Snow Chains For North Lake Tahoe from Los Angeles?

I'll be driving from LA to Truckee over Christmas break in a Jeep Wrangler 4WD with BF Goodrich Long-terrain TA tires (standard size). Should I get chains? I've heard that you may not need to put them on if you have a 4WD, but are required to show them. Is that right?

Thanks!

[zakk]

Originally Posted by Creelove

I'll be driving from LA to Truckee over Christmas break in a Jeep Wrangler 4WD with BF Goodrich Long-terrain TA tires (standard size). Should I get chains? I've heard that you may not need to put them on if you have a 4WD, but are required to show them. Is that right?

Thanks!

if you have AWD/4WD they'll let you go. I have a Scoobie, so they see the emblem and wave me by, on a Heep...errr....Jeep, you might need to show them the hubs are locked.

I've never been asked to show my chains (but I do have a set, because it can get crazy) but either way its not a bad idea to have them

[killclimbz]

There are times when Caltrans requires chains, no matter what you are driving. A set of cables at Walmart is around $30 give or take what wheel size you have. You probably won't need 'em, but if they are required, it's a hell of a lot less than letting those roadside crews do a custom set for you. Which are very crappy btw. So just get a set, throw them in the back, and forget about it.

as long as your 4x4 works, you're good. In '96 I went up that mountain in my 90 jeep cherokee, hit storm, police let me on highway because it was a 4x4, 2-3 miles later I learned my 4x4 U-lock was busted. Driving up hill in rear wheel drive with no LSD in a storm sucks. basically 1 wheel drive, we rolled backwards on the shoulder to get back to the offramp since we couldn't go forwards.

[burritosandsnow]

for sure get some .. you DO NOT wanna get raped by Caltrans for shitty chains at $100 plus bucks... some places around here will let you return unused chains in the spring. maybe theres some folks in soccal that do the same.

I just need one pair? I don't need to buy them for all 4 wheels, right? If I do have to use them, which wheels (front or back) should they go on?

[stoepstyle]

You only need one set of two. And if you are only running 2wd you put them on the rear tires, but if you want to get REALLY gnarly and run 4wd AND chains you would put them on the front. My guess is you will never take them out of the box

[say chi sin lo]

Get them, 4WD only helps when you're going, but when it comes to stopping, you're just as helpless as any RWD/FWD cars.

[stoepstyle]

When it comes to slowing you can put your car in a low gear and the engine will brake all 4 wheels with 4wd. Definitely get them though just in case.

[Bones]

Originally Posted by say chi sin lo

Get them, 4WD only helps when you're going, but when it comes to stopping, you're just as helpless as any RWD/FWD cars.

+1

Four wheel Drive isn't four wheel stop. Driving prudently, using the benefits of a manual transmission, having ABS are all benefits, but if the rubber don't stick to the road, they don't matter.

I find it strange that chains are mandatory under certain conditions in certain states, but in Canada they're illegal because they chew up the road surface.