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Topic: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite? (Read 14 times) previous topic - next topic
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Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Yahoo Message Number: 148654
We are planning a trip from the East Bay to Yosemite Valley over Thanksgiving.  My understanding is that chains or cables must be carried after Nov. 1 in posted chain-up areas on state and federal roads in California.
 What advice would you give to someone who has never used chains or cables on an LD (2004 Rear Bath with fairly new Michelin LTX M/S 2 tires)?  Chains vs. cables?  Installation tips?  OK to tow car or better not to tow if possible?  Other considerations/issues?

Hoping for good weather, but preparing for bad.

Thanks--Ted
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148655
You might try these websites:

http://www.tirechain.com/225-75R-16LT.htm

http://www.scc-chain.com/tire-chain-finder/traction-product-choices/z-chain/

You may hope not to have to use chains, but, whatever type you decide on, I suggest doing a practice installation in the driveway before your trip!

Certainly not wishing you a bad trip, but we need every drop of precipitation that we can get in whatever form we can get it, and the sooner, the better.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148656
My 2004 LD manual says only cable chains can be used due to clearance issues.  I have only test fitted my chains, never needed them, fortunately.  Jack in Reno
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148657
LDs have minimal clearance around the rear wheel wells and require using low-profile cables instead of chains.
When running tire cables, open the rear wheel covers and install the knobs on the studs, with the covers left open to provide the needed side clearance. The covers will not flop around too much at the low speeds you should be driving when using cables.
As Joan suggested, make sure to try the cables at home to determine the proper installation method and to see if they fit correctly.
Practicing at home, on a warm day, beats learning while on the side of the road, laying in snow.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148658
Thank you, Joan.  First, I certainly agree with your sentiment about precipitation.  We should accept precipitation without the customary complaints and embrace a shared civic burden.  I did not mean to imply that I prefer a personal benefit of drought over the shared benefit of precipitation.  I am increasingly dismayed by the perceived rise of the attitude that "I've got mine; getting your is your problem."  My remark was intended to be humorous, not a serious "policy position", but your point is very well taken.  The drought has passed the point where even the most tangential humor is appropriate.
 Second, a point of clarification.  Your link to tirechains.com took me to the the page for 225/75-R16LT tires, but it says chains on that page do not fit Load Rating E tires, the OEM tires for LDs, I believe.  The page for 225/75-R16, Load Range E is:
 http://www.tirechain.com/225-75-16LT-LRE.htm

Your LD expertise far exceeds mine, so I am wondering if there is something I am not understanding about the appropriate LD tire specs for chains.

Thanks--Ted
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148659
Ted, I think that "what we have here is a failure to communicate!" My "precipitation" comment was intended solely as an expression of the desperate need for rain; I regret that it was apparently interpreted otherwise. Perhaps a "smiley" would have been helpful.

Larry's recommendations on cable chains will likely be most useful for making the best choice.

Whatever the weather, I wish you a great trip to a beautiful place.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148660
Absolutely no offense taken.  Perhaps I am too sensitive to being perceived as insensitive!  (smiley face) (I don't know how to display emoticons).  Ted
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148661
Thanks Larry for taking the time to respond.  One question (ok, ok, more than one question):  if I want to buy them online, how do I know when the clearance is sufficient?  Right now I am in Oregon and my LD is parked in the East Bay, so I do not have access to my manual or the rig.
 I have noticed that there is an SAE clearance standard referred to as Class S.  If the cable meets or exceeds the S standard, is that good enough?  Should I only get one that exceeds Class S?  Is there a way to buy online and know they will fit?
 The leading manufacturer appears to be Peerless subsidiary SCC. Their Z6 and Z8 (can't seem to find what the difference between them is)  specs state that they exceed the Class S standards and gives the clearances in millimeters.  Does the manual specify the clearances needed so that I can buy online with confidence?  If not, is there anyway to know how to buy online with confidence.
 I realize it would be better if I had access to my rig and could measure the clearances needed myself, but I am hoping that an LD is an LD (E450) and someone can advise on clearances that would pertain to my rig (2004 Rear Bath).

Thanks--Ted
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148662
We visited Yosemite NP in March of 2013. I purchased Peerless 0231805 Auto-Trac Light Truck/SUV Tire Chain from Amazon. Prior to departure I tested the fit and clearance. I have Bigfoot levelers and raised the Rears off the ground, and snugly scooted the chains into place. Not an easy job when it's cold and wet! It appeared there was enough clearance with the wheel skirts down, YMMV.

Mark Bartholme
2005 RB
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148664
Mark.  Thank you so much.  I've been debating between the Peerless Z6 and the autotrac model and size you bought.  I have since discovered from the Ford website that the E450 cutaway requires Class S clearance chains, so I assume on the LD that I'm fine as long as the chain/cable meets that standard
 My main problem now is what size to get.  Many reviewers have complained that they bought the SCC chain/cable specified for their vehicle but they were too small when installation was attempted.  SCC specifies the model you bought for the E450 Load E tires , but I was leery about buying it online because of these sizing  complaints.  Do you feel that size fits perfectly or would you buy a size larger had you known how well the size you bought fits?
 Larry W. said that chains do not have enough clearance and cables were suitable.  Even though the Autotrac meets then Class S spec, I was also leery because it is chain not cable.
 Also some reviewers of the Autotrac complain that the auto-tightening ratchets are made of plastic and prone to break.  What is your experience and opinion?  I am trying to estimate which is more likely to break: a rubber tensioner or an autotrac ratchet.  From reviewers, they both seem vulnerable.
 I'm ready to buy what you bought if you recommend.  As to the wheel covers, I like the idea of raising the covers, installing the nuts directly on the bolt and letting the wheel covers down on top of the nuts.  Since you can't drive more than 25mph, that sounds like a great idea.

Thanks--Ted
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148665
Thanks to all of you who responded to my request for tire chain advice.  I thought to update this thread with my final decision and will report back when, and if, they are ever used.
 I decided on Thule XG 12 PRO (size 245).  They are expensive, but get impeccable reviews, whereas cable tensioners seem to be prone to breaking and other types of tensioners fail as well.  Some do not stay tight and aligned.  People have reported damage to vehicles from chains/cables that have come loose while driving.
 Thule does not advertise this model as meeting the SAE Class S minimum clearance standard (15mm), but the spec for this model cites a 12mm clearance.  They also come with a 5-year warranty.  Users report that they are very easy to install and do not require raising the wheel.

Ted
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156776
Well, it's November and time to think of tire chains again.  Thanks to Ted's work, just ordered a pair.  Heading to Yosemite Nov 15.  Was conflicted on buying them.   If I didn't buy them, I'd certainly need them.  OTOH, Calif desperately needs the moisture.   $215 on Amazon.
Relatively inexpensive insurance, considering the alternative.

Joel & Mary 2013 31 IB / 2013 CRV towd.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
 
Re: Advice for novice on chains/cables in Yosemite?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156777
These are what I use when traveling in winter:
 Amazon.com: Security Chain Company SC1032 Radial Chain Cable Traction Tire Chain - Set of 2: Automotive

I found them easier to put on then the chains I had. Whatever you use make sure there tight and secure. I have seen some severe damage if they come loose. A little oil on the pivot points makes installation easier. Used them to cross the Sierra Nevada mountains from Reno, NV. to Lake Tahoe, CA. Towed a couple in a stranded Honda Fit one time up a grade with them. Not sure how they got down the hill. I always carry a tow rope with hooks on each end. Good idea in the winter. Carry some cardboard to insulate yourself from the cold pavement when installing. I used flattened USPS priority mail boxes free at the post office.

bobmoore14
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