Has anyone here chained up there bus to go into snow or ice conditions?

[Jon]

Thought this would make a good subject. I know if your going through
Oregon and you don't have chains with you and you get caught its a 500
dollar fine. Jon

[Leroy Eckert]

All I have to say is this.
You have spent many hard working hours on your coach. I see that from your
posts. That $50 dollar savings on a used set of chains could cost you thousands.
That $35 dollar savings is the same. Carry them , never use them and save $500
to ???????????. Just my opinion.
I ain't putt'n chains on my bus.

Jon wrote: Thought this would
make a good subject. I know if your going through
Oregon and you don't have chains with you and you get caught its a 500
dollar fine. Jon






Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors"
Dahlonega, GA

---------------------------------
Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Urnie-Medie]

Hopefully someone can help guide me.
I will be going to the Denver area in December. Going west on hwy 285.
I think they require chains in certain conditions. Could someone please answer some of my questions:
1- If needed do you put chains on both of the drive wheels?
2- How should the 2001 LXi handle the snow without chains?
3-Where is the best place to get chains?
4- How hard are they to put on?

Any other advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Urnie

[Itchintogo]

You can buy what they call triples or singles.
1. Triples have three main chains one on the outside of the outside dual, one that runs around the space in between the duals and one that runs around the inside of the inside dual. Of course the crosslinks go over the tire tread surface. Singles just go around the outside dual. Just one tire. If you have lots of money you can buy automatic chains that install on your bus and you press a button and with air pressure it comes down and spins a circle of chain that you keep running over until you disengage it.
2. It will handle the same except thumpety thump. You don't go fast with chains on.
3. Depends on your location. Sometimes a truck dealer like Freightliner will have them or Acklands aka industrial supply places.
4. Depends on what you buy. There are lighter weight versions that cost more money. That is what I like. If you think your going sling a set of regular triples over your duals on the side of the road in the snow and slush you better be strong and dont mind getting soaked.

I would practice in a shop first chaining up in a shop to get a feel for it. Just tell the people who look at you funny that you know something they don't. LOL. Do put them on after you buy them to make sure they fit...... don't ask me how I know this. If you buy singles you can't get a ticket because you have fulfilled the requirements. I have never chained up an RV only big trucks in the Canadian Rockies and not often. Best to avoid these conditions wait till the snow plow goes by and give it 25 minutes. My policy would be to pay another night in the campground and go when the weather clears. There is no way I would chain up a bus at this stage of the game. Most buses dont chain up anyway as they are not pulling much weight they are carrying it. P.S. Stay out of the truckers way they have their hands full in these conditions and are dealing with far more weight than a bus.

[Urnie-Medie]

Thanks for the information. I will check into some truck supply stores.

If I understand you right you feel that a motorhome really does not need chains because it carries the weight and not pull a load like a semi. This actually makes sense. Would it be wise to disconnect my towed truck?

Needless to say I would wait until the hwy is plowed.

Thanks

Urnie

[dentmac]

I was considering going west to BC in October. The passes do "Require chains" . I began research but didn't follow up farther..
This seems like a perfect alternative, both for safety and legality.

"SNOW SOCKS:
http://www.snowsock.ca/

Ross

[Urnie-Medie]

Looks very interesting - I am going to stop by and get the tire size to see what the price will be.

Has anyone tried these?
thanks

Urnie

[Arcticdude]

Watch their video. The cars without them are being driven much harder and wilder than the cars with them. They may help slightly, but I'm betting they don't help much.

[Urnie-Medie]

Thanks - I will continue looking and getting information. I still have a few weeks.

Urnie

[Itchintogo]

As long as the DOT accepts them it might be an option. Be awful to get Snowsocks and then find out they are not recognized.