Snow Chain Question

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by tsy87 on February 2, 2015 at 8:00pm

I'll try to find out what brand chains I have and where I got them from because I have the same exact tire size. 

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Permalink Reply by LT on February 2, 2015 at 8:55pm

I just bought some from walmart...cost around 75bucks..they only had one my size...But i'll have to try them on tomorrow and see if it actually fits and hopefully doesn't hit my UCA...

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Permalink Reply by Yose FJ (David) on February 2, 2015 at 8:50pm

You are required to have them, but you will probably never need them, so buy the cheapest chains or cables for your tire.  If you aren't living in snow conditions, it really isn't worth having fancy ones.  Be sure to get the binders too (basically, fancy bungie cords with hooks, so you can take slack out).  They are really cheap insurance.  They do have "chain control checks" where you might need to show them.  If it gets to a point you have to chain up a 4X4, it's better to turn around and go have some coffee or hot chocolate until the road improves.

Road condition line inside the park is 209-372-0200, Option 1, Option 1. 

Here is a link for the point forecast for my place in Yosemite Valley.  Just rain expected this weekend, no snow except at the really higher altitudes that are closed to vehicle traffic anyway. 

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.7460534442178&l...

Unfortunately, I'll be gone starting Friday afternoon until late Sunday afternoon.  If you are going to be here any time outside that, lemme know.

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Permalink Reply by LT on February 2, 2015 at 8:53pm

Thanks buddy...

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Permalink Reply by LT on February 2, 2015 at 10:04pm

actually I had another question...Do I have to buy chains for all 4 tires or just my rear tires?

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Permalink Reply by Yose FJ (David) on February 2, 2015 at 10:37pm

I only have one set.  I've been in Yosemite 15 years (8 years with a large Dodge 4WD truck and the rest with the FJ), and never had to put them on in all types of conditions (albeit, I've used the above "hot chocolate" option once).   A handful of times, the only thing I've had to do is show a Ranger or CHP officer the box.  Presuming your have M+S on the side of your tires, or that winter triangle symbol, about the only they may tell you is to put if in 4WD (if it's R-2 conditions).

Unofficial local saying about how it's handled here "When it rains we chain, when it snows, we close (the road)."  They tend to throw the chain control signs up pretty quickly here due to all the flat-landers driving like idiots.  That, and the occasional Ranger who has only worked in the Everglades before, and almost panics when he sees snow for the first few times.

I wouldn't sweat the weather this weekend. 

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Permalink Reply by opg4759 on February 3, 2015 at 8:15am

It you are running in 4wd you should have chains on all 4 wheels

Snow chains mounted on all 4 with 4WD/AWD - ideal lateral stability, perfect acceleration, crisp steering, super braking. However, part time systems will show some understeer (turns are wider than intended). Full time 4WD systems are best. This is what everyone should have for snow and ice. Be careful anyway.

Snow chains mounted on front axle with 4WD/AWD - good acceleration, good steering, good braking. However, since the rear wheels have no lateral guidance, the rear end might come around - fast. Not good. Feather your brakes. Go slow.
Snow chains mounted on rear axle with 4WD/AWD - good acceleration, lousy steering (no lateral guidance), marginal braking (remember, 80% of brake force is created at front wheels and without chains that ain't happening). No fishtailing. Best compromise for 4WD with only one pair of chains. Go slow.

I agree with David if you need to chain up with a 4WD turn it around and wait for the roads to improve.

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