Chains on 4x4 truck with AT tires?

[cantdrv55]

If sign say “Chains Required”, does that apply to 4x4 vehicles with all terrain tires?

[911boost]

There are two different traction laws here in CO, 4x4 with AT tires and a certain tread depth are fine. The actual chain law is done right before the road is potentially going to be closed and that does require chains.

[herr_oberst]

As I read the law for Oregon, if you have a 4x4 and winter tires with the snowflake and the mountain embossed on the sidewall you're legal. But I still carry chains in the winter over passes anyway, one because a cop might not care about your fancy tires and two, because you may get into a sitch going over a pass where chains that fit will be handy.

[look 171]

In CA, the CHP will call the shots on chain requirement. They can declare chain up period, 4 WD or not. Other instances, 4WD vehicle will be allow to go through. Then there's the chain must be brought before you enter into the mt any further. I have never have them check on that. They ask, I tell them. I have never have to use chains. My 4wd has plenty of grip with all terrain tires. Just be mindful of what you are doing. If ice, no matter what, you are going for a ride.

In our local mountains, its normally chain up period, no exceptions because we don't know how to drive and everyone thinks if there's thread on their tires, they can go fast and are invincible.

[LWJ]

Herr O is spot on.

I’ve been skiing some this year. No issues with my land cruiser and KO2’s. But, there is a set of chains in the back.

[Bugsinrugs]

If chains are required on a 4WD vehicle the roads should probably be closed.

[Joe Bob]

I once had a CHiP bust my balls on 4x with studded snow tires. All depends on the badge. I chained up and wrote a nasty letter and then burned it....

[gregpark]

In CA they will light up a chains required sign often saying 4x4 with mud and snow tires ok. Never seen all terrain tires ok

[look 171]

Originally Posted by gregpark

In CA they will light up a chains required sign often saying 4x4 with mud and snow tires ok. Never seen all terrain tires ok

I think all terrains are mud and snow included. Donw here in the mt of socal, most people can't drive o0ver the white stuff, so CHP usually make everyone put chains on when venturing into the higher mountains during heavy snow fall.

[gregpark]

^ you could be right and yes, it's left to the discrepancy of the CHP officer in charge of passage. I was just commenting on the signage. But there is a difference between M+S and A/T tires. Mud and Snows with a more aggressive tread (more air space in the tread) are louder and wear faster on dry pavement but definately work better in deep snow on my off road Jeep. I've also run some A/Ts that performed really well (better than M+S) on icy roads in my 4x4 truck. The CHP are looking for worn out tires too, regardless of the markings.

[gregpark]

This reminds me of many years ago at the top of Donner Pass doing 50 max in my truck because of snowy conditions, a CHP in his Crown Vic passes us, sans chains, going at least 70. Just as I remarked to my buddy "man, those guys can really drive" the cop does a slow motion 360 at 70 mph right in front of us and then slows to 45 all the way over the summit. Ha ha, He probably had to change his shorts after that

[look 171]

Originally Posted by gregpark

This reminds me of many years ago at the top of Donner Pass doing 50 max in my truck because of snowy conditions, a CHP in his Crown Vic passes us, sans chains, going at least 70. Just as I remarked to my buddy "man, those guys can really drive" the cop does a slow motion 360 at 70 mph right in front of us and then slows to 45 all the way over the summit. Ha ha, He probably had to change his shorts after that

You know who can drive in those conditions, big rig drivers. They haul ass in those mountain passes. I remember driving across Canada from BC to Calgary back in my college days. This was my first time driving in really cold climate like it. I have done many TAhoe or Mammoth ski trips with my little 4WD Toyota truck but driving in that slippery stuff in the colder constant sub zero temp is something else. Big trucks flew by us in both directions throwing snow into our windshield momentary blinding us. Good times

[look 171]

On that same trip, we were going north on the 5 over into Medford, OR. At chain check, CHP wave us by once they saw us and said, 4WD, go ahead and wave us by. That's when I learned about the adv of having 4wd during winter in the mountains.

[gregpark]

Yeah, back in the day when truck drivers were the professionals on the road and took pride in that. There are still pros driving out there but unfortunately they seem to be a dying breed. That's a tough job, hauling over the Sierra in the winter time. No thanks

[gregpark]

Back in high school none of us could afford a 4 wheel drive and had to deal with chains. What a pain in the ass, even when you're young! putting those things on with frozen fingers and all that noise and crawling along, ugh. Never do that again!

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Bugsinrugs

If chains are required on a 4WD vehicle the roads should probably be closed.

Pretty much, like a couple times lately

[HaroldMHedge]

In Washington state "4WD/AWD vehicles (under 10,000 pounds) do not need chains installed during "chains required" notices, but drivers still must carry chains with them in case conditions worsen and they're required to install chains during a "chains required on all vehicles" notice."

You still need traction tires which are tires with an eighth of an inch tread and a M&S or All Season label or a Mountain/Snowflake symbol.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by gregpark

Yeah, back in the day when truck drivers were the professionals on the road and took pride in that. There are still pros driving out there but unfortunately they seem to be a dying breed. That's a tough job, hauling over the Sierra in the winter time. No thanks

These were truck drivers in the Canadian Rockies. This is the first time I discovered their speed through the white or icy stuff.