Airstream winter tire chains/cables

[BML]

Any recommendations for cables/chains best for Airstream. We'll do winter travel in our new 2024 28' Pottery Barn. Tow vehicle - 3/4-ton 2024 chevy. I do a lot of driving in snow/winter conditions regularly, so not afraid of that, I understand speed, distance, road conditions, weather etc. Wouldn't tow in the real bad stuff, just would like to carry cables/chains in case. Any suggestions appreciated.

[gypsydad]

I know there are folks here who do use their AS's in winter snow. I lived in MT many years and still I would not want to tow my AS in snow. I would wait till roads cleared when caught with a spring or fall storm and avoid being on the road/highways until clear. I have 4x4 also with my F250, and have had to use to get my rig out of campground in Yellowstone Signal Mountain in one of those freak storms. As far as towing on highways in snow...I hate towing in slushy/snowy weather with that big a TT. Maybe just me, but there is alot of weight back there.

[Thiss]

I carrying Snow Socks.

I have not used them since I am usually stationary by the time the snow falls. In OR it is required to carry drag chains in all snow zones after Nov. Socks meet all the ODOT requirements.

I think they are good insurance to have. They are lighter and easier to store. Also, they are easier to install and need far less clearance with no way to cause damage to the AS like a cable or chain can if they come loose.

I wasn’t able to find a lot of first hand use examples of them on RVs, but I did find a trucking couple on YouTube who documented their use, and they were very happy. If the work on a loaded tractor trailer then they should be good on an RV. It seems that the only weakness they have is driving them on bare pavement is hard on them, so they need to come off pretty quickly.

[majorairhead]

Everybody has their opinion on this, here's mine.

I'd never even consider putting chains or cables on my Airstream.

I'd add this...road salt, calcium, and whatever other high tech chemicals used on roadways to melt snow/ice will wreak havoc on an Airstream, pitting the hitch parts, causing corrosion on the copper lines, and doing damage to the underbelly, axels, wheels, etc.

When it snows, we stay put, til the roads are clear, and dry.

Now, this is from an East Coast Pennsylvania point of view, I have no idea how they treat roads in Cali

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There are a lot of reasons to avoid winter use of your AS trailer. We could spend a whole lot of time on that. Like others above, I'm in the "let's put it away" crowd.

Since you have no "drive" on the trailer wheels, supplements to the tires there aren't going to help that part of it. They only will add to the braking performance. One key there is the brake controller and just what it does in snow. From my limited time towing in snow, yup the rear wheels can slide a bit. The same thing is true on mud, sand, or even really wet grass.

Why does that matter? The most common issue is: I'm stuck and need to get down this road / out of this site. That's a drive issue. Traction on the rear end of the TV is what counts.

With 4 tires all close each other / tightly enclosed, getting something *onto* them is fun under ideal conditions. If some slush / crud has accumulated ... good luck getting them on. After running with them for a while, having ice accumulate is pretty much inevitable. Getting them off .... yikes !!!!

I would place a *very* high premium on things that are very easy to get on and off. That more than any other performance feature would be the decider for me. This stuff isn't all that expensive *and* you can check it out in your driveway in the summer. Get an example of a couple options and see how crazy they are to get on and off.

Bob

[hikingcamera]

Like others here, I’d stop or turn around before putting snow socks on. But since they are required on passes near us, we carry a pair. They fit the old trailer and not the new one. Don’t tell DOT!

[TitusNW]

We live in Oregon and I use our trailer year round. When it's not dry it's wet. Very occasionally snow.

I carry a set of Peerless SZ339, low profile Z design cable chains. I carry them in case I get caught with snow at higher elevations and need a safer way to get back to clear roads.

Steve

[BML]

I appreciate all the replies. I do not plan to drive with chains on, I will stop and wait it out, just want to have a good pair on me... I've put chains on many times, not afraid of that, but again, I'll park and enjoy my trailer when it gets to that point. Thanks to all and always appreciate this community for helping me learn my new trailer! Safe travels to all

[Tim J]

I've used this pattern on a trailer. They have a lot more lateral traction to keep the trailer from sliding sideways. I have this type for the front of my F350 as well.

[StevenD]

While I can’t speak to towing our trailer in the snow,(heck, I don’t even like driving in the rain anymore), I have had experience years ago, chaining up a semi. Trailer chains definitely made a difference especially when braking down hills. We used to call them drag chains. As I recall, we only chained up one axle of the trailer and when going down hills, we would use the trailer brakes to keep the rig straight and then the tractor would sort of “drag” the trailer down the hill.
Same concept would likely work with your Airstream but it’s really not for the faint of heart. Sounds like fun if I was still in my 20’s.