[sspade]

As my weekend travels to Tahoe become increasingly hairy....

What are people using? I only need a pair for the real wheels, correct?

Just got my wheels powder coated, so finding the right fitting pair is crucial. Scratching my wheels isnt an option.

Need to figure this out soon. Certain areas are simply impassable without chains. You literally are forced off road and face fines/penalties for not using changes when they are required.

[jparnes1]

You should get a cheap winter set up with snow tires. Your wheels are going to get beat up and you will cry.

[sspade]

Lol. You are probably right. I have these sitting in my garage. But seriously - you literally cannot be in Tahoe without snow chains during the winter. Not every single day but when it happens and you're there or on your way, its game over without chains.

[wilbur_the_goose]

When I lived in Portland (OR) and wanted to ski, I just took the bus up to Mt. Hood.

[sspade]

From my house to Truckee is 115 mi. I technically could take train/bus but would be a pain with my ski gear and whatnot...

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by sspade

What are people using? I only need a pair for the real wheels, correct?

Most of the braking and all of the steering is done with the front wheels. If the roads aren't too bad the rears are sufficient, but if you've got ice you need them all around.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Most of the braking and all of the steering is done with the front wheels. If the roads aren't too bad the rears are sufficient, but if you've got ice you need them all around.

Thanks. Idk where I got the notion from that they were only required on rears... dare I say the owners manual? I honestly cant remember.

Interested to hear if others are using chains and what brand.

[2000Z3M]

how about the snow sock? they are ok in Colorado

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by sspade

Idk where I got the notion from that they were only required on rears..

If you're only going to run one set then of course it goes on the drive wheels. In zones where they're required only on two wheels it's mainly so cars won't get stuck on the road, blocking traffic, because they don't have adequate traction. The powers that be who write those regulations seem concerned that you're able to get up a hill but aren't so worried about what's going to happen when you're coming down the other side. I'd buy four, use two when the regs say you must, use four when your sense of self-preservation says you should.

[bad karma]

Winter setup with 18's and Hakkapelliita R2s or Blizzaks is going to provide better traction and safety over chains for all winter driving conditions except for probably sheet ice. Not sure about Tahoe, but here in Oregon the signs never say "chains required", but rather "chains or traction tires required." Studded (eww) and studless snow tires, equipped with the Severe Service Emblem (mountain snowflake symbol), meet the qualification for traction tires, and Nokians are labeled accordingly.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by 2000Z3M

how about the snow sock? they are ok in Colorado

Never heard of this but will look into.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

If you're only going to run one set then of course it goes on the drive wheels. In zones where they're required only on two wheels it's mainly so cars won't get stuck on the road, blocking traffic, because they don't have adequate traction. The powers that be who write those regulations seem concerned that you're able to get up a hill but aren't so worried about what's going to happen when you're coming down the other side. I'd buy four, use two when the regs say you must, use four when your sense of self-preservation says you should.

Agreed. Will probably do just as you suggested- buy a complete set, use two rears when they make me and use all four when Im at fear for my life.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by bad karma

Winter setup with 18's and Hakkapelliita R2s or Blizzaks is going to provide better traction and safety over chains for all winter driving conditions except for probably sheet ice. Not sure about Tahoe, but here in Oregon the signs never say "chains required", but rather "chains or traction tires required." Studded (eww) and studless snow tires, equipped with the Severe Service Emblem (mountain snowflake symbol), meet the qualification for traction tires, and Nokians are labeled accordingly.

I run DWS06 all day everyday, everywhere. Not that having dedicated seasonal sets wouldnt be better... have a set of wheels begging for snow tires in my garage but thats not the point.

Snow tires are not a recommendation in Tahoe. They are law under certain weather conditions.