Subaru Forester (2010) and Chains, WTF

So, speaking of 'token'.  Do they actually require chains?  It was my understanding that AWD / 4WD counted as a 'trackion device' and therefore one would not have to chain up.

Anyone know for sure?

Was recently answered by a WSP spokesperson in the TNT:  WSP rarely if ever requires AWD/4WD with traction tires to chain up, but their spokesperson stated they reserve the right to do so and if you do not have chains you are free to go home and come back with a car with chains  ???  In 20 yrs I have not had to chain up at Mt. Rainier altho I have been asked if I had chains before they would let me proceed both in my AWD Sub  and my 4WD PU with double-siped 20-inch M&S.  I can imagine a scenario where they would ask you to put chains on to come down from Paradise--I've seen subarus sliding all over the place, including a friend of mine who had come to a complete stop on a downhill curve (traffic jam) and after a couple of minutes the car slid across the oncoming lane into a ditch. And I have been in a 4WD Mitsubishi Montero and a Isuzu Trooper when someone else was driving and perfect 360 pirouettes were executed going up to Paradise  I kind of slid across the Narada Falls parking lot in my old Outback on sheet ice one day (only loss of vehicle control I've had since the winter of 1969).

I do have 2 sets of chains that I can carry in either my Outback or XC70 (or when driving separately my spouse and I have 1 set each), but I am seriously thinking about getting and extra set of wheels with studded M&S for the outback.  But I haven't used chains since I lived in West Virginia in 1981 and had only 2 WD vehicles  The scenarios above would not have happened with studs, I'm sure.

I have a new Subaru STI, and the manual definately says DO NOT install chains due to wheel well clearance. I will not put chains on my STI, but I don't think I would drive it bad snow either because I don't want to risk hurting this car.

I also have a 2008 Impreza the manual says do not install chains on certain tire models do to wheel well clearance.

I have never needed chains on any Subaru I have owed. A good snow tire and good/careful drive have been enough.

So are we out of luck if they ever required chains on all vehicles?

I have a new Subaru STI, and the manual definately says DO NOT install chains due to wheel well clearance.  I will not put chains on my STI, but I don't think I would drive it bad snow either because I don't want to risk hurting this car.

I also have a 2008 Impreza the manual says do not install chains on certain tire models do to wheel well clearance.

I have never needed chains on any Subaru I have owed.  A good snow tire and good/careful drive have been enough.

So are we out of luck if they ever required chains on all vehicles?

The Subaru manuals have said that for a long time because of the switch to larger wheels and reduced clearance in the wheel well. I know several people who have used the diamond style chains without damage. But you do so at your own risk.

I've always had chains for my Subarus (since 2000) but have never used them--I did try them on and found they fit snugly and I would be willing to use them to drive very short distances at very low speeds.

According to WSP, yes you would be out of luck (or you could return home and get your car that had chains '-) ).

In Yosemite to get up to the Badger Pass Ski Area road, the park service routinely requires chains on "All Vehicles--No Exceptions" after a big dump. I was there a couple years ago and saw all the late model Subies including an STI chained up with cables. Can't speak for the latest models, but you could poke around at www.subaruoutback.org/forums/

I live in snowcountry, the snow that got in the wheel wells would not melt out  overnight. My 2004 WRX would get snow packed in the wheel wells and I would have to chip it out to get clearance for my tires to turn. The newer versions of WRX have even reduced the clearance more and made a larger cover for the tire so it would be a real pain in the ass with the newer versions.
They are great snow cars though. Mine never got squirrelly with standard M&S tires in the 180,000 miles I put on it and driving in lots of snow to get home and the mountains.

I live in snowcountry, the snow that got in the wheel wells would not melt out  overnight. My 2004 WRX would get snow packed in the wheel wells and I would have to chip it out to get clearance for my tires to turn. The newer versions of WRX have even reduced the clearance more and made a larger cover for the tire so it would be a real pain in the ass with the newer versions.
They are great snow cars though. Mine never got squirrelly with standard M&S tires in the 180,000 miles I put on it and driving in lots of snow to get home and the mountains.

My younger brother had a Chevy Corvair (the car that made Ralph Nader --- "unsafe at any speed") that he loved to take out during and after heavy snows in Washington D.C.; it had huge wheel wells that would get so packed with snow while driving that you could no longer even steer the car; you'd have to get out and dig out the wheel wells