I had to chain up today and run that way for 30 or so miles. This is the first time I've thrown chains and actually gone more than one or two miles, I was running about 30mph.
How fast is it safe to run on chains?

 

You guys can run chains on passenger vehicles in WA?

 

This was on a kenworth.

 

We can in MN, theres a mail carrier that does it whenever it snows.
DS79

 

I talked to a driver that came in today, his thoughts were that 35-40mph is safe in semi, any faster and your just gonna tear stuff up. That sounds good to me.
In a passenger car in Washington I do believe that chains are legal, if the conditions warrant their use.

 

Yes, they are legal on cars and pickups. In fact there times they are required or you don't go at least on Mt. Hood in OR. I find it hard to believe it would be illegal somewhere to use them? That makes no sense to me.

35 is the maximum recommended speed when chained. I just attended a class 8 chain class. I personally feel that might even be a little fast depending on the conditions. I've only chained something besides a fire truck once since 1972. Two years ago on Mt Hood and I kept it about 30 except on the downhill and went a bit slower there since there are a couple fairly sharp turns and 6 percent grade.

 

Chains, semis, and speed are three words that don't belong in the same sentence. First, you'll tear up your chains, even if you get them on real tight. Second, consider stopping distance when a Honda loses it in front of you. We never see semis here in the Sierra Nevada Mtns leading the pack; speed limit when chained is 35.

If you were going 30 for 30, it probably felt right. Frankly, your backside sitting in the cab is the best gauge. Think of it as a soothing cathartic hour as the zing-ta, zing-ta, zing-ta of the chains wearing out cross-links sing to you. Frankly, you got your effort's worth with the time spent putting on a full set of chains on tractor and trailer about equaling the time running them.

I love driving in the snow.

 

30 felt plenty safe for the conditions Wednesday. I don't get a lot of miles, and I can usually avoid the snow, but it's good to know this for the times I can't. A safe speed for the conditions is always the first thing I consider, the last thing I want to do is tear up my equipment, or run over a honda.

 

its illegal to use chains and studded tires in Michigan, of course we really dont have many mountains, mostly just small hills lol.

 

That's just nuts. There are times polishing iron is the only thing that works.