Honeymoon Discussions

Rental car trouble - snow chains?

The FI and I will be touring several National Parks for our HM next November.  Upon research, I've found that the main attraction of our trip, Yosemite National Park, requires the carrying of snow chains and, in some locations, the use of snow chains.

The big problem is, we can't seem to find a rental car company that rents snow chains or even allows the use of them!!!   We're set on this as our HM and the dates are also set - we've already booked our rooms at the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, which has to be done more than a year in advance!

Has anyone had a similar problem or know of a solution (or a company that allows snow chains?)

Re: Rental car trouble - snow chains?

  • You should talk to the places where you've booked the rooms at...I'm sure they've dealt with this before and may have some suggestions for you.
  • irshis20irshis20 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2009
    You are aware that many roads in/around those parks won't even be open if it snows, right? They pretty much close in the winter. So I hope, for your sake, that you have good weather.

    Rental cars will not allow snow chains because they know that they will damage the car if not put on correctly. And if you've never done it before (not saying you haven't), chances are you'll put them on wrong the first time. They also don't want people taking their cars out into unsafe/rough driving conditions. If you want to risk it, buy some snow chains/cables to fit the size of the car you're renting and just don't tell the rental car company.
  • What a unique HM idea! I am from Minnesota (the frozen tundra) and used to work in the car biz so I can say with certainty, snow chains aren't a necessity anymore and relatively few people use them. What's most important is good tires in the winter.  I'd ask the car rental companies what tires are on their cars and if they don't have winter tires, make sure they at least have quality all-season tires.  Like irshis said, roads won't be open if they're too bad so good tires should be enough on any road clear enough to be open!
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