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Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Yahoo Message Number: 104221
I'm looking for some wisdom and experience on tire chains. We are taking a trip from Sacramento to Junction City, OR in the next couple of weeks to have some maintenance done. With this coach being new to us, we are going to need to buy tire chains given the snow conditions. My questions are; Is there clearance for them to fit, have any of you found one style to be better than another? I have found square link, v-link, and cable chains available for the 12R-22.5 tires on the rear - can cable chains work reliably, they seem to take up less space?

Thank you in advance - Happy and Healthy New Year to you all,

Mike St. John

2005 CC Magna Matisse, C13

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104223
Hi Mike,

I am a retired tour bus driver with over 600,000 miles. I will never chain up. You do have clearance but, and that is a big BUT in my opinion. If you are towing, they will not allow you to continue. If you are not towing, and if you are not a professional, you are asking for trouble on any down hill situation. I can not stress enough how dangerous it is. And how intimidating some of those truck drivers can be.

Even as an experienced driver what I have done when I have been "˜caught' in snow conditions is to follow in the tracks of a 18 wheeler, pulled into a truck stop and waited it out. Once I was waiting for 4 days. I am very familiar with the route your going to take. There is no rest area or RV Park or truck stop once you pass the rest area a little north of Yreka until you get into to Oregon and you are at the bottom of the Mt. Ashland grade. My rule of thumb is to use the same gear going down as you did going up.

SAFE TRAVELS and best for the new year,

Michael

05 Inspire #51381

**************************************** Note: do not reply to mtitle@...
Email: met6195@...

Michael Title
B.C. Canada

Cell: + (1) 604.741.3328
Hm: + (1) 604.885.4549
US Cell: 520.873.8001

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104225
30 plus years driving truck up and down I-5, the facts prove the weather might be bad for a day at a time wait it out and drive middays when the weather allows. Chains on a C.C. are a risky gamble and you lose most of the time. Drive safe a protect your investment. The life you save might be your own.
Robert McClernon
2000 Intrigue
40 one slide cummins 375

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104227
Mike, can you give us a good reason why you must travel in conditions requiring chains ?

Do you think the chains will allow you to drive at normal highway speeds, have you seen what happens to fiberglass being smacked with a broken chain link ?

Your going to risk injury and maybe totaling out your bus. I know you are a very careful driver, BUT what about the other guy who doesn't give a s*** ?

200 K + bus miles, have been caught a couple of times in snow conditions, we park.

AL

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104228
The best move is to go over to Petaluma and grab the 101 up to Eureka, then Florence, to Eugene. You shouldn't need chains, but watch the weather and don't tie yourself down to a specific travel date. Give yourself some flexibility to avoid strong pacific off shore Storms. One year we drove from Palm Desert to Junction City in late January and observed clear weather the entire time. 2006 as I remember. TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104229
My suggestion is to not use chains. In OR, you are supposed to carry chains during snow season so you can buy a set at Charles Schwab, carry them and then sell them back if they haven't been used. I5 is a major route and you will not be delayed for long if at all. Travel mid day after the road has been cleared and get off the road before dark.

Been driving the I5 from southern CA to WA for years and have never been stuck.

Don

'02 Intrigue 11427
'02 Intrigue #11427

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104231
From my experience an RV in snow conditions requiring chains is way beyond my risk tolerance. We found that out at slow speed on level ground when the coach just did not steer and we fortunately came to a slow stop off the road on a pull off big enough to hold us.

Some coaches only have power to one rear wheel so both traction and steering are at risk.

Having commuted over Donner Summit in 4WD for ten years I saw enough, particularly on down grades, to confirm my choice to wait out weather.

There is an old addage : Remember Icky! (Impatience Can Kill You)

Michael

2006 Inspire 51748

From: "stjohn911@... [Country-Coach-Owners]" To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, December 27, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

I'm looking for some wisdom and experience on tire chains. We are taking a trip from Sacramento to Junction City, OR in the next couple of weeks to have some maintenance done. With this coach being new to us, we are going to need to buy tire chains given the snow conditions. My questions are; Is there clearance for them to fit, have any of you found one style to be better than another? I have found square link, v-link, and cable chains available for the 12R-22.5 tires on the rear - can cable chains work reliably, they seem to take up less space?

Thank you in advance - Happy and Healthy New Year to you all,

Mike St. John

2005 CC Magna Matisse, C13

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104232
I've made that drive many times in the snow. I agree that if you're patient and plan your crossing for mid day you can probably avoid the real trick conditions. But if you must do it I usually just fall in line with the tractor trailers and let them lead the way up and back down.

Jim Coshow

2005 Inspire 51501

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104234
Agree remember when they mandate chains it for ice or immeniate ice. Not where you want to be trying to control 35-50k pounds.

Ray O 
---

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104236
I am in agreement, wait it out and you will get a chance to get over the pass during the day without chains, we will be going the other way from Seven Feathers RV in Canyonville when we get a clear chance after our stop in JC for our annual service.
Good Luck

2003 Magna 6279

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104238
? what coach only has power to 1 rear wheel???? I have never heard of this, Both of the CC that I have had power to both rear wheels/the tag has on power . All of the big trucks that I have owned had power to all 8 drive tires / with a diflock so both axles pull. '02 Magna 6028

On Sunday, December 27, 2015 5:53 PM, "michael joyce chirojoy@... [Country-Coach-Owners]"  wrote:

From my experience an RV in snow conditions requiring chains is way beyond my risk tolerance. We found that out at slow speed on level ground when the coach just did not steer and we fortunately came to a slow stop off the road on a pull off big enough to hold us.

Some coaches only have power to one rear wheel so both traction and steering are at risk.

Having commuted over Donner Summit in 4WD for ten years I saw enough, particularly on down grades, to confirm my choice to wait out weather.

There is an old addage : Remember Icky! (Impatience Can Kill You)

Michael

2006 Inspire 51748

From: "stjohn911@... [Country-Coach-Owners]" To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, December 27, 2015 9:08 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

I'm looking for some wisdom and experience on tire chains. We are taking a trip from Sacramento to Junction City, OR in the next couple of weeks to have some maintenance done. With this coach being new to us, we are going to need to buy tire chains given the snow conditions. My questions are; Is there clearance for them to fit, have any of you found one style to be better than another? I have found square link, v-link, and cable chains available for the 12R-22.5 tires on the rear - can cable chains work reliably, they seem to take up less space?

Thank you in advance - Happy and Healthy New Year to you all,

Mike St. John

2005 CC Magna Matisse, C13

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104241
Hi All,

I can't thank each of you enough for weighing in on my request for wisdom. You've answered my questions, chains may fit, but they are not a good idea in any way. I drove fire engines for 30 years in some pretty rotten conditions, for part of that time I live'd on the West and North Shores of Lake Tahoe and spent many long winter hours on Donner Summit at vehicle accidents which told me the the best way to cruise in the snow is on skis. Even though I may believe I have the patience and skill to get through, its just not a good idea in any way shape or form - its great to get the wisdom from those ahead of you on the path...

We love our coach and want to care for it properly, so it sounds like waiting out the storm is the smart idea (its a pretty darn nice place to wait) - I wasn't sure, but now I am. Am I correct to understand that when traveling in snow country, the law in Oregon and California says we have to carry chains even if we choose to pull off and wait? If so, I'll snag some chains, it seems they're out there for between $100 and $220...

Also, thanks for pointing out the places to wait... Its also good to know there are others traveling through around then, what a great family to join...

Again, thank you,   
Mike

Michael St. John

2005 CC Magna Matisse, C13

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104242
I don't know about Oregon, but in California, when it sez "carry chains" that is exactly what it means. I know someone who has been ticketed for violating this restriction, and on I-5 at that!

But my more expansive question is; why would a coach owner even want to drive his coach in these conditions? There are alternative coastal routes that would allow one to avoid these problems.

My phrase: Get real!. 
Ken

2004 Allure #31035

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104243
Is the coastal route reasonable for a 40' coach? I've had 2 people tell me they'd never take a 40' coach into the northern reaches of coastal California. We rode in the back of the car on 101 and 1 a lot as kids and it seemed long and winding, but not that bad, but I was young... I would love to take a week going north along the coast...

/Mike

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104245
You are correct. In Oregon you must have chains in your possession. We bought chains for our coach in 2008 and have yet to put the on, but when we travel in the winter they are in the basement in case anyone wants to see them. Tom Insall suggested you try 101 for your trip North and that is a good option, but this year 126 from Florence to Junction City is often closed due to flooding and 42 is closed due to a slide. That leaves Rt. 38 from Reedsport over to Drain and on up I-5 to Eugene. We have found that mid-day travel (hitting the summits between 10 AM and 2 PM) usually allows us to avoid ice and snow and chain requirements.

S. Brandt, 2006 Intrigue, 11964

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104252
1 in CA is not recommended, 101 is further inland most of the way through CA but hits the coast around Eureka and then all along coast through OR.
We have done it going south with no problem or concern 36' with toad.

Ray

They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser

On 12/28/2015 12:15:17 AM, "Michael St John stjohn911@... [Country-Coach-Owners]" Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104253
We traveled from Newport, Or. to the Santa Rosa, CA area last year using US HWY 1. Coach is 40' plus toad. Not an easy drive. Very curvy with a number of 15 mph turns, Scraped the front valance several times. It is slow going, but doable. You just can't be in a hurry. I would not do it again.

Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104254
Chains?????? I don't even like to put on long pants.

Max

98 Affinity

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104255
LOL I love it and agree completely!! Happy New Year!!!   
Ray

They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser

On 12/28/2015 10:05:06 AM, "Max Hedrick maxmlkman@... [Country-Coach-Owners]" Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104257
You do not drive hwy 1 ever. That said I have driven 101 to Coosbay and sometimes up to Florence then over to Eugene any number of times, 15 at least. Your average speed from Santa Rosa to Eureka is between 50 and 52 with only three or 4 narrow curvy parts. From Eureka to Coosbay the aver age will be between 32 to 37. Its easier to cut across on HWY 38 the road to I-5. I would much rather drive a couple of dozen tight corners at 20 to 25 mph than worry about the steep grades, the tight curves and possible show on I-5. I driven them both equally and though I-5 is faster, for me its more strenuous having to deal with 18 wheelers that only no one speed, and demand the right of way no matter the situation. I'm 42' long having pulled full size sedans, vans and SUV's and have never had an incident. TWI, 36 ft Allure and now 2004 42' Intrigue 11731

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104261
Ken I posted this the other day.

We traveled from Newport, Or. to the Santa Rosa, CA area last year using US HWY 1. Coach is 40' plus toad. Not an easy drive. Very curvy with a number of 15 mph turns, Scraped the front valance several times. It is slow going, but doable. You just can't be in a hurry. I would not do it again.

Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104262
Ken: Find us a quote like that in the KORAN! Barrie Boas 94 Concept 5111

On Tuesday, December 29, 2015 8:30 AM, "Jock Vargo jockvargo@... [Country-Coach-Owners]"  wrote:

Ken I posted this the other day.

We traveled from Newport, Or. to the Santa Rosa, CA area last year using US HWY 1. Coach is 40' plus toad. Not an easy drive. Very curvy with a number of 15 mph turns, Scraped the front valance several times. It is slow going, but doable. You just can't be in a hurry. I would not do it again.

Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428

Re: Snow Chains - 2005 Magna Matisse - Any Recommendations?

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 104263
May and June of 2014 - My wife and I took 101 / 1 from just north of San Francisco all the way to the Washington / Oregon border.
We went up the Central valley - up the east side of the bay - crossed the San Rafael bridge where we picked up 101.
We had done almost all of the southern part of 1 the year before. The part of 1 just north of the Golden Gate bridge is not good for a motor-home.

There are places where 1 and 101 are the same. Our first stop north of the bay was at the Santa Rosa Fair grounds - this gave access to hwy 1 and also wind country. If you are pulling a car - the easiest way to do 1 is to go up 101 in the motor-home, stop for 2 or 3 days and hop over and go N and S on 1, them move up 101 a way and do the same thing again. There are more places to stay on 101.
Though 1 is doable north of Bodega Bay in a 40' coach -- it is easier to park a car to take pictures and get to the water to get your feet wet.

We did the trip in a 40' Safari and really enjoyed the trip. As I get older - I try hard to make life easy and enjoyable.
101 is a mix of 4 lane and 2 lane - all in good shape.
If you get to Cal. / Or. boarder - go to Gold Beach in Or. and take the jet boat up the Rogue River. My wife had reservations on doing this but loved it.

If you keep on 101 up to Washington border - you can come back East on Interstate 84 along the Columbia River ( a beautiful drive ).
Last word of advice - 101 is scenic (that means crooked) but very doable - just slow down and enjoy.

JimTex