SoCal Broncos

Has anyone had any trouble entering an "R1/R2" zone https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls without using tire chains? If you have a Sasquatch you shouldn't put tire chains on according to the Owners Manual (pg 378 https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/uploads/2021-Ford-Bronco-Owners-Manual.pdf). I'm pretty sure the Goodyears are not technically "snow-rated" but they meet this description "A 'Snow-tread tire' is a tire which has a relatively deep and aggressive tread pattern compared with conventional passenger tread pattern".

Going up to Big Bear soon and don't want to deal with the hassle if CHP is requiring us to carry snow chains. Are there good alternative devices instead of chains or am I overthinking this?

Mammoth required either 4 wheel drive OR chains, observed all the AWD Teslas passing the CHP checkpoint without issue. About 3 miles past that, one of the Teslas was on its roof.
People seem to think AWD makes you invincible.

@Neps

@Neps Good to hear, sounds like 4wd will cover us. Wild to think you can flip a Tesla with such a low cog haha

Was up at Big Bear a few weeks ago. The signage there reads “4WD WITH SNOW TIRES OK” - so technically you are not in the clear. Having said that, the main road is totally clear due to the snow plows, I’m pretty sure a 2WD can do it no issue.

I have seen CHP check for chains up near Mammoth at times.

I have some truck chains for the Bronco that I hope I never have to use. I carry them whenever there is any chance of snow.

99% of the time the CHP wants you to simply carry chains if you have 4WD/AWD (R2). I have only been in real R3 conditions a few times (CHP escorting a pack of vehicles up 395 during blizzards). In these cases, you can't join the pack without chains installed correctly.

I have also heard the whole R1/R2/R3 chain requirement levels process is going to change later this year.

Last time up in Mammoth the Bronco got buried by the plow and I had to lock up an 4L my way out. Did not put chains on and had no issues but knowing the chains were in the car lowered my stress level a ton.

Caltrans has a map (http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/) and an app that will show the chain control areas.

I don't have my Bronco yet (delivery hopefully next week). But as a seasoned Jeep driver and numerous times in the snow going up to Big Bear for years. I had beefy 35 inch AT's BFG KO's and had never had CHP ask me to put my chains on. Been to Colorado in snow storms and never had to put my chains on. With that said, I would take the above members advice as I never go to the snow without my chains just in case. You never really know what you are going to get yourself into.

I run BFG KO2's on my Raptor, Jeep and when I get it Wildtrak. Live in OC and have a house up in June Lake and have never had to chain up even in strict chain controls. If its R3 one should not be on the road. But its good to carry chains, cold weather gear, some food and gloves in case the highway is closed and/ or you need to chain up.

@Schnabby

Thanks @Schnabby @pfresh! Do you guys have any product/brand recommendations for 35" tires?

Live by these tires. Had them on 2 of my jeeps. Absolutely incredible on and off road. BF Goodrich KO2 LT315/70R17. Got 50-60K miles on them every time. Really "mean" looking too.

Chains I bought for my Sasquatch: https://tirechainsonline.com/part-no-3831cv-l/

@seanoj

@seanoj pricy! Walmart has really good prices on chains $70 bucks

That was the first place I checked and nothing in stock. Tough to find any chains that fit the big 12x35 on the Sasquatch.

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