I've got a Subaru and have a little bit of experience driving in the snow. So far I've only encountered Califonria chain checkpoints at R2 chain conditions. They typically looked at the front left tire, noted it was a Subaru, and let me go. However, you're supposed to carry chains or cables (regardless of the vehicle) whenever there are chain controls.
Previously I bought a set of Cobra Tire Cables from Quality Chain. These were ladder type cables without chain tighteners, which I think could be used. I bought them in March because I just had a itch to go driving in the snow, and I'd heard that there was a forecast for snow in Tahoe. You can imagine how hard it was to find them in the San Francisco Bay Area in March. Didn't end up using them, but once I did try putting them on in the garage following the instructions. They were to place them over the top and secure at the bottom, drive a short distance, and remove the slack. I couldn't manage even in the garage. I'm wondering what it would be like at night with the snow falling and a dozen or so vehicles around you in the chain-up area with questionable steering control. I've actually heard the best way to install ladder chains/cables is to lay them out and drive over them so they can be secured at the bottom.
I bought a set of Security Chain Super Z6 cables last year. I got them when they were cheap ($52) before Amazon hiked up the price. Their installation videos make it look easier, with two connection points - one at the bottom and two at the top. Then tighten with mandatory chain tighteners, which then remove the need for retightening. I saw someone installing these on a pickup (Super Z8 I think) as I was leaving Yosemite and he was entering during winter. The process didn't seem so bad. I like that they use keyhole clips instead of the traditional clips (the kind with several bushings that can be progressively pulled to the next to make it tighter) that don't seem all that secure.
Anyone personally have this type of chain? I understand it's somewhat preferred because there's always some contact with the ground unlike ladder chains/cables. These also use coils instead of rollers. I have a fairly new set of Michelin Pilot A/S 3, which may technically bypass chain controls with a Subaru, but I'm not sure if it's such a great idea.
Previously I bought a set of Cobra Tire Cables from Quality Chain. These were ladder type cables without chain tighteners, which I think could be used. I bought them in March because I just had a itch to go driving in the snow, and I'd heard that there was a forecast for snow in Tahoe. You can imagine how hard it was to find them in the San Francisco Bay Area in March. Didn't end up using them, but once I did try putting them on in the garage following the instructions. They were to place them over the top and secure at the bottom, drive a short distance, and remove the slack. I couldn't manage even in the garage. I'm wondering what it would be like at night with the snow falling and a dozen or so vehicles around you in the chain-up area with questionable steering control. I've actually heard the best way to install ladder chains/cables is to lay them out and drive over them so they can be secured at the bottom.
I bought a set of Security Chain Super Z6 cables last year. I got them when they were cheap ($52) before Amazon hiked up the price. Their installation videos make it look easier, with two connection points - one at the bottom and two at the top. Then tighten with mandatory chain tighteners, which then remove the need for retightening. I saw someone installing these on a pickup (Super Z8 I think) as I was leaving Yosemite and he was entering during winter. The process didn't seem so bad. I like that they use keyhole clips instead of the traditional clips (the kind with several bushings that can be progressively pulled to the next to make it tighter) that don't seem all that secure.
Anyone personally have this type of chain? I understand it's somewhat preferred because there's always some contact with the ground unlike ladder chains/cables. These also use coils instead of rollers. I have a fairly new set of Michelin Pilot A/S 3, which may technically bypass chain controls with a Subaru, but I'm not sure if it's such a great idea.