Q&A - Do Motorhomes Need Winter Tires?

Q&A ImageQuestion: We are driving our 30 foot class C motorhome with a 5x10 cargo trailer attached from Edmonton to Vancouver at the end of November. Do we need to carry chains or have winter tires?

We currently have all season tires on the RV.

Signs for Winter Tires & Tire Chains

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure replies that the symbol of the truck and camper on the tires and chains sign represents all classes of recreational vehicles, including RVs that look similar to commercial buses.

RV must use winter tires sign

The minimum requirement for RVs is to use the M+S tires, however they recommend carrying chains or having the vehicle equipped with other traction devices in case severe winter conditions are encountered.

Winter Tires vs All Season Tires

The all season tires that your motorhome is equipped meets the requirements of the sign. Depending on the weather, true winter tires may be a safer choice.

If you rarely use the motorhome outside of summer conditions then chains or other form of traction device may be a good choice to supplement your all season tires for this trip. You may be able to borrow a set or sell them to recover some of the cost after your trip.

Being prepared to drive in all the conditions that you might encounter is always a wise plan.

Class A Motorhomes

Class A motorhomes that are built on a commercial truck chassis that don't have winter tires available can use chains or other traction devices instead. They would follow the same rules as commercial trucks.

This would include following the mandatory chain up signs if they are posted.

Know Before You Go

DriveBC lists current road conditions and provides access to BC highway webcams so that you can see for yourself.

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