Do you carry tire chains in WNC? (Boone, Blowing Rock: ski resorts, school)

[Maverick26]

For those of you that live there, do you carry chains in the winter? If so could you recommend a good set for a F150.

Thanks

[mm34b]

Nope, just All-Season tires, AWD and common sense for me.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by mm34b

Nope, just All-Season tires, AWD and common sense for me.

Other than the DOT and city street dept trucks spreading sand and salt, I don't think I have seen chains on a vehicle in years. Lots of 4WD and lots of idiots out there. I can get where ever I need to get, but I'm always very very wary of the idiots that seem hell bent on taking you out.

[anifani821]

I always carry chains in my Jeep, in case I need them when pulling others out of ditches during snow storms (or when there is ice).

ETA: I am over in Watauga/Avery Co area, not Buncombe.

[cowboy_wilhelm]

I saw a Subaru with chains last week when we had about three days of snow in Boone. At least in Boone, the road crews are good about keeping the roads clear and salted. It's pretty much a priority due to more snow in the High Country versus the rest of the state. If the roads weren't kept clear, everything would just shut down off-and-on through winter. When you have the university and ski resorts, shutting down isn't an option.

Now as you get away from town and onto secondary roads, it's a different story. I imagine most people that live farther out probably do carry a set of chains.

Still, I'm more comfortable driving up here after a lot of snow than somewhere down the mountain after only a little snow. People are used to it, versus down the mountain everyone is freaking out, have to run out and check on grandma, load up on bread and milk, and the DOT crews are overwhelmed.

[EasyLivin]

I am Far West NC, in Clay County and have never needed chains, just radials. I have been here almost 9 years. We are on a back road in the country/mountains but a salt truck comes by every time we get snow so we don't have a problem on this side of NC.

[mdp_az]

I carry a set of chains in winter when I'm at my cabin in norther Ashe County. I have a AWD Subaru that is fine in most conditions, however my place is about 1.5 miles down a dirt road with some steep grades, so I think they're worth having just in case.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by mdp_az

I carry a set of chains in winter when I'm at my cabin in norther Ashe County. I have a AWD Subaru that is fine in most conditions, however my place is about 1.5 miles down a dirt road with some steep grades, so I think they're worth having just in case.

Yeah, my son laughs at me about my affinity for chains. I am only up there part time but he lives at our place. I insist on chains b/c having lived off and on in Boone/Blowing Rock/Valle Crucis region for over 40 years, I have been in some messes and helped others out of bad situations. I would just rather be prepared. Not like chains take up a bunch of space and they are there if I should need them.

[Zooropa]

I've never used chains before. I grew up near a snowbelt area up north and never used them up there and haven't in my 9 years down here. Here in the valley there is really no need for them at all as we see very little snow most years. Heading up towards crossnore/linville/banner elk/beech and other high country towns etc via 19E, 194, 221, 184? and other roads I've never needed them with a compact FWD vehicle in just about any weather. I guess they could be useful for people who live above 3000 ft though.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by Zooropa

I've never used chains before. I grew up near a snowbelt area up north and never used them up there and haven't in my 9 years down here. Here in the valley there is really no need for them at all as we see very little snow most years. Heading up towards crossnore/linville/banner elk/beech and other high country towns etc via 19E, 194, 221, 184? and other roads I've never needed them with a compact FWD vehicle in just about any weather. I guess they could be useful for people who live above 3000 ft though.

Well, I got in a mess while in grad school - winter of 77, I think it was. Now I really sound like an oldie goldie, LOL. Chains were essential on many roads that winter. Cops gave out tickets if you were driving on anything less than studded tires. Things have changed a lot in the region since then. Going from Linville to Boone was very dangerous that year, even on 105 - not to mention backroads.