Snow Chains

Twice needed chains on AWD Aerostar in Sierras

Before driving to Sugar Bowl, CA on 1/2, I purchased Type S clearance cables from Kragens for $30. I tried them on both front and rear tires in my dry driveway. They are Laclede brand size 1042. I had previously carried chains from 16" truck tires that I never needed or tested for fit. While you may not ever need chains on a highway in CA with 4WD, you may be asked if you have them and if not convincing, be asked to show them before being allowed to proceed. If you are stuck and don't have them, you can be fined.

Twice on my AWD Aerostar, I needed chains to proceed after getting stuck while trying to get to Sierra cabins. The first time, I tried crossing the berm the snowploy left to get into a cabin at South Lake Tahoe and high centered. The rear wheels were still on the street so I was able to jack them up and put on the chains and get unstuck. I left the chains on and that evening was able to go down a steep, icy hill that other 4WDs were sliding off.

The second time I had to chain my AWD Aerostar, I pulled to the edge of the road near a cabin in Tahoe Donner to let another vehicle pass. They had received 3 to 4 feet of snow in less than 24 hrs. and roads and driveways had not been cleared. I became stuck in the snow which was nearly to the top of my tires. After being pulled out by a passing truck, I chained up and my Aerostar was able to get in and pack down the snow in the cabin's driveway so my friend's Bronco could get in behind me.

The Aerostar only had anti-lock rear brakes so that is where I put my chains. I have driven front wheel drive vehicle with chains and didn't like the rough ride and steering or experiencing the back end trying to pass the front end when braking (without anti-lock). I would probably chain the rear of the Pilot depending on conditions.

Even with 4WD, the vehicle in the attached picture may need chains or a lot of shoveling to get on the road.

Dec 31 Soda Springs Snow

I drove to Nevada City, CA (2500 foot elevation) Thursday night and rode to Sugar Bowl in my friend's 91 Suburban on Friday. Roads (CA-20 and I-80) were opened at about 7:30 am after being closed on and off previous 24 hours. Sugar Bowl did not open Thurs. after getting 42-52 inches of snow. We had some breaks in the weather in the morning, before it started snowing again in the afternoon. The powder was only about knee deep and was skied out way too fast, but still worth the long drive. After skiing, we returned to friend's house for hot tub, went out to dinner and I drove home very tired in time for New Year with wife who stayed home with a cold. It was snowing below 2500 feet so I got to experience the Goodyear Integrity's in 2-3 inches of slush. This picture is at lodge in Soda Springs.

Had to use chains on 1/8/2005

I drove to South Lake Tahoe Fri. night 1/7. It was snowing at about 4,000 feet. It turned back to rain where US50 dropped down to American River, then started again as highway climbed to Echo Summit at 7,382 feet. Chain control was on, but road was OK with 4WD and I left a good distance from other cars.

The next morning, Heavenly ski resort was reporting 40 inches of new snow. I had no problem going up steep back road to ski area. The parking lot was not well cleared so I kept up momentum and parked in front row near tram. I knew I would have to back up and get a run to go forward when I left as the snow where I parked was over a foot deep.

After skiing what may have been the best powder of my life, I quit about 3:45 to go back to the cabin. I was only able to back up about a foot before tires spun helplessly. I could not go forward much either as some of the weight of the car was on the snow and Goodyear Integrity tire were not doing much. I dug out around tires as much as I could. After putting floor mats under front wheels and with four or five people pushing I got going enough to get to more packed down snow behind me. I stopped to pick up mats and was stuck again.

I was able to get chains (cables) hooked on the inside by pushing them around and under front tires. I had to use a bungee on one side to make temporary outside connection until I spun tire enough to connect properly. After borrowing a shovel and digging some more, I still needed help of two people pushing to get moving. Since distance to cabin and casinos is only about a mile, I left cables on until I was ready to leave Sunday afternoon because it is easier to leave them on than to put them back on when you are stuck.

Cabin picture from Saturday morning attached.