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Snow Chains
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Are cables good though for just the pavement? I am wondering about this as well and I don't go off roading and I have never needed to put chains on any 4x4 I have owned. When chains are required on the mountain passes, it is typically "chains required except 4x4" but you are still required to carry them with you for the rare time they will be required for all vehicles. Are cables a good choice just for that, especially since they are lightweight?
I have V-bar ladder chains for the rear, cables for the front. I’ve used the v-bars more, but the cables surprised me and had no issues with them offroad and even a few miles on mixed packed snow/ice/packed dirt. The cables are much lighter and easier to transport, but I don’t think they are really any easier to install than cam-style ladder chains, other than being lighter.
Same in CA if you are crossing the Sierras on I-80. I even have to carry chains for 1 axle on my trailer.
If you’re just trying to satisfy the law, see if AutoSocks are acceptable in your region. They are in Colorado, and are much lighter and smaller to store than metal chains. I’ve heard good reviews on their actual function too. However, not for offroad
Do you happen to remember make and model number of the vbar chains? I looked on amazon but the vbar chains they have dont seen to fit 35’s (315 70 17)?
These are them. They also have “square link” and “studded”
Spreader
Member
I like Pewag or Laclede; I think they're made in the USA. I live in the pacific northwest where I don't deal with lots of snow down at sea level but I do have to have chains for mountain passes. I went with square link because v-bar or studded chains are really bad for the road surfaces and (for me) are just not needed for sections of highway where I need to chain up. Twisted links are OK but not as good on ice as square link or v-bar. Square link seems to be a good medium for me. I don't need chains for off-road, so your situation may be different.
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Thanks for this!! Ive honestly never had to use chains before (got lucky I guess) also didnt know about the requirement to carry even though the vehicle has 4x4. Time to make an investment….
UglyViking
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I'm a noobie to chains as well but have been meaning to get some for a few years so I can do some snow offroading with some extra security. It looks like these fit up to 37s, although if I'm reading this correct only a 15 inch wheel? I found these which look to be for a 17" rim, but the cost is also cheaper, which I don't quite follow as to why it would matter too much, unless the chain runs that close to the wheel?
I would get the ones they list specifically for your tire size.
My suggestions to anyone getting chains…. Practice installing them on warm, dry days until you are proficient. You dont want to be trying to figure it out for the first time in a blizzard in the middle of the night.
If you have cam-type chains, figure out a way to secure the cam t-handle to the bag, otherwise it is easy to lose (especially in the snow, at night, etc). I used a at-heights tool tether.
Surf2snow1
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Same here. I’ve always carried cables, but the 3 peak tires have always gotten me through the snow (KO2). With the new truck, we’ll be getting slightly larger tires, so I’ll be picking up some new vbar and maybe a set of cables.
Just get some GM liquid tire chain:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/303464699677?hash=item46a7e7d71d:g:DsQAAOSwAUBd9-C4
https://www.ebay.com/itm/303464699677?hash=item46a7e7d71d:g:DsQAAOSwAUBd9-C4
I imagine the road would be closed or basically just a parking lot before It gets the point of requiring chains on a 4WD truck with 3PMSF tires.
Sorry for the noob questions, but im trying to get a better grasp on the chain stuff. Is it advisable to get two sets one for front and one for rear? If just one, assuming it would be best to put them in the rear to prevent the back from sliding out? I dont really venture offroad in the winter and it will be primarily to go over mountain passes if the need arises. Ive gotten by this whole time with KO2’s all these years but the one time I need them I would like to be prepared.
The front tires have less clearance (due to steering) so lower profile chains are more likely to fit / not cause any damage on the front axle. That’s why I have different styles Front and rear.
Chains on the rear axle are better fit downhill to prevent the rear end from “oversteering” and pushing around the front of the truck. If just the front is chained going downhill, the rear could slide around the front.
Chains on the front axle are better for going uphill since they will help pull the truck up and give you steering traction. Plus more weight over the front axle also helps better traction.
I’ve heard some people running a single pair “cross axle” (ex: One chain on drivers front, one chain on passenger rear) to give ascending and descending traction with one pair of chains…but have never tried this.
Chains on the rear axle are better fit downhill to prevent the rear end from “oversteering” and pushing around the front of the truck. If just the front is chained going downhill, the rear could slide around the front.
Chains on the front axle are better for going uphill since they will help pull the truck up and give you steering traction. Plus more weight over the front axle also helps better traction.
I’ve heard some people running a single pair “cross axle” (ex: One chain on drivers front, one chain on passenger rear) to give ascending and descending traction with one pair of chains…but have never tried this.
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