Snow chains needed for Big Bear trip? Have SAS

[tofudrifter]

Thinking of headed to big bear this weekend. Do we need snow chains? Got a sasquatch.

Txs!

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[EasternSierra]

You can't run chains on a Sasquatch because there is too little clearance. You'll damage the suspension, steering, and/or other parts.

In California, typically if you have "snow" tires (M+S rating as per state definition) and 4wd you'll be fine. It's unlikely they'd require you to put on chains. You're supposed to carry chains, and they may ask you if you are at the chain checkpoint.

 

[NORCALGXP]

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/snow-chains-for-my-sasquatch-anyone-else-use-these.62302/

Clearance Issues: The larger 35-inch tires on the Sasquatch package (often Badlands/Wildtrak) make chain fitment extremely tight, potentially hitting suspension or crash bars.

Modifications: Some owners modify the rear crash bars or use wheel spacers for better clearance, though this isn't ideal.

Chain Type: Cable chains (like Traction Cable/SCC) are often recommended over traditional link chains due to better clearance.

When to Use: For extreme icy grades or deep, unplowed drifts where air-down and lockers aren't enough, but avoid them in fresh, paved-road snow where they can cause damage.

Caltrans/WSDOT Rules: Chain requirements on mountain passes often mandate them for all vehicles (even 4x4s) in severe conditions, regardless of tire type.

 

[superchar1982]

https://a.co/d/1Cv4MfJ

I bought these just to keep in the bronco in the event of a chain check. Been too lazy to do a fit check. Realistically I won’t ever use them. Roads usually get shut down after fwd cars with chains start spinning out over the summit.

 

[Brian_B]

You will still be required by CHP to carry chains.

They don’t usually check to make sure they would fit. But very very rarely they will require you to put them on or turn around

 

[tofudrifter]

You will still be required by CHP to carry chains.

They don’t usually check to make sure they would fit. But very very rarely they will require you to put them on or turn around

Wow so CHP will require me to physically have a set on me. Great to know!

 

[Brian_B]

Wow so CHP will require me to physically have a set on me. Great to know!

Yes.

There are 3 levels of chain restrictions in CA. I usually only ever see R2... Most of the time when they get to R3 they just close the roads entirely - I've only ever seen it once. I've never seen them do just R1, but it exists so maybe.

• R1: Chains Required (Snow Tires Allowed)
  • Chains are needed on all vehicles unless you have snow tires (M/S on sidewall) on at least two drive wheels.
  • Even with snow tires, you must still carry chains in the vehicle.
• R2: Chains or Traction Devices Required (4WD/AWD Exempt)
  • Chains or approved traction devices are mandatory for most vehicles.
  • Exemptions: 4WD/AWD vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels (but they must still carry chains).
• R3: Chains Required - No Exceptions
  • All vehicles, regardless of drive type or tires, must use chains.
  • This is the most severe level, and roads are often closed before R3 is implemented.

 

[tofudrifter]

Yeah if we hit R3 i m just turning around. Not worth the headache.

 

[Darth_JoPa]

I go to Tahoe often in the winter with SAS Badlands and factory tires. I dont keep chains on me when using my Bronco and I'm waved through chain control every single time. You don't need em.

 

[tofudrifter]

I go to Tahoe often in the winter with SAS Badlands and factory tires. I dont keep chains on me when using my Bronco and I'm waved through chain control every single time. You don't need em.

This is also great to know! Thanks!

 

[RedPandaMonium]

It seems like it's R1/R2 restrictions most of the time for me in Tahoe. CHP looks at either our Bronco or Focus, both with M+S's, and just waves us through. They've never asked to look to see if we have chains. It's going to be the Tesla or Prius with all season tires that sneaks through the back roads and spins out and close the road before it gets to R3, LOL.

 

[Returntothefog]

Also planning to hit Big Bear next weekend! Let us know how it’s looking up there!

 

[Doc TOC]

There is what's required, and what you should do.

Agree with most on here. I have had to put chains on my Expedition, but got waived on in the Badlands Sas for similar conditions at Big Bear. What CHP does sometimes seems more an issue of stopping the dopes and using best judgment.

I usually air down 10 psi at 3500 feet during snow and ice conditions. The issue really isn't the snow. It's the glare ice. You will come around the bend into a shadow stretch on a wet/mushy road and it's waiting with a mean smile, covered with a light dusting of snow. On ice, patch matters more than bite. I have slid on chains (in CA, OH, CO, NH and ID) as much as I have with snow tires or luggy tires. It's what you are on at the time and how fast your are going. I have had chains create a snow block to skid on across the ice.

Watching your speed and the conditions in front is probably the best advice.

Both my vehicles have on-board compressors. But there are plenty of shops and gas stations around Big Bear or at the bottom of the mountain to air up.

 

[lakesinai]

Wow so CHP will require me to physically have a set on me. Great to know!

Riodoso NM could require chains when I lived out there.

 

[Emilian]

You can't run chains on a Sasquatch because there is too little clearance. You'll damage the suspension, steering, and/or other parts.

In California, typically if you have "snow" tires (M+S rating as per state definition) and 4wd you'll be fine. It's unlikely they'd require you to put on chains. You're supposed to carry chains, and they may ask you if you are at the chain checkpoint.

Here is what I got for my Badlands Sasquatch:
Rear wheels:
Studded chains
315/70R17LT, 315/70-17 LT VBAR
(Tire Chain. Com)
Front:
I got socks for snow and for ICE I got
diameter 4.5 mm DEDC KS1620 chains. I've seen Jeep people using them.

I haven't tried them on Goodyear's MT's I run April through November though, but they all fit well 315/70 R 17 BFG s KO2's- I change wheels and tires seasonally.

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