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Old 10-26-2016, 05:53 PM   #1
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Question snow chains? Thule? weather Dec Jan Pacific NW?

Hi all

This Dec / Jan we’ll be going to ETI to get our new 21’

We drive an AWD Acura MDX with all season Michelins.

We will drive up the coast, visit Olympic National Park (weather permitting) …… then drive thru Port Angeles, then over to Chilliwack.
Two nights in Lynden KOA then down to the 5, then camping each night, down the 5 to Los Angeles.

I am guessing that weather could be pretty widely variable, but what range of weather might we possibly encounter up north on our trip?

I’m expecting rain, and some snow. Maybe a bunch of snow.

and should we invest in a good pair of snow chains, to take, just to be safe?

I would generally not expect to need snow chains on the 5, but on the minor roads, maybe? or maybe getting in or out of a camp ground? if a blizzard hit.

These are not cheap, but the Thule 12mm XG12 Pro Deluxe come recommended, and would be easy on, easy off.
Anyone own them? Any opinions?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LF0FFW

We do go to snowy mountains in CA sometimes, so snow chains would be good insurance for those trips, down the road…..

for any thoughts

John in Los Angeles
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:09 PM   #2
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Three passes to keep an eye on in Oregon during this time are:
Stage Road Pass (south of Roseburg)
Sexton Summit (Merlin)
and the Siskiyoues on the OR/CA border


it's very unusual for either of the first two passes to close, but not unusual for the Siskiyoues. The road crews do an excellent job and the longest I can remember in (recent) memory I-5 south was closed was 3 days. But that was like in... 2012, maybe? Usually it's only closed for a few hours, but chains would be required for all vehicles.


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Old 10-26-2016, 06:10 PM   #3
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As a local tire store says, "all-season tires are three season tires". They are not a substitute for snow tires. They aren't even legal where snow (M+S) tires are required.
If chains are required, I don't go.
You will likely be driving on wet roads.
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:18 PM   #4
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You may be required to carry chains on some roads so yes, you should have them. If you build a couple of extra days into your trip you probably won't need them- you can just lay low if the roads are icy or snowy. Going up 101 means you aren't likely to see snow but could see icy or very wet roads. Around the Olympic peninsula you might but it is really hit or miss. Plan for it. (I carried tire chains to and from Washington for 30 years (101 and 5) and never ever had to put them on and only once or twice had snow to drive in.)

Lots of rain, though, and I'm not fond of 101 in heavy rain, so allow for some layoff time for rain. 101 along the Oregon coast is the only place I've ever hydroplaned and 5 south of Eugene is the only time I've hit black ice on a freeway. On the other hand- you could hit perfectly lovely weather. (Though if October is any harbinger of the winter- you won't.)

Same thing for going home. I only towed the trailer once down 5 in December but it was on dry roads- I just watched the weather and timed my departure.
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:21 PM   #5
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Woof! I didn't know chains were so expensive! Haven't needed them in 25 years of driving in Colorado, including many trips to the ski resorts. Seems like you can buy chains anywhere and any time so why not wait and see; and if the roads are that bad, either delay or buy the chains then. If I had a choice between pulling a trailer over a mountain pass requiring chains or waiting it out I would just wait. And fire up the propane furnace.
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:26 PM   #6
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Pricey

At that price you should get enough chains for three axels.
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:27 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
Three passes to keep an eye on in Oregon during this time are:
Stage Road Pass (south of Roseburg)
Sexton Summit (Merlin)
and the Siskiyoues on the OR/CA border


it's very unusual for either of the first two passes to close, but not unusual for the Siskiyoues. The road crews do an excellent job and the longest I can remember in (recent) memory I-5 south was closed was 3 days. But that was like in... 2012, maybe? Usually it's only closed for a few hours, but chains would be required for all vehicles.


Keep an eye on TripCheck!
Thanks!!! and thanks for https://tripcheck.com info. I was unaware. Very handy.
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:28 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbaglo View Post
As a local tire store says, "all-season tires are three season tires". They are not a substitute for snow tires. They aren't even legal where snow (M+S) tires are required.
If chains are required, I don't go.
You will likely be driving on wet roads.
Thanks much for the good info

May I ask - how do I figure out where snow (M+S) tires are actually required?

I was unaware of this being a factor.

thanks

John
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:29 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Bobbie54 View Post
You may be required to carry chains on some roads so yes, you should have them. If you build a couple of extra days into your trip you probably won't need them- you can just lay low if the roads are icy or snowy. Going up 101 means you aren't likely to see snow but could see icy or very wet roads. Around the Olympic peninsula you might but it is really hit or miss. Plan for it. (I carried tire chains to and from Washington for 30 years (101 and 5) and never ever had to put them on and only once or twice had snow to drive in.)

Lots of rain, though, and I'm not fond of 101 in heavy rain, so allow for some layoff time for rain. 101 along the Oregon coast is the only place I've ever hydroplaned and 5 south of Eugene is the only time I've hit black ice on a freeway. On the other hand- you could hit perfectly lovely weather. (Though if October is any harbinger of the winter- you won't.)

Same thing for going home. I only towed the trailer once down 5 in December but it was on dry roads- I just watched the weather and timed my departure.
Thanks much for the good info. Much appreciated.

John
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:32 PM   #10
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Check with local stores. Some offer a money back guarantee on unused tire chains. (Or will trade them in when you buy the next car for the new size.) Can't tell you if this is still true but at one time it was at PepBoys.

I5 over the Siskiyous often requires that you carry chains, as does some of Oregon. I'm not sure what other roads do- 101 may some of the time but never has when I was going that way (but I avoided it in bad weather- 5 gets plowed faster and doesn't have mudslides.)
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:38 PM   #11
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Thanks much for the good info

May I ask - how do I figure out where snow (M+S) tires are actually required?

I was unaware of this being a factor.

thanks

John
I misspoke. M+S are not snow tires. You need the mountain/snowflake symbol on the tire. You can find all the info here:
About Winter Tires - Province of British Columbia
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:42 PM   #12
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Les Schwab has a money back guarantee on unused tire chains. BUT, you can't return them until April. Maybe there's a store near you? https://www.lesschwab.com/about/store-locator
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:48 PM   #13
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Les Schwab has a money back guarantee on unused tire chains. BUT, you can't return them until April. Maybe there's a store near you? https://www.lesschwab.com/about/store-locator
thanks for the tip - no luck - none close......

however my best pal is about to buy house, for full time living, in a heavy snow area where snow chains are mandatory sometimes, so i'll be needing them, sometime, for sure.

I assume for short distances, using snow chains while towing a 21' .... there isn't anything to know (other than if possible, dont) ....?

I'm thinking of the possible situation of: we cant get into, or out of, of a camp ground, due to a bunch of snow, and not plowed.....

?

thanks. John
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Old 10-26-2016, 06:57 PM   #14
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IMO, chains are chains. I've had and used cheap ladder cable chains, truck chains (the thick ones), expensive V chains, and hybrids that were very expensive. I would just get the cheap Walmart chains that cost about $25. They will break and fall off just like every other type of chain out there, but at least you didn't spend much.
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Old 10-26-2016, 07:06 PM   #15
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You will need chains for the Tug and the TT axle with brakes. We bought these for a lot less money than you are budgeting. SCC Peerless Auto Trac 231805 Tire Chain for Sale Online - Vulcan Tire Sales
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Old 10-26-2016, 07:11 PM   #16
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I could be wrong, but I looked in to this a couple of years ago before towing Toto down to California in the early Spring. Oregon chain law requires that you have chains for your vehicles when traveling through a Snow Zone in winter -- even if you never plan to use them.

My assumption was that I needed to have them with me -- including for one of Toto's axles -- in case a State Patrol officer ever had reason to ask me to show them. I-5 definitely passes through a number of Snow Zones (mainly those Donna pointed out). So I spent the big bucks.

As I say, I could be misunderstanding the Oregon chain law. But sometimes I get things right.... Oregon Chain Law
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Old 10-26-2016, 07:28 PM   #17
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You already are using an AWD vehicle so the chains should go on the front tires, or all 4 tires, depending on what the vehicle manual states. Installing and removing chains on all 4 tires (plus two trailer tires??) would qualify as a "wait it out" or "go around" scenario for me.

Last time I put (2) chains on a car was in the early 80's going to Lake Tahoe and my hands never warmed up afterwards.
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Old 10-26-2016, 07:34 PM   #18
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whoah... it is all somewhat more complicated than I had thought.

thanks everyone for all the great info. I'll have to digest all this.
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Old 10-26-2016, 07:39 PM   #19
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If you're just heading home, and it's snowing the Oregon passes, you could cut over to Hwy 101 at Drain (north of Roseburg). It meets at 101 in Reedsport. Head down 101, if you need to overnight, the casino in Coos Bay is a good stop. Just stay on 101 for the rest of your trip....maybe. Or cut over to I-5 at San Fran to Sacramento...
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Old 10-26-2016, 07:50 PM   #20
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Here's my theory. Highway patrol is unlikely to pull you over to see if you have chains if there is no snow in the forecast. If there is snow; wait it out. Police will be busy with accident scenes involving vehicles with all-season tires and won't be looking for you unless you are obstructing traffic.
Even though I have four-wheel-drive and snow tires, I stay home when it snows because there are too many ill-equipped cars and incompetent drivers on the road and the insurance company likes to split the blame rather than investigate.
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