Tire Chains

[Wyofish]

I'm looking at tire chains for my 1/2 ton pickup. I see there is a wide range of styles and prices. What styles has everyone used and liked? How much should I expect to spend? I'll be using them mostly just on the lake in winter.

[DDSBYDAY]

  I was researching chains last winter.  I never did bite the bullet though.  This might help a little.

           

[9MM]

Um...what was the question again?

[beeker]

I can tell you from first hand experience.. a 4 wheel drive pickup locked in 4x4 with only the front tires with chains on will take you into places you probably shouldn't go.  

and if you've never chained up a tire.. drape the chain over the top of the tire . don't try to line em up and drive the truck  over the tire.

used this set up out in Colorado/Wyoming to navigate the back trails elk hunting and never missed not having the rear tires chained up and was able to push through snow as deep as the bumper.

[Wyofish]

I can tell you from first hand experience.. a 4 wheel drive pickup locked in 4x4 with only the front tires with chains on will take you into places you probably shouldn't go. 

and if you've never chained up a tire.. drape the chain over the top of the tire . don't try to line em up and drive the truck  over the tire.

used this set up out in Colorado/Wyoming to navigate the back trails elk hunting and never missed not having the rear tires chained up and was able to push through snow as deep as the bumper.

So the style of chain really doesn't matter (i.e. heavy duty, twisted link, straight link, V bar)?

[beeker]

I think these were twisted.  picked em up at fleet farm I believe.. (my buddies rig)

[DDSBYDAY]

  Wyofish I am still researching.  I came across this.  I think it might help your decision.

            http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000650551

[Wyofish]

I got some from Fleet Farm after getting stuck for the 10th time this winter. About 80 bucks including shipping. They work great. 

[DDSBYDAY]

  Did you go with 2 chains or 4?  I would think as beeker said 2 on the front tires (engine weight) should be sufficient.  With the amount of snow so far I may have an issue getting the house off the lake without them.   

[Wyofish]

  Did you go with 2 chains or 4?  I would think as beeker said 2 on the front tires (engine weight) should be sufficient.  With the amount of snow so far I may have an issue getting the house off the lake without them.   

I just got chains for 1 axle. I have been putting them on the back end, but we don't have a lot of snow on the lakes out here. It is easier to get at the back tires, since I have more clearance. Also, the manual for my truck says do not put chains on the front tires without also putting them on the back. Not sure why that would be, but I've been fine so far. I also got the V Bar chains, which give you some extra bite. I would try 1 set and see how they work.


http://www.fleetfarm.com/search/?q=tire+chains&categoryId=&brand=&q_facetTrail=&howMany=12&startIndex=13&currentPage=2

[Boar]

Im also getting some chains, an been listen to this converation,  Im gona use them to move big house so was told to I'd wantthe on the back where the weight of the house is putting a load on the rear of the truck, makes sense to me. Beeker, why not drive over them  if you drape them you eventually have to at some point to connect them.

[Boar]

Can some one send me that video, Im gonna need it to install the chains on the ice 

[Wyofish]

I've been draping mine over the top and it's way easier. Takes me about 5 minutes to get 'em on and tightened up.

[Boar]

after watching the video for the tenth time I see one dosent have to have a bikini.... I mean dosnet have to drive on the them. 

[Boar]

good lord theres somany styles to choos from how do ya pick?

[Wyofish]

good lord theres somany styles to choos from how do ya pick?

I would go with the one that has the best bikini model. 

[Boar]

true

[beeker]

if I'm stuck in the woods I think I want me a big ol' farm gal that's been chucking bails and kicking cows in the asz.. not some prissy little thing that's gonna need comforting... oh wait.. I get it now.

[Boar]

had me worried there beeker, really didnt feel like we should educate you on this one

[DDSBYDAY]

   Just got home from a trip to the Lake of No fish.  I barely made it off today.  I wouldn't have if I would have had to take the house with me.  Two thing are obvious to me.  One is I need chains before I go back up with 2 months of snow still to come.  Two is I need an auger extension.  I took care of the extension on my way up after hearing about a panic buy and out of stock notices at all the places I checked on line.  I got one for 22$ at Reeds in Garrison.  Same place I picked up the Big Buddy last weekend.   Oh,  I almost forgot.  No propane available anywhere  in the Outing, Emily area.      

[DDSBYDAY]

     My tires size p265/65 r 18    NO CHAINS ALLOWED!!!       I'm screwed after this last snow.

[Wyofish]

   My tires size p265/65 r 18    NO CHAINS ALLOWED!!!       I'm screwed after this last snow.

http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/peerless-truck-bus-rv-v-bar-tire-chains-282855/0000000033602

These should work. Same exact set I bought.

[DDSBYDAY]

  WARNING:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or P265/65R18,
P275/55R20 or LT265/70R17 size tires, do not
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because there is not enough clearance. Tire
chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.     

[Wyofish]

Well, that sucks. Guess you'll be dragging the house off Rocky 4 style.



1:12 shows DDS dragging his house off the lake.

[The General]

Yeah DDS Chevy's like yours are meant to stay on the road and not take a beating. 

[dew2]

I'm looking at tire chains for my 1/2 ton pickup. I see there is a wide range of styles and prices. What styles has everyone used and liked? How much should I expect to spend? I'll be using them mostly just on the lake in winter.

Any chains work,the heavier the better.I have 3 sets  in a shed, from when I lived in the mountains.I'd sell a couple sets.they were from 15 inch tires on a 73 Blazer,and one set for a 16.5 inch tire.I been in the market for a set, for a new to me used 1993 Polaris 2x4 ATV.I decided to make my own for the heavy cross chain I want,(larger chain across the width) the chain on the circumfrance can be light.I want the large links for the cross members for traction.The circumfrance chain is availbe from any box stroe.The locking tie locks are hard to find (I found them EXPENSIVE!) and heres a link for cheep harden steel cross chains.Better chains for less cost of market chains.http://www.ebay.com/itm/171135658185?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Wyofish]

So you make your own chains? You just heat up the hooks with a torch to bend them?  I got some at Fleet Farm, but you could really customize a set of chains by making them yourself.

[HD]

Welp, after looking at fleet farm, Napa, auto zone and O'Reilly's and not finding any chains to fit my tires. I had the boy read the truck manual. Seems my truck does not have enough clearance between the wheel well and the tire, and does not recommended chains of any sort. 

[dew2]

So you make your own chains? You just heat up the hooks with a torch to bend them?  I got some at Fleet Farm, but you could really customize a set of chains by making them yourself.

No heat involved,A vicegrip to close them and maybe a little ball pein hammering.heat will destroy the hardening on the cross members.They are the only hardened links needed.The circumference chain is standard chain so are the connecting hooks.Easy and  better than store bought standards.

[HD]

Dew2, do they sell kits like these for cable types as well?