Where to buy cheap snow chains?

[freeflight]

Here in CA the law requires you to carry snow chains even if you drive a 4WD vehicle. I just put 4 new BFG Long Trail T/A tour tires on my 4WD 4Runner, which are much better than the stock Dunlop AT20 tires.

Considering that I never had to use chains even with the stock tires, so I might just need a cheap pair of chains to pass CHP inspection.

Does anybody know where to buy cheap snow chains in South Cal?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[borgzman]

Is that a regular route? like you are driving snow chain inspections going to work? or just a vacation..
Last year I bought chains from Walmart @ $60, then after our snowboard vacation, I returned it:naughty:
Same I will do this season.
(don't install chains, I did not do it even with dunflops, the radial long trail that i have now is much better and have tested them last season)

 

[Merle]

Never been asked to show proof that I had chains driving through the Sierra's. Buy a cheap pair off of craigslist and no one is going to know the wiser. Just make sure that your tires can handle the snow.

Oh, when the conditions get bad enough such that you need to chain up 4WD's, they usually shut down the highways.

If you live in such conditions, get a good pair of chains instead.

 

[Uneek]

Never been asked to show proof that I had chains driving through the Sierra's. Buy a cheap pair off of craigslist and no one is going to know the wiser. Just make sure that your tires can handle the snow.

Oh, when the conditions get bad enough such that you need to chain up 4WD's, they usually shut down the highways.

If you live in such conditions, get a good pair of chains instead.

:iagree: with everything Merle mentioned. In NorCal, they don't check 4WD for chains and wave us pass. I've only been caught in a highway shutdown once trying to get to Lake Tahoe around midnight, the snow wasn't come down hard, but visibility wasn't that great and they didn't reopen the highway until 9am. It was the longest time I've spent in the 4Runner.

I've read from SoCal members, it's a little different there and some times they've kept roads open if 4WD chain up.

Double check if you're going to buy chains to have for the season and return later, I've seen many retailers say all chain sales are final.

 

[freeflight]

Just go skiing twice a month or so. They normally cost over $100 in AutoZone. If I can find something cheap, I may just keep them in the truck.

Is that a regular route? like you are driving snow chain inspections going to work? or just a vacation..
Last year I bought chains from Walmart @ $60, then after our snowboard vacation, I returned it:naughty:
Same I will do this season.
(don't install chains, I did not do it even with dunflops, the radial long trail that i have now is much better and have tested them last season)

 

[freeflight]

I just remembered that I might drive on unpaved road (not plowed) to gain access to some backcountry skiing/snowshoe/mountaineering sites. If I could, I'd rather drive my truck than carry all those gears on my back in knee-deep snow. In this case, it might be a good idea in this case to get something descent chains.
I found Costco has tire chains for $85. Is this a good pair of chains for my purpose?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...248*21351*&whse=BC&topnav=&Browse=&lang=en-US

:iagree: with everything Merle mentioned. In NorCal, they don't check 4WD for chains and wave us pass. I've only been caught in a highway shutdown once trying to get to Lake Tahoe around midnight, the snow wasn't come down hard, but visibility wasn't that great and they didn't reopen the highway until 9am. It was the longest time I've spent in the 4Runner.

I've read from SoCal members, it's a little different there and some times they've kept roads open if 4WD chain up.

Double check if you're going to buy chains to have for the season and return later, I've seen many retailers say all chain sales are final.

 

[Uneek]

I found Costco has tire chains for $85. Is this a good pair of chains for my purpose?

Sorry I can't be of much more help. Judging by the picture, the chains does look like it would help you for the unplowed and back country. But I'm going purely based on the picture.

My friend has the same brand as the Costco ones on his tC, but with cables. The cables ride pretty smooth for him.

 

[freeflight]

Is cable version better than chain version?

Sorry I can't be of much more help. Judging by the picture, the chains does look like it would help you for the unplowed and back country. But I'm going purely based on the picture.

My friend has the same brand as the Costco ones on his tC, but with cables. The cables ride pretty smooth for him.

 

[Uneek]

Cables are typically quieter and provide smoother ride than chains. But the same restrictions would apply to cables as chains, i.e. speeds less than 30mph, check for tightness after 25 miles, etc.

 

[freeflight]

I see. Thanks.

Will keep looking for cable version.

Cables are typically quieter and provide smoother ride than chains. But the same restrictions would apply to cables as chains, i.e. speeds less than 30mph, check for tightness after 25 miles, etc.