Tire Chains

[DDSBYDAY]

   HD if you have good tires you may not need chains.  I was able to get buried so deep Friday that my logging chain snapped twice when I was getting pulled out.  I was able to get the frame completely hung up so hard that after digging the tires out the truck was on the drift and the tires were not toughing the ground.  It's so cold still that the snow is like powdered sugar. The hard pack is like clay.  Traction was not the problem. 

[HD]

I got P275/65R18's on the truck, they have about 1/2 life left...and me and the boy got stuck driving in a foot of powder snow. If I had chains it wouldn't have been an issue. Now that I'm looking at investing in a wheel house, I believe the problem will only get worse.

[DDSBYDAY]

  The 18s are the problem with clearance on the inside.  The cables look like they would not cause and issue.  This is the first winter I have had an issue.   I just got the new tires this fall and had no problem until I hung up the frame.   

[Boar]

I got new tread of 255 70 16s an am looking for chains also be cause of the new 20 ft V we bought, for the most part i havent had a problem cause on red Ive had a spot plowed, but heading to eel pout an then LOW at south tip where chains are a must if ya even wanna get off the main road a little. But its like buying a tooth brush so much to choose from, guys ive talked to said get the ones with V or diamond pattern, dont know why, but ok I guesse. I also see that a guy could spend upwards of over 20 bucks for chains, cant figure that difference out, we'll see I guesse.

[markbruzek]

04 f150 with 275/65-18
I bought chains from FF 6 years ago.  I had to do some shortening, moved a cross link and customized the length.  I have a tight clearance on the inside for the shocks. 
For those that think they can not run chains I would strongly suggest you rethink that "theory".  You may have to do some retro fitting and use a few bungies on the outside to tighten them up. 

You have to remember that centrifugal force will open the chains.  How tight you get them on and get the bungies greatly helps.  Also, and most importantly, you are not spinning the tires at 50mph.  20 at tops with chains is what I do on the ice with them when it gets hairy. 

Chains make a night and day difference.  I can honestly say I am sort of happy many dont run them as it leaves many fishing spots open to trucks for the few that do.  As mentioned It takes about 10 min max to chain up, there are tricks you will learn with time.  If you take the time to fit them properly and learn the tricks to get them on I guarantee you will not regret taking the time to bring back this dying technology.

[DDSBYDAY]

   From what I could see the springs would be the only interference.  The owners manual was pretty specific.  Kind of like the warning on a plastic bag that says " Do not place over your head and zip tie around your neck".  I think I will get them for emergencies and deal with after effects later.  Pre fitting before an emergency will be done when the temp is well above zero. 

[beeker]

mark is right.. bungy up the outside to take in the slack..

 and slow and steady is better than fast and stuck

[HD]

Mark, what size did you buy to put on? Did you just buy 2? Did you put them on the back? I certainly can modify them, I've done it hundreds of times for tractors. The only issue I did see was the clearance between the front tire and the front of the wheel well. Yes, it is a f150, but it's a king ranch ( if that makes a difference)

[markbruzek]

I only have one set and use them on the rear.  The front is a tight clearance I agree, especially now that she is sagging a bit (I think).  I will take a look on the bag tonight to check on the size, I hope the printing is still legible.

[Wyofish]

HD, I've been using mine on the rear tires and I don't even put it in 4x4. More clearance and also my manual for my truck says "Do not put chains on the front tires unless you also put them on the rear tires!" Again, not sure why that is but rear tires have been working great for me.

[Wyofish]

Mark! Good to see you on the site. We'll have to start a moonshine thread!

[HD]

Thanks fer the help Mark!

Wyofish....my manual says to not use them at all with the size tire I got. But, I figure they're just cover'in their 

When I turn the front tires, the tire comes with'in 2 inches of the fender. That's where I figured I'd have a problem. The rear....not so much....if they was tight, I should be good to go...

[markbruzek]

Peerless Chains
type SH
285 70R24.5
4 link spacing

None of the other numbers on the bag match any of the current info on peerless chain search.

If I remember correctly just used a tape measure to figure the width and length of chain I needed based on the tires on the truck then measured the chains that FleetFarm had on hand to find one that would work for me even if I needed to cut them shorter.  I literally has tire chains spread out in the isle at the store. (That I do remember)
Sorry I could not be of more help but it is a pretty simple concept to grasp.  If there is anything else I can do please don't be shy.

[DDSBYDAY]

  HD Wyofish's link  to Fleet Farm is the right chain for your tires as well as mine.    http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/peerless-truck-bus-rv-v-bar-tire-chains-282855/0000000033602

[HD]

DDS, I checked on that number...they are currently unavailable...

Welp, after thinking it over....I'll just take dew2's advice, and make my own.
I have several sets of chains in the barn for various tractors.
I'll fit my own, then buy the bungees to tighten them up.
Sure, it's allot of work...but I'll get what I want.

Thanks for the input gents!

[Boar]

got mine today gona give them a try this weekend to for a learning curve.

[DDSBYDAY]

  I would think if they are rubbing anywhere you would be able to hear it.  One other tip I read is tighten them up, drive a little and re-tighten.

[dew2]

 If chains are installed right the first time no need to readjust.I always used copper 12ga.elec.wire to leash the inside first then used the same copper wire to do the outside.Course thats when you didn't need to remove them for road travel.The bungee cords work some but aren't really tight and I call them worthless,They stretch.