<p>[2012</a> Chevy Equinox | Build Your Own Crossover SUV | Chevrolet](<a href=“http://www.chevrolet.com/equinox-crossover-suv/build-your-own/]2012”>http://www.chevrolet.com/equinox-crossover-suv/build-your-own/)</p>
<p>there are different models of equinox which could be 4x4 or FWD. You should check with your rental company. In the past, I know I had difficulties to rent a 4x4 or AWD in the Bay Area. More power to you if you’ve found some.</p>
<p>FYI- we bought chains at wal-mart last year for our sedan…just in case…and we were easily able to return them unopened with a receipt. nice policy.</p>
<p>We have been stopped by the CHP in a 4WD Ford Expedition on highway 4 and had to turn around because we did not have chains! The CHP said it is the law that everyone (including 4WD) has to carry chains? So we turned around and went to buy them (not at wal-mart!) and now they live in the snow survival box in the back of the Ford whenever we are in snow country. I kind of want to be stopped again just so I can show them (unused as of yet) off!</p>
<p>But I do agree that if the roads are too bad for “good” 4WD vehicles they generally close the highway.</p>
<p>That was my plan, ilovedcollege- to either ash my ds if his gf’s parents had a set of chains we chold throw in the car, or for them to buy a set and return them at the end of our trip. I have no intention of driving in hazardous conditions. I jsut don’t want to get sent downt he mountain by the chain patrol for not having chains in the car.</p>
<p>The rental we reserved says its a 4wd/awd artlovers.</p>
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<p>Yes, it’s pretty amazing to see those SUV with 16 wheels engaged at the same time. Seriously, people will and do say the darnest things! </p>
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<p>Seemingly because you ask the same question to different people who had different experiences and opinions. And you know what they say about opinions and …! People have posted the OFFICIAL rules. People have explained that there are different level of snow control. People have told you that AWD are usually waved through. People have told you that not all tires are the same. People have told you that the troopers MIGHT ask you to show the chains but not order you to install them. </p>
<p>You asked for a BOTTOM line for your rental vehicle. That bottom line was to purchase a cheap set of chains, carry them, and at the end return them or give them to your DS. Compare to the cost of your ski adventure, a 20 to 45 dollars set of chains is trivial. :)</p>
<p>Getting him to do it and having to live down the haranguing from my S and H who already think I overprepare is not so trivial :(</p>
<p>Got confirmation of the lodging today. Walking distance to the tram!! Yay! Now, if we can get there… Will be fine if we get snowed in and can’t leave :)</p>
<p>jym626- you sound like me and your H and S like my H and S. H has driven to Mammoth 3 or 4 times a season for the last 25 yrs He has never been asked to have chains. We have always taken a 4 WD SUV up. I on the other hand believe the sign that says everyone needs chains.
My friend had a house in Tahoe. Her H felt with her car she did not need chains. The one time we drove up alone we got stuck in snow outside of Auburn. After sitting on the Hwy for hours we were turned around. Spent the next morning searching Sacramento for chains. Of course by the time we got back on the HWY they were not requiring them.
Ask you H and S to just humor you and buy the chains.
You will have a great time.</p>
<p>What happened to your tarp suggestion, Battlo? It was pretty entertaining :)</p>
<p>Tarp and old rain suit was just a suggestion.
If I have to be the chain monkey, I want to be a dry chain monkey.
[Low</a> pay at high altitude: The life of a ‘chain monkey’ - The New York Times](<a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/14/your-money/14iht-mchain.html]Low”>Low pay at high altitude: The life of a 'chain monkey' - The New York Times)</p>
<p>I can put on chains in 10 min. once it is untangled from the box. The chain monkeys make more money by selling chains, they don’t want to put on your chain, they want to put their chain on your car, that is $100 plus whatever labor they charge to put on, a pop. The guy takes off chain also makes a lot of money because it takes 2 min. to do it, even though they charge $10 per.</p>
<p>^^^^^
“having to live down the haranguing from my S and H who already think I overprepare is not so trivial”</p>
<p>But when you ARE right, it’s sweet!</p>
<p>My h told me “you are not irritable; your’e just right!”</p>
<p>They do know that the road is the, Donner Pass.
Rumor is that people stranded for more than a few hours are never found…with their vehicles.</p>
<p>OK- update. My reductionist son has come up with a solution. We will wait until arrival time and see what the weather forecast is. If there is snow in the forecast he will go and get 2 sets of chains- one for his gf’s car, that they will use that weekend (they are staying for only 2 days), and one set for his car. He will throw the chains he purchases for his car into our rental so we can “show them” if need be, and we will return them to him when we meet up the following weekend. Now why didn’t I think of that? Gotta love that kid. Plain and simple. Since we really don’t expect to have to open the box o’ chains, it doesn’t matter if they fit the rental. If the roads are really that bad, we’ll just stay another night :)</p>
<p>My daughter will be at Squaw Valley this coming Friday through Monday (coaching college races on the weekend that are taking place on that mountain). I read the forecast and it is saying highs in the…60s! Whoa.</p>
<p>goodness-gratious, just like freshmans.</p>
<p>Are the chains mandatory or just optional?
Do they have to fit or can they be in multiple pieces?
Do cable traction devices count has chains?
Do they have to be full wheel devices because I have strapon chains.
If I carry 300# of gravel in the trunk, can I use that to help me if I get stuck?
Can the chains be made in China?</p>
<p>Just don’t be the jerk that spins out or stalls. </p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Your next question should be:
Should I buy the rental damage insurance?</p>
<p>Oh for heavens sake, LP. We dont need no stinkin’ renters insurance. The only thing we break are bones.</p>
<p>Seem to recall that ~4 years ago you did that?</p>
<p>Last broken bone was about 3 years ago, IIRC. Whew. A reprieve.
OK- onto next part of our trip. Still looking at Sonoma/Healdsburg, but it will be a bit of a drive after a day of skiing, yes?</p>
<p>Oh, and weather forecast shows highs at Squaw in the 40’s. Thats still too warm-- will melt the snow :(</p>
<p>Some light reading about CA chain requirements.
[The</a> California Driving Guide: Road and Weather Conditions](<a href=“caldrive.com”>caldrive.com)
Throw a bag of cheap kitty litter, not gravel in your trunk for traction.
Buy an windshield ice scraper, using your credit card doesn’t work that well.
Second the shout out for newbies- don’t get impatient and spin out, blocking the already narrow mountain roads.</p>
<p>LOL- Last time I bought kitty litter for traction the bag got a hole in it ans spilled all over the car! Not gonna do that to the rental car!</p>
<p>I usually get relegated to do the driving in winter conditions because I grew up and went to college in the NE. And drive it every (annual) ski trip. So don’t feel like a “newbie”. :)</p>
<p>For your consideration…in Yountville
Cakebread Winery has tours and tastings.
For dining, all Thomas Keller kitchens
Bouchon Bistro- opens until midnight if you decide to drive here after a day of skiing
Ad Hoc
and if you have deep pockets, The French Laundry</p>