Tire Chains

[N2mywake]

You Western guys, what are the best tire chains for the buck? I need 2 sets for this fall for a 17" tire. I want to get something that works without breaking the budget.

[Gypsumreaper]

I used to drive vail pass in winter and pick up the semi chains from truckers that didn't know how to put them on right. Then take me home cut them down and make a custom set, my suggestion is get something with cam locks will get them way way tighter and then don't need bungies.

[Swede]

Generally good tire chains are not cheap and vice versa. If you are going to have them just in case, Les Schwab Tire Centers will take back the ones they sell if they are unused. That is a good deal. The most reliable tire chains are the old ladder style with links and cam lock. They should cost about $60 per pair. They last a long time. Sometimes out here you can find good chains at garage sales. People buy a new vehicle and the old chains don't fit, so they sell them.
If safety and security are your main concern, don't buy junk. BTW: Why do you need two sets? Do you have two vehicles? I have heard of chaining all four wheels, but personally never have done it in 35 years with the Forest Service plus years out beyond F.S. experience. Carry a good shovel in addition to the chains. A shovel can be really handy. I have used one many times to get going again.

[N2mywake]

BTW: Why do you need two sets? Do you have two vehicles? I have heard of chaining all four wheels, but personally never have done it in 35 years with the Forest Service plus years out beyond F.S. experience. Carry a good shovel in addition to the chains. A shovel can be really handy. I have used one many times to get going again.

we're going to a new place this year, to get in we're told it's rough if it's dry weather but if it rains chains on all 4 is a must. Having not seen it I'm not sure I'm willing to chance it.

[Swede]

N2: That does not sound like a place where you take drug store tire chains. My advise would be to get solid chain link ones. Remember, there are link chains designed for mud. They have a cleat on the cross links. Certainly many places in the West have very primitive roads. They can go from bad to very bad with a good rain. I don't know the place you are talking about, but would follow the advise of experienced people until I knew better. What I would do is buy some chains from Les Schwab. Maybe it won't rain on you. Maybe if it does, you can take back one unused set. If you need both sets, then just be thankful you have them and they will be ready for your next hunt. If I was going hunting with you, I would call ahead to the nearest Les Schwab Tire Center and making sure they have the right chains on hand when we arrived. Don't forget your shovel, and if you have one bring along a good hi-lift jack.

[N2mywake]

Good advice Swede I will do some research on Les Schwab to see if that is feasible. I'd really like to order some and put them on here at home to test fit. This road sounds legit (and we've been on some serious trails in the past). We definitely don't want cable (or cheapo chains) but I do hope to buy when they're priced best. Thanks again.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[husky390]

First step, check your owners manual for recommendations on chains. I can only install chains on the rear of my Suburban. Same for my Uncles 4Runner due to clearance issues with the ABS system and suspension.

I use the V-Bar chains with cams and the spring tensioners on my Jeep. I bought them through here and they work very well. I did have to test fit them in the driveway and shorten them for my 33" tires. Also, just a heads up, the storage bags they come with are single use only. My Uncle made me new bags out of old denim jeans.

http://www.tirechain.com/VBAR.htm

In years past I've bought a set from Walmart for each axle before season, never opened them and returned after the season. They're used to it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Swede]

I am taking N2's word on the potential need for chains on all four wheels. You have to know your vehicle. My F150 can be chained up on all four corners, but I doubt it would be a good fit on the Mustang. If chains on all four wheels is what it may take to get out, then don't go there with a vehicle that you cannot chain up on all four corners. All that would be really unwise. The MalWart chains I have seen are good for light duty emergency use. They will last for years in the trunk of your car.
The Forest Service only carried link chains with cam locks when I worked for them. They held up and were dependable. Maybe some of their cars or other vehicles have light duty stuff now for vehicles not going out in serious snow and other bad areas. Personally all of my truck chains are link and cam lock designed. Those other things can often be gathered up along snowy roads for real cheap. Look along the road sides where they got plowed off into the ditches or onto cut banks.

[JKaboom]

All solid advice with the real chains, test fitting, good shovel, hi-jacker. I would add a comealong and some cable or a couple good nylon tow straps. I did all the above and glad I have not had to use any of it thus far but I ice fish and now starting this past season started hunting here in CO.

[saddlesore]

Yep,buy the best ,the V bars are great for ice.I have cut down semi truck chains for my Dodge Cummins, 4WD. I also have 9500 pound rated winch that I can put on front or back. I carry an extra 100 ft of winch cable, and a snatch block.

If you need them chain up all four. If you only have one set, chain up the fronts( assuming you have 4wd) If it looks like you need to put chains on,do it before you get stuck .Sometimes after you are stuck, you are buried so deep,you can't get to the wheels. BTDT

I have indeed needed all four. One time we were just about snowed in north of Vail CO. To get out ,we had to chain up all four on two trucks,and then chained the trucks together to be able to pull 20 ft empty goosenecks out . We had to make two trips to get the trailers out.Then went back in and packed up the camp in the trucks and tied all the mules onto the back of the trucks to pony them out.
Chaining up all fours, I believe, helps the drive train as you get the same traction all around.

I had a 95 Ford dually, 4wd, that even with chains on the back didn't get around very well. With all four chained, it did great.

[N2mywake]

thanks for the advice guys. I have a 4x4 Titan, I've read where guys have used the 5.5mm Square link type on the front and not had clearance issues. We will be taking tow straps, log chains, come along, snatch block, and maybe a winch too. Again hopefully it won't rain/snow but better safe than sorry.

[Lefty]

Generally good tire chains are not cheap and vice versa. ,... Do you have two vehicles? I have heard of chaining all four wheels, but personally never have done it in 35 years with the Forest Service plus years out beyond F.S. experience. Carry a good shovel in addition to the chains. A shovel can be really handy. I have used one many times to get going again.

Swede you need to ride with with me, I use to use 4 chained tires all the time,.. to get out not in. My first time hunting Montana we had 2 feet of snow over a heavy rain.
Shovel, jacks, and bridging platform I use 2 foot pieces of engineered wood.

[Swede]

I have to admit whereas I have not had to chain up all four wheels, but I have had to shovel and jack-up, and pile in rocks, etc. for my vehicle numerous times. But that is different. I think.
I probably did not chain up all four wheels was because I only had one set of chains,

[Gypsumreaper]

Just a little help for guys, make sure to try and test for your chains before you go out if possible. Learn to put them on in your driveway this will help you when stuck in 2 feet of snow. Also some newer vehicles may not be able to run chains on the front end, i have heard some toyotas I believe in the manual says do not put chains on front end. It can tear brake lines and all that. Also bring some baling wire to tie loose ends, a couple chain links hanging off can destroy some stuff. And after a bit get out and check for tightness, they will loosen a bit especially if you do not have cam locks or the bungies break.
I also prefer my inside links to be a little looser than the outsides, if I have 2 links loose on the inside I want 3-4 in the outside, this way if they do loosen they will come off to the outside of the tire vs inside... usually.

[VT Sasquatch]

That's true. I am driving a Toyota Tacoma now and there is insufficient clearance for chains on the front.

I have never used tire chains (except on a tractor). I may have to get a pair since the prices aren't too bad. Can you order them based on your tire size?

[Rangerz]

You buy tire chains based on your tire size.

[NorthIDTLH]

So, I had an 05 Dodge 1500. I failed to make sure the chains on the rear were tight. Those loose chains ripped my brake line off within 50 feet of driving. I lost my brakes IMMEDIATELY. It was a good thing I was on flat ground.

Secondly, this might be a dumb question, but if all 4 tires are able to have chains put on, and you only have 1 set (2 chains), is it more beneficial to chain up the front or the back?

I have an 09 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4...

[Grousewit]

I had 4wd ford rangers since the 80's. and only had 1 pr and put on front. But always put on tight on inside making sure not to hit brake lines and then run for a 100 yds and recheck for tightness. I used the heavy rubber straps on outside to take up slack in chains instead of bungees. Pickups r heaviest in front and if u put chains on front u will b able to steer! "Always ck owner's manual about putting on chains, some trucks have brake lines(abs) in the way"