Snow chain alternatives

[Alt425]

The snow socks are a legal alternative when chains are required in WA state, but I'd rather have something more durable that provides better traction. Has anyone tried Alpha Trax 741AT (info) or other alternatives on the rear tires (20/21" setup)? They are also approved as a chain alternative (in WA) and are low profile. I've emailed Lucid service to get their opinion, but I suspect they won't allow it. I'm curious what's the concern (profile, rim damage, messing up the suspension if it breaks, etc.).

I'm looking at the snow tire package from Lucid, but it won't be available for my next trip. I'll eventually just run those and carry the socks in the trunk in case chains become mandatory. Ironic that when it flashes "Chains Required on All Vehicles," I'd need to put socks on snow tires, which apparently is less effective than just snow tires?

 

[hwy17er]

Usually it's "chains or 4wd w/ snow tires" on the chain controls on our CA mountain roads, is WA different?
All vehicles req'd to have chains is normally for roads w/ lots of black ice

 

[Alt425]

Usually it's "chains or 4wd w/ snow tires" on the chain controls on our CA mountain roads, is WA different?
All vehicles req'd to have chains is normally for roads w/ lots of black ice

WA has "Tire Chains Required," which allows 4WD. However, it also has "Chains required on all vehicles" which sounds the same, but requires chains for all cars, even 4WD. Somewhere I read that if chains are really required, they're closing the roads shortly (specifically Snoqualmie Pass)...

I was hoping that Lucid would allow some chain (or cable) like the Alpha Trax, but they replied back that it's not recommended.

 

[TahoeMichael]

WA has "Tire Chains Required," which allows 4WD. However, it also has "Chains required on all vehicles" which sounds the same, but requires chains for all cars, even 4WD. Somewhere I read that if chains are really required, they're closing the roads shortly (specifically Snoqualmie Pass)...

I was hoping that Lucid would allow some chain (or cable) like the Alpha Trax, but they replied back that it's not recommended.

California is basically the same. They normally let you go through the chain control checkpoint without chains if you have AWD and snow rated tires, and while there is a higher level of chain control that requires chains for all vehicles, they pretty much just close the road at that point. Living up here in Lake Tahoe, I consider AWD mandatory to avoid having to get out in a snowstorm and put chains on.