We will be heading south for the winter on Nov 11. We will be driving through Oregon where every vehicle must be carrying chains after Nov 1. I have been looking at Snow Socks, but does Foretravel have recommendations on chains. 12 years ago we owned a National Tradewinds and National specifically stated in the owners manual to not install chains. Does anyone on this forum use chains or snow socks. I have no intention to drive in snow, but the fine in Oregon for not having something is $880.
No to chains!!
P
I called Foretravel back in 2007 about chains: emphatic "no".
I carry them just to satisfy the law in Oregon. Like you, never plan on using them.
I don't have chains so I drive through Oregon along 101 and then cut through a valley to get over to Portland. Cannot drive east of Portland because of chain rules. Have gone through in December and January that way. Came in through California, cut over at Sacramento and then down to I10. I've seen snow socks that might serve as chains, but would only use in emergency. Better to wait it out and avoid the passes.
I have heard you can in effect "rent" chains at the start of the pass, then turn them in on the other side. Idea is to have chains in your possession but never plan to use them. Not sure what would drive FT's position on chains, but given the minimal clearance in the wheel wells, a broken chain link would make for a very expensive fiberglass repair, maybe an air bag too.$$$$$$$.
I carry snow socks with me and don't ever plan to use them but now I'm legal. If I had to put on
chains I would just wait it out. Here in BC as of October 1st we have to have snow tires or chains
to drive through the highways. In late November I put on my snow tires for the winter to go skiing.
Plan your trip around a window of good weather crossing the Siskiyou mountains. Colder temps and precipitation is a no go for us traveling through that I-5 corridor. Last 25 yrs. Winter travel in a motorhome has never an an issue with needing chains and have never been asked. Yes you may be asked if the chain law is in effect but there are many places to pull off and wait it out. Lots of highway camera's to check out current road conditions. $880 fine is most likely for a commercial driver traveling without chains when chain law is in effect.
I guess I will buy snow socks just to be legal. We will be going west on I84 , then south on I5. The only bd spot could be parts of the gorge and the Siskiyou's. The whole trip will be planned around the weather. I have no intention of driving on snow or ice. . We leave in 2 weeks and have a month to get where we are going. Thanks for all of the replies, Very helpful as usual
Don't forget, NO RETARDER on slippery roads. . .
That is good advice. I don't use the retarder in rain