Snow Chains vs Snow Socks vs Nothing

[Keithinouye]

Hey everybody,

Looking for opinions, thoughts and suggestions. I am getting ready to take my TT up to the mountains to do a little winter camping. Just getting ready for the worst and looking to possibly get some traction devices for the trailer itself. Does anybody have thoughts or suggestions for snow chains or even these snow socks? Also, is it even suggested to not place any traction devices on the TT. Would love to get some thoughts from the group. Thank you!!

Keith

[THE MEEKER]

Since the trailer axles are not drive axles, I would not install chains on trailer tires. You may want to put some cargo weight over the axles inside if possible.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by THE MEEKER

Since the trailer axles are not drive axles, I would not install chains on trailer tires. You may want to put some cargo weight over the axles inside if possible.

Easy answer and this post pretty much hits it. Do you put chains on the front tires of a 2wheel drive? Why would you think about putting them on a TT?

[Midnightmoon]

Good old drag chains as the old time truckers refer to them. No, it isn't common to place chains on your trailer axles. But it is done in some cases in areas out west. Most often you will see it on class 8's decending steep mountain passes in the ice and snow. Also common with log trucks on steep muddy or frozen logging roads. They simply provide enough traction to provide a little lateral control and keep that trailer from passing you going down hill.

I can't honestly say I've ever seen it done with an RV trailer, but I don't see why it couldn't be if absolutely necessary as long as there is clearance.

[Duke4857]

We live in Oregon, I have a set o chains for the TT and 4x4 pickup also just in case. There are times of the year where they require chains on ALL trailers going over the passes and hills. Semis have to have them on all the drivers and trailers have them on the drag axles. I can guess if you did not have them on your TT you will get ticketed or not allowed to cross the pass.

I HOPE I NEVER NEED TO PUT CHAINS ON THE PICKUP AND TRAILER. I have them just in case.

[Flyrotor]

Montana reqiures chains on trailers if the truck is chained

[Timber]

If you are going down steep hills you need something on your trailer to keep it from going sideways in the snow. I would go with the socks to give the trailer a smoother ride, I think chains would be to rough of a ride on the trailer. I have chains for my truck, I haven't bought the socks for the trailer and i hope I am smart enough to never need them.

[Keithinouye]

Thank you to everybody that has responded so far. That is what I really enjoy about this forum as the opinions varied and nobody has called me stupid yet

The Meeker, Bassdogs, Midnightmoon, Duke4857, Flyrotor and Timber - thank you for your opinions and feedback!

Duke4857 - I am in Washington state and completely understand what you are saying.

Please keep the feedback coming. Thank you all!

[NVGun40]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Good old drag chains as the old time truckers refer to them. No, it isn't common to place chains on your trailer axles. But it is done in some cases in areas out west. Most often you will see it on class 8's decending steep mountain passes in the ice and snow. Also common with log trucks on steep muddy or frozen logging roads. They simply provide enough traction to provide a little lateral control and keep that trailer from passing you going down hill.

I can't honestly say I've ever seen it done with an RV trailer, but I don't see why it couldn't be if absolutely necessary as long as there is clearance.

Midnightmoon hit the nail on the head here. Growing up where I did, I would see many commercial vehicles with chains on the trailer axles. If for nothing more than to maintain lateral control and keep the trailer tracking behind you.

That said, I actually have put chains on a couple of trailers I have had for the very reason of preventing lateral slippage while navigating mountain roads. Though I also tend to take my trailers where most people will not. I have been in some pretty 'interesting' situations in which I had to tow out of a hunt camp in the mountains and side slippage would have meant disaster.

[Bassdogs]

You learn something new just about every day. Never heard of chains for TT's and never plan on needing or using them. If conditions are or are predicted to be that bad, I don't go!! I pulled my 34' White Hawk in blizzard conditions [wind and heavy snow] and in retrospect should have stayed in the rest area for 12 hours. No chains just my 4x4 pickup and had no issues. Used a technique that was based on following a couple of 18 wheelers close enough to keep their tail lights in view. I did what they did and I drove in their tire tracks. It could have gone bad many times. I learned my lesson. If its that bad, don't install chains, get off the road.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by NVGun40

Midnightmoon hit the nail on the head here. Growing up where I did, I would see many commercial vehicles with chains on the trailer axles. If for nothing more than to maintain lateral control and keep the trailer tracking behind you.

That said, I actually have put chains on a couple of trailers I have had for the very reason of preventing lateral slippage while navigating mountain roads. Though I also tend to take my trailers where most people will not. I have been in some pretty 'interesting' situations in which I had to tow out of a hunt camp in the mountains and side slippage would have meant disaster.

I don't consider myself old, but between discussing drag chains and talking to someone just recently about trolley brakes, I'm starting to realize what a dinosaur I must be.......lol

[ALJO]

As you did not state your TT model and what you are pulling it with? But be well prepared for winter camping. When heading into the mountains you'll need at least 4 x4 and tire chains and a which are welcome features. Also your TT need to be well protected from winter conditions as not many RV's are.

[Kim Gass]

We should have had chains on the TT when starting up out of our driveway
It slid sideways on the ice buried in snow and hit the hitch of the neighboring trailer (boat) punching a hole in it
Duct tape and rubber sealant time

[cekkk]

We had two short but very steep grades between our house and the highway. A neighbor who lived in his TT at his work site would chain up his camper if the road was bad and take them off after the five miles down to the highway.

I just never would do that myself.

[Keithinouye]

Originally Posted by ALJO

As you did not state your TT model and what you are pulling it with? But be well prepared for winter camping. When heading into the mountains you'll need at least 4 x4 and tire chains and a which are welcome features. Also your TT need to be well protected from winter conditions as not many RV's are.

ALJO - I am pulling a 2018 White Hawk 27RB with a 2017 Toyota Tundra.

All - Much appreciate all of the comments and suggestions!!

[Debdon Journeys]

I have seen videos of the Snow Socks pealing off I would never buy them for other then 'City" use. I like the cable chains light weight easy to put on and take up less space. I had a 96 Ford ranger 4X2 that I used them with 400 lbs in the bed I never got stuck I been in 12 plus inch's. They should fine to hold your trailer to the road. the only time I put chains on a trailer was in the Army to keep my trailer from sliding off a icy muddy road in Hoenfels Germany. We use the cable chains on our fire trucks and we have the heavy duty steel chains for really deep snows.

[DrFredZonker]

If the trailer has brakes, Caltrans requires chains. If the road is slick, light brake pressure will lock the brakes and jack knife problems may occur.

[Rustynuts]

Originally Posted by DrFredZonker

If the trailer has brakes, Caltrans requires chains. If the road is slick, light brake pressure will lock the brakes and jack knife problems may occur.

Oregon also requires chains on trailers with brakes. I know guys that just turn their gain down or off but its a ticket if you get caught. It is best to check your states requirements and if you cant find your answer there, call them.


We are in the same situation, wanting to go snowmobiling while staying in the snow parks. I just want something for last resort as we can always just stay put. My main concern is getting out of the snow park which is flat ground to clear pavement as the plows usually dont get near any vehicles while trying to clean up snow parks. About ready to order the Autosocks as they are compact, light and go off and on fast.

[Duke4857]

https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Mini...n-Requirements


Oregon tire chain laws.