Winter and Chains!

TeamCaffee · Sep 17, 2007

We where talking to another driver a couple of weekends ago and he was under the impression that the laws had changed in Colorado. You now have to display your chains at all times? Where in the heck on a straight box that has side boxes are you going to display your chains?

Has anyone else heard this? I know the fines have increased for not having your chains and also if you have a problem and you should have had your chains on.

ATeam · Sep 17, 2007

The tirechains.com web site has a bunch of useful information regarding tire chains (See: http://www.tirechain.com), including a link to tire chain regulations for many states (See: http://www.tirechain.com/TIRECHAINUSEREGULATIONS.htm), including Colorado (See: http://www.dot.state.co.us/truckpermits/commchains.cfm).

A quick review of the Colorado regs reveals no mention of a requirement to dispaly tire chains. There are requirements to carry them and use them under certain conditions.

pelicn · Sep 20, 2007

Ok, I've read the regulations, and I'm still confused about the use of cables vs chains. I realize different states have different rules, but it seems that Colorado has the strictest rules. (and the one that confuses the heck out of me)
So far we've had chains in other trucks we've been in, but never had to use them.
We will have to purchase them for this truck, and if we can get away with less weight (cables) we'd like that better.

I hope that the knowledge we have here will be able to explain it so that my pea brain can understand.

We are a straight truck with tandem axle and super singles, can we use cables or do we have to use chains? Help?

TeamCaffee · Sep 20, 2007

Colorado has different levels and depending on the level what you can get away with. At the highest level you have to have chains so we just ordered a set for the X-Ones. We have not really checked but I am afraid you are not going to be able to just pick them up anywhere.
76 pounds for a pair!

LDB · Sep 20, 2007

Considering the size of the X-Ones do they come with a forklift to handle the weight of them when you have to move them around?

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB
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copdsux · Sep 20, 2007

Why would anyone want to drive anywhere when the weather is so bad
that you even NEED chains? It's time to park, if it's that bad!:+

SHARP327 · Sep 21, 2007

Talking to a fellow Landstar (big truck) driver a couple of weeks ago in OR. and he told me about a new device called insta-chains which are supposed to be DOT approved, I don't have them and never wanted to be in a place where I would need them but these are pretty cool....a bit pricey but what the Heck! they're write offs and if you don't spend it you'll just give it to Uncle Sam.

www.insta-chain.com

Hope this helps out!

FIS53 · Sep 21, 2007

I did a delivery in the winter to a mine north of Thunderbay. Got heldup on the way due to a snowstorm. That was ok. I got thru with just tires and the weight of the load kept me on the road (even the dirt backroads I used).

The neat part was going into the mine (gateway at highway was 15 miles from the mine gate itself) had a large sign that said "truckers stop here, install chains". Well I didn't have chains but it was not a bad idea as the mine driveway was up and down and turned everyway around rocks etc.

Expeditig can put you into some interesting places when the user has broken a machine and needs parts fast.

Rob

pelicn · Sep 21, 2007

Linda you said: "At the highest level you have to have chains so we just ordered a set for the X-Ones."

The X-Ones? I'm lost here :'(

I agree, the weight of these things are killer which is why I was hoping we could get away with cables. Although, we're both of the opinion that if we need chains, we need to stop.:+

Ok, I just read my post to hubby, and he knows what you mean by X-ones. (foreheadslap)

arkjarhead · Sep 21, 2007

IMO chains are to be used to get you far enough down the road to find a safe place to park. Something else to remember is chains are hard on your tires. I wouldn't want to run them for a long period of time.

TeamCaffee · Sep 21, 2007

Well we do chain and I sure feel safer with the chains on then when a road is open and there is solid ice conditions. We would have automatic chains but they cannot be used on this truck due to the configuration of the lift axle. As we all the say the next truck...

Broompilot · Sep 22, 2007

As long as you have them you are legal.

nightcreacher · Sep 23, 2007

the law states you must carry them in the western states,IE.colorodo starting sept 1st,if the put chains on sign is lit,dont get cought without them,especially if you cause a wreck,but i spell chain.Hollidy Inn,in 30 years ive installed them once,and by the time i got them on,the chain sign was down,would you say i dont know the correct way to put them on,well your right,have no idea, and dont want to know,i dont run the north west,very little expedite freight comming back out of the north west,and its not fun running on ice with an empty trailer.