[mamamia]

Hey guys, I'm planning to take my new OB 2.5 2013 on a roadtrip to Death Valley. I will be passing through some mountain areas and want to make sure get the chains. My tires are Stock tires, I'm thinking I should get the cable chain from Amazon, should I get a pair or two?

 

[mamamia]

Thread offers many opinions:

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/96-outback-unpaved/40956-when-use-snow-chains.html#post382202

If you cant justify snows tires, just get a pair of cables at WalMart. I can attest that they work and have damaged nothing, they have saved me and my OB a couple of times when the stock Contis stated to fail and slide.

this makes me to really buy them.

 

[mamamia]

I bought cable snow chains at NAPA - they have the best/lowest price! You can order them online and pick them up at your closest NAPA store. Front wheels only, as described above and elsewhere...!

thank you do you know which model and size should I use for my 2013 OB?

 

[mamamia]

Those are nice but about double the price what NAPA has....

Didn't find anything on NAPA website for Subaru.

 

[mamamia]

I have been around Death Valley a handful of times, and if you are on "main roads" around there, your chances of needing chains are VERY VERY small.

Buy ONE set of cable chains, hide them in the rear under the cargo floor - and forget about them - because you will not need them.
But have them just in case.


Such gorgeous country around there. I dont know what way you are going in and out of Death Valley - but on the 190 going to and from, you pass through Panamint Valley (adjacent to Death Valley) - and a very cool, quiet little resort - Panamint Springs Resort - totally away from everything. The little lodge has a very cool little bar with a lot of REALLY GOOD imported beers.
If you have some time to kill, you could take the road through Panamint Valley - its gorgeous and just empty (part of the charm). There is a tiny little ghost town in the middle called Ballarat. Like 3 buildings standing, and a small gift shop that, well, is something out of a horror movie. Weird old guy that runs it and claims one of the trucks there was owned by Manson - but I think its a lie. The Manson Family DID hide out in this valley though at one point.
Anyway - that reminds me of a forum appropriate pic from that dusty drive that day of my car. The pics you see are from January 10th 2010 actually. Not too much snow - just the top of some of the mountains around there that year.
PAnamint Valley is just a good side trip - but hope you enjoy the trip you have planned!!

I think the main requirement for the chains are to pass the mountain passes going from Portland to DVNP.

Also I'll be backpacking Surprise Canyon to Panamint City

Is Subaru good enough for DVNP backcountry roads where the NPS recommends only trucks and Jeeps.

 

[mamamia]

only time I have needed them has been with 2-3 feet dumped in short order and the roads are left ubber icy from the scrapers at mmt and lcc (snow country). Wally world had em for the 225/60/17 for right around $30. They are just cables and provide a little extra bite in times of need. Even they load in the wet sticky glop on top of ice. (yeah it happens despite what people might believe who haven't been in that situation). I would rather have good snows (with studs) when it gets that ugly
I would much rather have snows. Cant' imagine needing em' in Death Valley.

I have heard CHP making the vehicles turn around if they don't carry chains on I-5. Just ordered Z143 from Amazon for $74 a few dollars more than Walmart but I can't find any cheaper chain to buy locally.

 

[mamamia]

BTW, Jealous.

I like this place, I visited DVNP in 2011 with my parents it was end of September but still extremely hot, spent a 3 days and wanted to come back again. Can't wait to get back