Snow Chains vs. Cables?

[Mobius97]

Socks rip easily if you go on any snowy roads with rocks. In oregon, we dump tons of rocks on the snow; instead of rock salt.

I agree that snow tires would be a better bet. I think there's some sorta rating where they need the "three peaks" for true snow tire rating. These are like... $850 from costco for my truck, before install/tpms costs

Prolly another $800 if I buy new wheels too :/

Good to know! I was looking at these....live in the PNW as well. Started to research chains, cables, etc over the past week. We have a place over in Chelan, WA and decided to spend New Years out there for the first time. Have to go over two passes, Snoqualmie and Blewitt. The typical 3hr drive turned into a 6.5 hr drive due to pass closures and bad snow conditions. The Ranger plowed thru all with no issue whatsoever! I just used the "snow mode" that kept it in 4xH and took my time. It just got me thinking I should be keeping chains or cables in the bed.

Do you think these socks would be bad on the normal sand spray they spread on the roads?

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[pull string get cookies]

I'm assuming you live in the Emeryville in the Bay Area which means you're likely going to the same Sierra locations that I go to. In that case, you'll likely get through with just your stock M+S tires. I've yet to have the CHP turn me around. That said, I do carry Auto Socks just in case as technically there is a Caltrans condition where even if you have snow tires, they'll still require you to carry (and present evidence of, on request) a traction-adding tool. This could be chains, cables or in my case, Auto Socks. They're approved in California anyway and take a couple minutes to install. I feel bad watching my friends take forever to install their chains/cables in the cold while I just roll the socks on and hop back in the warm truck....ok, maybe it's a little fun waiting on them in the warmth... ?

https://autosock.us/

I carry Auto Socks as well, just in case...

 

[ch47dmechanic]

Good to know! I was looking at these....live in the PNW as well. Started to research chains, cables, etc over the past week. We have a place over in Chelan, WA and decided to spend New Years out there for the first time. Have to go over two passes, Snoqualmie and Blewitt. The typical 3hr drive turned into a 6.5 hr drive due to pass closures and bad snow conditions. The Ranger plowed thru all with no issue whatsoever! I just used the "snow mode" that kept it in 4xH and took my time. It just got me thinking I should be keeping chains or cables in the bed.

Do you think these socks would be bad on the normal sand spray they spread on the roads?

Autosocks are fine on improved roads. California uses sand on the roads in the winter weather areas and I've never ripped a sock on them. I've seen plenty of class eight trucks using them before without ever hearing of one tearing either. I don't doubt it could happen, just thinking that if you're not driving like a moron and sticking to improved roads, you'll likely be fine.

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