Tire chains in Califdrnia

[dennych1]

After 2023 truck camper rally in February I will travel and explore California. I will be towing my Jeep behind my truck camper. Do I need to carry snow chains for truck and Jeep which are 4wd. Are they mandatory in certain area. I could use some info on this.
Thanks
Dennis

[paulj]

The Washington State requirements might be easier follow at this WSDOT link

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/tiresandchains

It mentions "snow socks" and has links to approved ones.

If you need to use a traction aid, it will need to fit, and be durable enough to handle 20 miles of slow speed driving over a mountain pass.

[enblethen]

Most states would have legal descriptions of what chains meet their requirements such as this from Washington State. Tire chains

[JRscooby]

dennych1 wrote:
There are many different types of snow chains. Do you have to have typical snow chains or can you get ones that just strap on at a couple of places just for show that you have something.

When I was a kid we would tie burlap bags over our boots when things where icy. Now I have a box to store socks that turn religious. If I think will need to walk on ice or packed snow I pull them over shoes so under ball of foot. Both help with traction when walking.
I have seen what they call socks that fit over tires. Might not help as much as chains, but less likely to do the damage chains can.

[Pbutler97]

I never knew tire chains in Califdrnia could be so complicated. What about snow shovels lol?

[dennych1]

There are many different types of snow chains. Do you have to have typical snow chains or can you get ones that just strap on at a couple of places just for show that you have something.

[JRscooby]

dedmiston wrote:


It's a store policy. Stores that sell chains have signs all over the place and some even make you sign something.

Thank you. Moving crane little west of Denver, the boss left in escort car, came back with bunch of bags. Told me to put some in my truck, others on low-boy. I told him would not clear my fenders.
Don't worry. We ain't hanging them, just for show. If road says we need, we wait until we don't

I would think a 80% money back if returned unused in a certain time would be easy money on common sizes.

[dedmiston]

JRscooby wrote:

dedmiston wrote:

JRscooby wrote:
I have heard some flatlanders bought chains before going into area where might be needed, carried for while, than returned to get most of money back (Sounds like a rent thing to me). But all I talked to where running 22.5 or 24.5 wheels, might not be available in your size or area. Might look into it though.

Nope. No returns on snow chains anywhere in CA. It's been that way for decades. Sometimes you can get away with an exchange if you bought the wrong ones, but even that is iffy.

Is that a law, or just stores can get away with that policy?
I confess, I have not put a wheel in the state sense '69. Not much for spending money/paying taxes in a area that would not let me work.

It's a store policy. Stores that sell chains have signs all over the place and some even make you sign something.

[dennych1]

This is all great info CC thanks.

[enblethen]

les Schwab still offer unused chain refund!

[Krusty]

I figure it never hurts to have them anyway. Every fall, winter tires get installed and tire chains get chucked in the back.

[JRscooby]

dedmiston wrote:

JRscooby wrote:
I have heard some flatlanders bought chains before going into area where might be needed, carried for while, than returned to get most of money back (Sounds like a rent thing to me). But all I talked to where running 22.5 or 24.5 wheels, might not be available in your size or area. Might look into it though.

Nope. No returns on snow chains anywhere in CA. It's been that way for decades. Sometimes you can get away with an exchange if you bought the wrong ones, but even that is iffy.

Is that a law, or just stores can get away with that policy?
I confess, I have not put a wheel in the state sense '69. Not much for spending money/paying taxes in a area that would not let me work.

[dedmiston]

JRscooby wrote:
I have heard some flatlanders bought chains before going into area where might be needed, carried for while, than returned to get most of money back (Sounds like a rent thing to me). But all I talked to where running 22.5 or 24.5 wheels, might not be available in your size or area. Might look into it though.

Nope. No returns on snow chains anywhere in CA. It's been that way for decades. Sometimes you can get away with an exchange if you bought the wrong ones, but even that is iffy.

[Alan_Hepburn]

camperdave wrote:

In my experience, the major roads in Ca go from R2 (2wd with chains, or 4WD with snow tires) direct to closed. I don't think I've ever seen an R3 (everything needs chains) situation.

Had a CHP officer explain it as: if the weather is bad enough that you need to put chains on a 4WD with good snow tires then you need to stay home.

[ferndaleflyer]

That must be what those funny looking things hanging in my barn are that go around the wheels----CHAINS. In all my skiing days I have never used them but suspected that was what they were for.