Going to Tahoe for the Snow for the first time

[Georg300]

I am officially scared to death...I really don't have the option of having different tires on at this point.

The other question I have is this, if I end up having to have chains on, do I need them on all tires? or just the back (or front) ones?

I do understand DSC should be off once on chains.

I also have a '99 328i, it is obvioulsy not 4x4 but it has Michelin S+M tires on, am I better off?

[JAH1]

those guys are nuts w/the chains there! We were 500 feet from entrance to Alpine Meadows and were forced to stop and put them on in a blizzard. Buy them now and practice. We had to patronize one of the several entrepreneurs who stand there selling them to all the morons (us) who didn't have them. They make an unbelievable difference. Be careful. Where are you staying/skiing? I love Squaw. Very jealous.

[Georg300]

...friends rented cabin, not even sure where on south tahoe. Thing is, I have these oversized tires (for the x5 3.0) 285/45 19" (back) and 255/50 19" (front).

Question still stands: Do I need them on all four?

Is there a place (online) where I can find them?

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by Georg300

...friends rented cabin, not even sure where on south tahoe. Thing is, I have these oversized tires (for the x5 3.0) 285/45 19" (back) and 255/50 19" (front).

Question still stands: Do I need them on all four?

Is there a place (online) where I can find them?

One point - even if the main roads going up like 50 and 89 are well plowed, you cannot count on that in the neighborhoods in and around Tahoe. Plus most are up some pretty steep hills and then you still have to get into their driveway many of which are not flat. If there is snow up there you will be in serious trouble with 285 summer tires on there. Trust me. I'm not even sure if you can find chains that big. Chains should go on the back of an X5 since it is RWD biased.

Maybe a quick search on CL for some 17" take-offs with all season tires is in order?

I have a set of X3 18x8 nearly new OEM wheels that I would sell you for $450 if you can find tires, but Im in San Jose so need to figure out how to get them up there if that is of any interest. PM me if so.

Or just rent an SUV, but looking at a few options for rentals and you could probably get a set of wheels / tires for similar cost to a weekly SUV rental around here. They really get you for those this time of year.

[JAH1]

We were in a fwd saab and only put them on the front. We definitely should have paid the guy the extra $20 to put them on. It's not too hard, you just lay them on ground and drive over a bit and then fold them up and around and clip them. You can get them anywhere along the route (ie: gas stations etc). I don't think you need all 4. I wouldn't worry too much until you are there...maybe it will be dry. If not, chains will turn those racing slicks into awesome snow tires! Have a blast.

joe

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Georg300

I got the 2002 X5 3.0, but I've got Brisgestone Dueler HP Sport, I understand not snow tires.

Any advice? I am completely clueless about this trip and getting a little stressed to be honest. Going on Dec 19th.

Rent a vehicle with winter tires. If you are only going once, it is cheaper than buying the proper tires.

[JLW]

For the record the chains go only on the rear. It is primarily a rear drive vehicle.

[Georg300]

thanks all

[Georg300]

JLW: For the record the chains go only on the rear. It is primarily a rear drive vehicle.

So the truck is a AWD but only if the truck "thinks" is necessary to engage?

Little confused here. Thanks for your help. : )

[c4racer]

hey now folks - settle down. Has anybody else seen the Top Gear episode where they drive to the north pole in a Toyota truck. Now that is a good episode and some serious off-road snow driving. One thing I took from that - always carry a shovel. They didn't use chains, but the tires were studded.