Stupid question but could be a factor...

Never chained a day in my life. I don't see the purpose of so much work for short term gain because you'll have to unchain once you get over the mountain or mountains. Be mindful of weather conditions when trip planning. We have weather apps now so then you can think about a parking spot before it gets dangerous

 

The reason most drivers can get by without putting on chains is communications is much better. I can remember a time when you had no idea what to expect until you got there. I'm not crying over those days. I am glad that the states do a much better job of getting the word out. However I still contend that a driver that does a lot of western runs in the winter know how to chain up.

 

Better stay away from the bush. Chain up/chain off several times a day.

 

Winner.

 

I only drive in the western US, and I've never chained up using manual chains. I worked for an outfit for 6 months that used auto chains and they were sweet, but now I just shut down until chain restrictions are lifted. The way I look at it, I can spend a couple hours chaining and unchaining to drive a 20 mile stretch going 25 MPH, or I can park for a couple hours not using my drive hours and wait for restrictions to be lifted, and go the same 20 miles at the speed limit. It's a no brainer. I always carry them, but never use them. Many of the large carriers are not requiring their drivers to chain up any more. It greatly increases liability and worker's comp claims from injuries.

 

I'm a sissy , I've only chained once about 23years ago.

 

We used to run 80 through Donner a LOT and all across 90. Chain laws can vary by region and weather severity. On Donner sometimes 4 chains were required, sometimes 6. During times when the weather is worse they'll even stop and check that you're chained correctly before letting you pass.

 

I've chained tires exactly ONCE in my career. And that was to run a lease road hauling pipe for the PA gas fields.

But I stick to the Great Lakes region. If gets icy enough to run chains, my happy butt is PARKED! Too many other idiots out there to deal with.

 

OP....Where is it that people are chaining up for snow in the summer? I think somebody is telling you a truck driver story.
We run the Sierras, the Siskiyous, the Coast Range and a bunch of others and I've never chained in the summer.
I've chained up off road for mud in the early part of Spring...that's always a real treat. But summertime? Nope.
We run chains when the weather requires it. We're local/regional and if we didn't chain and go we wouldn't get much done. We spend a lot of time off-road and sometimes the guys will chain half a dozen times a day.
We appreciate all the guys that don't chain up. If a company or a driver isn't comfortable in that kind of situation it's better that they wait it out. It makes it just that much less crowded for us dummies out there slogging through the white-outs. I wish there were more outfits that didn't chain.
OP...if you're worried about chaining, get with an company that doesn't make you do that. You'll still have to carry chains in some of the western states and you should know how to use them in an emergency but a lot of guys go their whole career and never hang iron.

 

That's correct.
I never chained up in 25 years and that's running 48 states. I did carry them though, as required.