I90 Missoula Mt to Washington

For semis, some states require a chain on one or both sides of the trailer. Mostly just one tire per side I believe.
Like this:

If you have chains for the trailer tires, 10-15 minutes might save you hours of inconvenience.
Don't want the trailer sliding sideways behind you.

 

You might not want to only rely on engine braking on a slick downhill. Trailer could try passing you since the truck is the only one with braking force being applied to it

 

Actually, you should never even have the engine brake on in slick conditions.
That is a quick way to lock up the drives as well.

 

fact^

 

I don’t know how it would apply to you.
Washington requires 2 spare chains. Require one drag chain on trailer. So that’s 5 on the wheels and 2 spares for a truck.
Oregon requires 2 drag chains on trailer. No spare requirement. So 6 total.
I like the idea of a drag chain. One time I did slide. Trailer was sliding worse than truck to opposite side. Tapping brake pedal straightened that out for me. Didn’t have chains on. Cut the day short. Parked at next truck stop.

 

Ran the NW and Western Canada exclusively for 10 years. Unless it was pure ice I always used the engine brake. Sometimes it was on stage 1 or 2, but I used it. If you’re smart about it it’s a lot better than riding your brakes down a hill at 105k gross.

 

I used to use the engine brake on low , until my old timer buddy says , what are you doing , looking for a slick spot , RIP Tom.

 

Use to run the mountains a lot.. still run them some... unless it's pure ice I use the jake a lot on snow covered roads ..Chains don't help much when your brakes are toasted cause your riding em like a rented mule and scared to use the jake..I also have a brake saver
You just have to keep your witts

 

Chain the drives on the pickup. Would be a good idea to put a chain or 2 on the trailer.

On chains the ride is pretty rough. The rough ride/equipment abuse and common sense are the reason behind the 25mph advisory.

Better, plan is to stay out of the ice unless it is an emergency.

As it was explained to me "chains are to get you out of a bad spot, not into one."