Thinking of making a trip to Lake Tahoe

"Pessimippopotamus" (pessimippopotamus) 01/05/2014 at 19:57 • Filed to: TRAVEL

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I'd be driving from Greater LA in a FWD sedan to Tahoe. Maybe on the boring 5 or the 395. This is the first time I'm making a long drive (8hrs). Any advice would be appreciated. Tire chains in Tahoe area, yay or nay?

Leadbull > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:03

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The Sierra Nevadas can get insane amounts of snow. It'd be wise to pack some chains.

mythbri > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:05

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I've never been there in the winter, but even in summer it can get cold. I would take the snow chains, just in case. It's a great place to visit.

Frank Grimes > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:13

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They shut down the roads and wont let you pass if you dont got chains bro.

Milky > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:14

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I'd add one of these if possible.

iDriveCode3 > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:15

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It's been warm, temperate, next to no snow. Roads open, no storms expected for a while.

That being said, chains are required typically during snow storms. Are you headed to north or south shore?

pdx107 > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:18

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I used to live in Reno. Yes, take chains. You probably won't need them but you are much better off having them just in case.

911e46z06 > Frank Grimes 01/05/2014 at 20:23

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Yup. 4wd or chains only if they get snow on the 80 or 395. They'll turn your ass around and send you back to Sacramento.

Frank Grimes > 911e46z06 01/05/2014 at 20:27

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real talk.

Charles Forbin Jr. > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:30

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Its like my dad used to tell me about condoms: Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 20:44

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395 is longer. A lot longer. Much prettier though. But a lot longer. The stretch from Bishop to Lake Tahoe takes forever in decent winter conditions.

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > John Norris (AngryDrifter) 01/05/2014 at 20:51

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Okay so Google Maps is calling me a liar. They say it's about the same. I am still dubious.

Lip > Frank Grimes 01/05/2014 at 20:52

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/\ what these guys said. With that said, no snow this year but have some chains with you in the winter

derf_vader > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 21:23

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Don't go alone. Take someone with you. That way if you die, you die together.

55Buick, Oversteer Scientist > Pessimippopotamus 01/05/2014 at 21:42

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I was there last weekend, and we needn't need them once. Pack them, though- just in case.

BJohnson11 > Pessimippopotamus 01/06/2014 at 00:49

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Bring the chains just in case, but being in LA, I'm sure you're aware that California as an entire state hasn't seen snow in god knows how long.

Pessimippopotamus > BJohnson11 01/06/2014 at 03:14

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I don't even know where to get chains.

Pessimippopotamus > derf_vader 01/06/2014 at 03:15

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I like how you think!

Pessimippopotamus > John Norris (AngryDrifter) 01/06/2014 at 03:16

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I've been on the 395 before. It's got fewer lanes and the traffic's generally slower.

Pessimippopotamus > iDriveCode3 01/06/2014 at 03:17

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North. If I take the 5, I'll probably arrive at Tahoe via Truckee.

Pessimippopotamus > Milky 01/06/2014 at 03:17

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I would've if I had my way and bought a car in time, but alas, I could not.

BJohnson11 > Pessimippopotamus 01/06/2014 at 10:38

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Autoparts store will likely have them. I think they're pretty universal. Not sure though, whenever I've been to the snow (usually mammoth) I bring my truck with mud terrains.