get up Nevada Gulch road to Wharf mine in Lead SD. loaded at 79k couldn't even get up with chains the first day, as soon as the chains went under the tire it broke what little traction and momentum u had and just started spinning and bouncing going backwards and sideways, even with inter axle dif locked in 1st gear at idle chains didn't work cause road was pavement underneath, nothing to bite into.

next day same weather/conditions 1st gear dif locked on rubber and let traction control do its thing as wheel slip dances around from hub to hub, crawled all the way up no chains. thought I'd at least try since I'm the only one with chains sitting there bouncing around going sideways and nowhere getting passed by loaded tankers on a 45 degree slope with no chains on just crawling up in 2nd like it's a school zone