Question about chains and laws requiring them.

My truck has no chains on it. So what are the requirements/recommendations for chains? Like should I get 4 sets of doubles? Or 4 singles? I'm asking specifically for the tractor.

 

Most require 4 singles on the truck and two on the trailer(one each side). Washington is the odd ball that requires 4 singles on the truck and one on the trailer and two spares. So you need 4 bags that come with two singles in each bag. Ive never messed with the doubles. Hope that helps.

 

Depends on which state you are in and the chain requirement they ask for.

Chain law

 

If you're going to run western states on the regular invest in autosocks. They are more expensive but are legal everywhere and are so much quicker and easier than screwing around with chains.

 

I've actually damaged mine from that exact scenario. Still never going back to chains though.

 

I always carried 6 singles and 2 doubles, running I-80. Two singles, each, on the tractor and trailer were all I ever needed.

I’m not sure what you’re running. But, from central IL to Modesto is only ~60mi further to run Hwy 36, I-35, Hwy 54, and down to I-40 and across, versus I-80. Pay real close attention to your routes and figure out what your time, chaining, weather delays, loss of income, etc, are worth, before ever running across the upper Midwest. A previous employer’s routing dept started giving me grief for running across the south, until I laid out the big picture for them. Between Oct 1 and April 1, I stayed off I-80. And, I never had a delayed load the years I worked for them. The risks of running up north just aren’t worth it.

 

I rantire socks in the northwest in 2021 & 2022. They are just as expensive as chains and easily fly off the wheel if you exceed 20 mph. They shred like wet tissues on wet & dry pavement. Oregon routinely requires chains before they are effective so you either shred your socks or risk a $500 fine. Spend an afternoon practicing putting on chains and you are good to go. The native-American/Indian truckstop at the bottom of Cabbage Hill on I-84 has a huge selection of socks & chains & accessories. Plus no sales tax in OR. I would never waste my money on socks. One wheel spin and your socks will be gone or wrapped around the hubs.

 

I ran all over the PNW with 6 socks. If you carry tire socks in CA you are required to use a minimum of 3 pairs even if CA declares "minimum chain" conditions which only require 2 pair of steel chains.

 

How often are u going to use them is the question. U will get better traction save time with a pair of triples than 4 singles.

Me as well would never do auto socks ever again. Waste of money if u are actually using them everyday or couple times a week. Maybe for the one off trip to the northwest u will be fine. If that is the case I would go with a set of cables instead.