"The cheapest place to buy chains is Missoula."

[tracer]

In case someone needs cheap tire chains - I recently bought some at a good price in Missoula, MT. It's exit 96 and the truck stop just north of I-90 is called Muralt's Travel Plaza. They have chains and newer design cables (very light). I was heading into Washington that requires 7 chains onboard so I stopped at Muralt's and got me the missing 4 chains/cables. A guy at another truck stop had suggested Missoula at the "cheapest place to buy chains." And he was right: the price was about 20-25% cheaper than at a few other places I had checked. This truck stop has a restaurant and there's a Peterbilt dealer next to it.

Muralt's Travel Plaza
8800 Truck Stop Road
Missoula, MT 59808-9708
(406) 728-4700
Muralt's Travel Plaza Online

[Bigmon]

It says free coffee in the casino. I guess that's where we'll find you.

[tracer]

It says free coffee in the casino. I guess that's where we'll find you.

No, I'm in Regina SK right now and it's close to 0F or -19C. I'm making myself a promise to stick to South-East USA for the winter. Montana has the most beautiful scenery in my opinion but it should be enjoyed when it's warm outside. I think my next trip will be to Houston, Texas Better check that air conditioner.

[bulldozerbert]

Now your talking...............forget the tire chains, stay south of the snow.

[classictruckman]

why would you need 7 chains if you've only got 4 ends to the drives or 8 tires?

[no_worries]

4 on the drives, 2 on the trailer, and a spare.

[classictruckman]

why would you put chains on a trailer? I thought you only needed them on the drives.

[Bigmon]

Landstar policy

[GMAN]

why would you put chains on a trailer? I thought you only needed them on the drives.

Some states require you to put chains on the trailer. It will help prevent the trailer from coming around on you. The chains are put on opposite sides and axles as I recall. For instance, if you put them on the left front tires you would also need to put chains on the right rear tires. It is primarily some of the states in the Northwest that require chains.

[tracer]

why would you put chains on a trailer? I thought you only needed them on the drives.

Landstar posted a "2010 tire chain laws" PDF on the website. Here's what it says about the chain requirements in 4 western states/provinces:
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Washington State Law requires you to carry a minimum of 7 single tire-chains, or 3 sets of dual-wheel chains and 1 single, between November 1st and April 1st when traveling the following mountain pass routes: I-90, I-82, SR-2, SR-12, SR-97, SR-410, SR-20, SR-155, SR-542, SR-970, SR-14

4 Chains for use on drive axle tires, 1 chain for use on the trailer, & 2 additional spare chains
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Oregon State Law requires you to carry a minimum of 6 single tire-chains, or 3 sets of dual-wheel chains, when inclement weather persists (there are no set dates).

4 Chains for use on drive axle tires, 2 chains for use on the trailer
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Colorado State Law requires commercial vehicles, having four or more drive wheels, to carry chains to use on four wheels, between September 1st and May 31st when traveling on I-70, in either direction, between MP 133 (Dotsero) and MP 259 (Morrison).

Chains are not required on trailers.
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British Columbia law requires commercial trucks, over 27,000 kg GVW, must carry chains from October 1st to April 30th.

A 5 Axle Tractor Trailer combination is required to chain the 1st drive axle with 4 chains.
British Columbia states: Cable chains not recommended for drive axles
.................................................. ............................................

Washington has the most stringent requirements, that's why I'm carrying 7 chains/cables now.