CHAINING...are you ready?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by otherhalftw, Oct 22, 2011.

  1. Working Class Patriot

    Working Class Patriot Road Train Member

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    How does a Canuck run in Canada without chains?....I was under the impression they were government issued upon the birth of every Canuck......:biggrin_2559:
     
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  3. Bumpy

    Bumpy Road Train Member

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    Along with birth control pills so that doesn't happen again.:biggrin_2556: j/k :biggrin_2559:
     
  4. alex6999

    alex6999 Light Load Member

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    only BC requring chains
     
  5. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    As far as chain tickets in CA it's kind of up to the cop, don't be jerk and you will probably be ok, and yes they are required after thanksgiving here in Ca. They only enforce it in snow areas, but they can.

    Chaining up is no big deal do it several ties a season. 3 railers on the drives and duals for the trailers.
     
  6. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    This is not true in CA. The law only states you must have them when chain law is posted.

    http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/ops-guide/chains.html#dates

     
  7. otherhalftw

    otherhalftw R.I.P.

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    Be careful how you interpret any CA ordinance...things are different (not always agreed upon) between CalTrans, CA-DOT, and the genius writing the rules/legislation. Also, before posting a link to a "rule or ordinance"...check the revision date...the one you posted is out of date:

    Here is an excellent example of the miscommunication between CA-DOT and CalTrans:
    This is directly copy/pasted from your link...one big problem!!!! In August of 2010, the "Maximum Chain Application" was discarded and the "Modified Max" configuration was put in place....single chain on each outside drive tire, inside tires no longer require a chain...drag chains stayed the same. Please note, there is no mention of the "Minimum Application", along with this, the PDF link in that page shows the tires requiring chains (shaded) only with Maximum Application noted, just like the cards they hand out at the "check points"...no mention of the "application level" being required for that time. The Modified Max was tested winter of 2009, results were dramatically accepted, trucks took less time chaining up, fewer chains were "tossed" requiring cleanup, and less "feed back" from drivers about chaining and the extreme requirements.

    As to the "signs" stating exceptions for requiring chains...these signs with that kind of information have never been present or placed in any "chain zone" in the state. Also, if you get the chance to watch and read the signs along I-80, you will see the first "chain zone" sign, stating the CVC # about 1/2 mile East of (above) Colfax, another is just before the Crystal Springs ramp, and two more as you continue up I-80 (east bound) before Kingvale.

    As to the dates when "chains in possession within a chain zone"...like many other States, November thru March....true there are no dates, but "months" equate to the same when talking in "legal circles". Before you start trying to "nit-pick" Powder Joints, be aware he has 30 years of driving in a Professional capacity here in CA, my 19 years gives me some credit, but I don't recall winning an argument/discussion against PJ! He knows his stuff!!!
     
  8. Mrh2008

    Mrh2008 Road Train Member

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    Anyone know how donner pass is tonight? Saw the temp is at 5 degrees. Deliver in sparks in the morning. Coming from Sacramento.
     
  9. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

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    Easy there otter, you don't have to pull the years card. I know both of you have A LOT of experience, and in that area. I knew well before this thread both of you guys have much more experience than I do. I still question this information though.

    After scouring DOT, the 2012 Vehicle Code and the CHP website there is not one thing that even hints you must carry chains between November and March. The closest thing has to do with studded tires, which it states they are allowed between Nov 1st and April 30th. If there are snowy conditions, regardless of chain laws being in effect or not, you must have chains. Everything mentions either snowy conditions or chain control in effect, not merely being in a chain zone. It is mentioned in multiple sources that they can screen trucks for chains just prior or during inclement weather even if chain control has not been implemented yet. No dates mentioned there again.

    It's hard for a cop to write you a ticket for something that doesn't exist. It really doesn't matter to me, I keep my chains on year round. Why you'd run out west without chains period is beyond me. There just is no record of a Nov-March chain carry requirement anywhere, only studded tires being allowed in that time frame. Multiple places say there are no dates or months and not one says there are. If you can find it let me know.
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2012
    otherhalftw Thanks this.
  10. last 1

    last 1 Medium Load Member

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    Let it snow ,let it snow while I sit here and look out my living room window ;)
     
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