47 replies to this topic

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Got a link?

I'll check back to the paper.

Frank

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

All I could get from the paper article is the web page.

    sfchronicle.com/lifestyle/travel   hope this helps.

 

The chain restrictions.

R-0 No restrictions carry chains while in snow country.

R-1 Chains required all commercial vehicles (large trucks/buses).

R-2 Chains required all vehicles except 4X4 drives with M&S tires on ALL 4 wheels.

  You must carry traction devices for at least one set of drive wheels.

R-3 Chains required ALL vehicles _ NO EXCEPTIONS (CHP will usually close the roads rather than post R-3)

 

 MUST CARRY.

 Yosemite NP requires all drivers,even those with 4X4 drive with M&S tires,to carry one set of chains.

On roads with posted R-2 conditions,the CHP can also require this to pass through checkpoints.

 

I also heard years ago that the CHP can fine you for each chain restriction sign you pass,should you get stopped

and not have chains or have an accident and not have chains on if posted so.

I have always had a set of chains for my vehicles it's cheep insurance.

I  have never used a set of chains,but carry them.

 

Frank

[pvstoy]

Ok, I looked around the internet for diamond pattern chains.  Most all have alloy links and pretty thin.  Found company Quality Chains and they supply Les Schwabs with the thinner models.  They also offer a stouter version in a 5.5 mm thickness with a more traditional rubber tighter.  

 

https://www.qualityc...djuster-style-0

 

On their web page they also sell through Auto Zone, well I went down and ordered 2 sets and will see what they look like.  I would rather have a more robust, thicker chain than a lighter weight chain.  The next one down has 3.7 mm thickness and sure that is what Les Schwab is accurately selling.

 

 

Ok think I'm all set now.  Took 5 sets to get it right... Quality Chain needs more quality control on their product.

 

The two pairs I got from Auto Zone were tagged right but what was inside was the wrong chain style, even the picture on the bag showed a different chain.  Called Quality Chain up and chatted, nice person, but we were not on the same page of it being wrong even though their two number code on the link attachment showed a "21" stamped.  ( size 2521Q )

 

I started talking about Auto Zone and Les Schwab, and he said Les Schwab has our catalog and can get anything from us.

 

I called my "Guy" at my local Les Schwab and told him my story and said I paid $503 for two sets.  Said I can get you those chains and for a lot cheaper!  He saved me $175 !!! 

 

I returned the others at Auto Zone and had to show them the picture on their on line catalog and what was actuality in the box did not match.

 

I received two new sets the next morning and yes they did show the right picture to go along with the tag and included the rubber adjusters.  I did notice they each had a different tag that one showed more tire sizes and a few larger tire sizes than the other tag.  Did not think much of it.  I was glad to save so much money and it was the right chain as ordered.

 

Last night it was time to fit all four chains to make sure all was good.  Tried the first pair, the one with fewer tire sizes on the tag.  TOO short in diameter and will not fit properly... Crap!

 

Try the second set and they fit reasonable and acceptable.

 

Went down to Les Schwab and explained this to "Guy" and called the store on the north end of town and they have 5 sets.  Great, on my way to get this resolved.

 

Once there I was greeted in the parking lot, (yes still do this) and young man carried in my tire/rim, yes I did take the truck tire off so they or me can make sure the fit while I was there.  They wanted to make sure the chain indeed did not fit as you might expect some customers may not have a clue or need help putting on chains.  He said most people buy them and never test fit before they need them.

 

He mounted my tire/rim on a balancer and tried to fit the chain.  No go... that's odd...  I suggested a exchange and pick one that the tag matches.  He left and came back with a new set with a matching tag of the good set.  He put on both sets with satisfactory results.  YEA!

 

So after many hours spent doing this I now I have 2 sets of chains that I know fit my tires.. Four chains for the Dodge truck and can also use one set for the rear wheels of the 4 Runner ( same size tire).

 

Lesson learned,  My Guy ( that is his name) at Les Schwab can get things for me at a reasonable price.  They are very helpful making it right and fitting them to my tire.  Second don't trust labels on packaging to be correct, verifies everything. Especially some thing like tire chains.  You do not want to have a surprise trying to put them on for the first time when it is cold and wet on the side of the road...  Wait...That is what the chain monkeys are for...can fix it with bailing wire.. 

 

Cheers

[ski3pin]

Good story Patrick! Excellent information for someone navigating through the world of tire chains.

 

You bet Julie & I made sure all the chains fit on all four tractor tires back when we were wearing t shirts and shorts.

 

The only time - knock on wood - that we hiked out, leaving the truck behind - yes, in the middle of Nevada - it was Les Schwab that saved the day.

[klahanie]

Good story, kids today don't know what their missing, ordering online 'n all.

 

Glad you got it sorted - and met some helpful folks.

 

I checked my invoice, paid the same as you 4 yrs back for SQ Link ladder. What style did you end up with anyhoo ?

[pvstoy]

Good story, kids today don't know what their missing, ordering online 'n all.

 

Glad you got it sorted - and met some helpful folks.

 

I checked my invoice, paid the same as you 4 yrs back for SQ Link ladder. What style did you end up with anyhoo ?

 

https://www.qualityc...djuster-style-0

 

  Good for ABS vehicles.

 

Model #2521Q  Listed price on web page is retail $219.63 each, My Guy might have gave me a discount at $165 per set after taxes.

Edited by pvstoy, 22 December 2018 - 05:20 AM.

[pvstoy]

The other thing that bugs me is their marketing.  They advertise 5.5 mm I assume for the thickness of the chain but the alloy links average 4.85 mm.  The steel connector ring some of them measure 5.5 mm thickness.  Maybe I just assume that value should be for the thickness of the alloy chain?  But I own them now.

 

Also note that Les Schawb has a buy back program for chains they sell.  If you do not use them then at the end of the season they will buy them back. 

[CougarCouple]

Cool story pvstoy
I would think you should hold on to a set that fits, it could be worse next year!


Russ