Cables or Chains

[Highdesert RV]

We're headed up to Washington from sunny California, passing through Grant's Pass we may hit some snow. What is easier or better for Class C motorhome chains or cables. Thank you to all that respond in advance.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Highdesert RV

We're headed up to Washington from sunny California, passing through Grant's Pass we may hit some snow. What is easier or better for Class C motorhome chains or cables. Thank you to all that respond in advance.

You're definitely braver than me...
Good luck and safe travels!!

[Highdesert RV]

Lolol... its a possibility of snow. We're leaving Saturday, they haven't had snow yet. We've done the drive in our car in snow, that was easy.

[ducksface]

No preference but there is a very fair chance the rear fenderwells will not allow for chains nor cable.
You'd have to mount them on the inside tire, and I don't think they'll clear the springs.

[Highdesert RV]

Ok. What's the tell on that? We have subaru cars and they don't recommend it either, but suggest cables because of the wheel wells. I doubt we'll need them, but will have them incase.

[Highdesert RV]

Originally Posted by ducksface

No preference but there is a very fair chance the rear fenderwells will not allow for chains nor cable.
You'd have to mount them on the inside tire, and I dont think they'll clear the springs.

Ok I did some more reading. Figured out the tell on wheel well. Thank you for your help in this matter.

[saddlesore]

Do some research on the "Snow/Tire Sox"

[Highdesert RV]

Originally Posted by saddlesore

Do some research on the "Snow/Tire Sox"

I saw those also. Those look pretty awesome. Have you used them?

[Highdesert RV]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

You're definitely braver than me...

Good luck and safe travels!!

Thank you... I'll keep everyone updated on our journey. Thank you.

[Jimbo56]

If I drove a motor home of any size on a snowy road , my a— would probably be permanently puckered closed. And my hands would need to be surgically removed from the steering wheel. And I grew up driving in WV. Good luck, friend!

[paulwadley]

You might look at the vehicle owners manual to determine if they have a requirement between cables and chains. You might also want to drive after the roads have been cleared or when the sun is up to help eliminate the ice conditions while driving.

Paul

[GTM41261]

run up the Oregon Coast instead. More chance of snow on The Sexton summit coming into Oregon

[Bob Denman]

Snowy mountain passes in a motorhome: i'd rather take the bus!

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Highdesert RV

I saw those also. Those look pretty awesome. Have you used them?

Not on our coach as there is no clearance between the outside tire and the air bags.. but have seen them used on an 18 wheeler.. Just keep in mind that they will not last on dry or just wet pavement.. only for running in snow pack.. I carry a full set just to satisfy the state requirements to have on board during inclimate weather..
If the roads get bad enough that traction devices are required, We just park and wait it out.. Have waited the weather out for a week or so on several occasions.. no biggie.
[Disclaimer.. Our coach has "Outboard" mounted air bags.. ]

[ducksface]

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tiretec...jsp?techid=125
I vaguely, perhaps falsely, remember seeing a sign somewhere that read:
'Three peak tires and chains on board required'.

You might get a pass through the pass if you have three peak.

A hint:
If you haven't installed snow chains onto frozen/caked dual tires, alongside the road, in a crowded pullout, in a windstorm...
Don't be so silly as to think you can install snow chains onto frozen/caked dual tires, alongside the road, in a crowded pullout, in a windstorm.

Chains are a practice multiple times at home, from scratch, unload, install, remove, load, unload, install....
MANY chain install turnouts have time limits and fines for going over those time limits.

Punchline:
If you haven't...
Don't

[gte534j]

I have used the snow socks on my Thor Vegas 24.1 on a steep downhill that was snowy coming down from Anthony Lakes in Baker City, OR. It was super sketchy. It did help with slowing down (along w/ using the engine brake). Took me about an hour to descent 5000 ft and 7 miles. At low speed they do work well, you are just limited to 15-20 mph or so. They are emergency use only to get you out of a jamb or off a ski mountain resort. I would not plan a trip where i would need these on a highway in snow or ice. Its really dang dangerous to drive in the snow/ice with the RV, i avoid it as much as possible.

[Highdesert RV]

Originally Posted by Jimbo56

If I drove a motor home of any size on a snowy road , my a— would probably be permanently puckered closed. And my hands would need to be surgically removed from the steering wheel. And I grew up driving in WV. Good luck, friend!

Thank you for the response. It's the 5 fwy, so far the weather forecast is rain with possibility of snow. We have already made this our last trip up north this late into December, more if a spring trip. Its nice to get out of Southern California and experience seasons.

[Highdesert RV]

Originally Posted by ducksface

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tiretec...jsp?techid=125
I vaguely, perhaps falsely, remember seeing a sign somewhere that read:
'Three peak tires and chains on board required'.

You might get a pass through the pass if you have three peak.

A hint:
If you haven't installed snow chains onto frozen/caked dual tires, alongside the road, in a crowded pullout, in a windstorm...
Don't be so silly as to think you can install snow chains onto frozen/caked dual tires, alongside the road, in a crowded pullout, in a windstorm.

Chains are a practice multiple times at home, from scratch, unload, install, remove, load, unload, install....
MANY chain install turnouts have time limits and fines for going over those time limits.

Punchline:
If you haven't...
Don't

This will be our last trip up north in the winter, we will start doing spring trips there. I really do appreciate your advice and knowledge. Thank you.

[Highdesert RV]

Originally Posted by gte534j

I have used the snow socks on my Thor Vegas 24.1 on a steep downhill that was snowy coming down from Anthony Lakes in Baker City, OR. It was super sketchy. It did help with slowing down (along w/ using the engine brake). Took me about an hour to descent 5000 ft and 7 miles. At low speed they do work well, you are just limited to 15-20 mph or so. They are emergency use only to get you out of a jamb or off a ski mountain resort. I would not plan a trip where i would need these on a highway in snow or ice. Its really dang dangerous to drive in the snow/ice with the RV, i avoid it as much as possible.

Thank you for replying and the information/experience you have provided. I'll ho as slow as I need to be safe.

[Highdesert RV]

Originally Posted by GTM41261

run up the Oregon Coast instead. More chance of snow on The Sexton summit coming into Oregon

I was looking at that also. How is that drive? It's on the 1?