Chains on Trailers?

[cekkk]

If plans hold up, we'll be leaving Colorado in January for S. Arizona. There are some long stretches between towns on our route, and I'm thinking of having a set of chains on board for the TT in case weather catches us 50 or 75 miles from nowhere along US 285. Has anyone got an opinion on chaining up?

[Seann45]

Sorry I cannot help you with that I ran before the first snowfall.. My buddy (from Grand Junction) and I are camped at Slab City Ca Just a few miles W of where I am betting you are going... if you feel like stopping by here for a few days let me know we will show you around.... (offer open to any JOF Members)

[McMonk]

I've never heard of putting chains on a trailer before...after a bit of research it appears some states have laws specific laws for Travel Trailers, stating that chains must be on at least one axle of the trailer if it's equipped with brakes. Personally, I've heard many horror stories about pulling a TT in snow/icy conditions. Rather than risk it, if there's snow packing on the road, I'd be stopping and waiting for the salt-truck!

[clutch]

Chains on an axle with brakes will keep the trailer from passing your truck. If you need them just make sure they are on tight so they don't beat your trailer apart. A slow trip with a chained up trailer could beat sitting on the side of the road for a few days. Dont forget chains for the truck too.

If you watch the weather you can probably find a window of sunshine or rain and make your run then.

[cekkk]

We've got four g-kids and two DDs in Phoenix, so we're hoping to stay at the Arizonian, outside of Apache Junction. We can drive the ATVs right out of the RV park and onto the desert roads legally without AZ tags. Unfortunately, DW will have to tow the ATVs in her SUV, so much of our $$ will be going for fuel. Maybe next year we can spend the winter near Quartsite.

We'll make every effort to avoid trouble on the road, but before getting kicked out of Boy Scouts many years ago, I learned to Be Prepared. Colorado laws according to Woodalls, require chains on RVs when chain up signs are posted as I read the following. But note, max height is 13'. So Pinnacles with bedroom ac and other fivers are illegal here?? Maybe I'm missing something.

COLORADO: Maximum RV width 102 in.; maximum motor- home length 45 ft.; maximum trailer length not specified; maximum RV height 13 ft.; maximum length of two- or three-vehicle combination 70 ft. Riding in truck campers allowed; in fifth-wheels allowed but not recommended. Overnight parking in rest areas permitted unless posted otherwise. All towed vehicles must stop at ports of entry. RV Safety Requirements: Chains or snow tires required when posted. Trailers over 3,000 lbs.: trailer brakes and breakaway switch. Driving Laws: At least two riders for carpool lane. Firearms may be transported loaded or unloaded anywhere in a vehicle except on one’s person. More Information: Colorado State Patrol, 700 Kipling St., Suite 2000, Denver CO 80215; (303) 239-4540. Emergency number: 911; *CSP or *277 on cellular phones.

[clutch]

CEKKK+, Arizona law says that after 30 consecutive days your ATV must be registered in Az. This is very unfair and is targeted at quads, UTV's, and motorcycles. Jeeps, buggies, trucks don't need to do this. Being registered means the vehicle must be titled in Az. Just remember, if you are stopped you say,"I just got here".

[cekkk]

Thanks. At least AZ will license them. Colorado really ticks me off. You can drive on the roads with cars, bicycles, push scooters - everything on wheels except ATVs.

[Murphie]

wow, your looking at putting out a lot of bucks to put chains on your both your tow vehicle and tour travel trailer. I would be inclined to wait it out and not take a chance. Life just doesn't work like that sometimes though. Next week I have to tow my trailer over a high mountain pass. I remember starting out on several occasions where the day looked great but once in the pass it turned into a white out. it can be very unpredictable and the road crews put up sighns that say " Expect severe winter conditions." They have a webcam at the summit. After checking that and if it looks good, I go for it.

[cekkk]

Murphy, you've hit it. We live at 9000' and regularly see beautiful days turn into awesome storms in nothing flat. That's precisely why I want to have bases covered if stuff happens 60 miles from any town. Chances are all will go well, and we sure aren't going to leave home until we have good forecasts en route.