Tire Chains

[dupedc]

Chains for all 4 are standard equipment and don't be too proud to use them. Like D-Rock said, every year I see folks getting into trouble on those icy switchbacks. Be safe this late season!

[sakoshooter]

If you only have one(1)set of chains, put them on the front like D Rock said. That'll give ya traction, steering and stopping. If you have two(2)sets like I do, you're in control and your spincter won't pucker at every switchback or steep downhill stretch plus you can move over out of the established ruts when you meet another vehicle. Lots of ignorant folks driving the roads with no chains the last couple years that won't/can't get out of the established ruts to move over to their half of the road when they meet another rig. My partner and I had words with more than one rig the last couple of years after we'd moved over to the edge, they stayed in the middle and told us to go around cuz we had chains. Pretty self centered if ya ask me. Those folks shouldn't even be on the roads without the proper equipment.

Also folks, remember to hook up some bungee cords on your chains so they stay in place and don't tear up anything on your rig.
I'd suggest putting them on in the driveway to get familar with them.

[golfguy0912]

The Laclede cam locks are awesome, just got done using them for a week straight on my dad's late rifle hunt. One thing make sure to check out is if you have clearance for the chains on the front wheels. My truck as it sits now (aftermarket wheels, stock rim size) has no clearance for any type of chains for the front end.  That definitely would have made a factor if I had known that when I bought the truck.

My dad has a brand new Tundra and we had the normal chain link Laclede's on the back but not enough room for them on the fronts. They worked awesome, but as the roads got worse, the front end would slide a bit depending on the slope of the road. It's not fun when it's towards a drop off of 1000 feet. Went down to Schwabs, and found a set that would work for the fronts. They are the smaller chain links in a diamond pattern. Best part about them is on the inside of the tire, they are the thickness of a cable (1/4") so the tight clearance was not an issue. Places that the front end slid before now had no movement in it what so ever.

[Seabass]

V-bars are amazing. I used them last week in some super pucker areas and never slipped.

[pianoman9701]

V-bars are amazing. I used them last week in some super pucker areas and never slipped.

I have two sets coming for the Jeep. I can't use them on icy roads though, can I?

[MtnMuley]

An ammo can is a great way to keep a set of chains in the truck too.  Make sure to dry them out before storing in there.  Squirt them down with WD-40 before storing, and they'll last forever looking new.  Make sure to put a set of tighteners and a couple feet of wire (in case you break a chain) in with them too.  That way it's a "Grab and Go" box that you know has what you need in it and that it was properly stored the year before.

Ditto on the ammo cans, unless you have a topper.  In that case I use a 5 gallon bucket.

I use the small Action-packer tote by Rubbermaid.  Holds two sets and all the needed tools and bungee stars, and rides nicely behind my drivers seat.

[bowpredator]

Just built a set for my F-350, had a buddy give me 2 sets of cam-lock semi truck chains. had to cut them down to fit, then moved the cross links to even them back out.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Just built a set for my F-350, had a buddy give me 2 sets of cam-lock semi truck chains. had to cut them down to fit, then moved the cross links to even them back out.

I have the same set of four chains I built some 20 years ago for my truck. For offroad over-sized tires, I like the larger links that semi-chains are made of. (The new Schwab chains are pretty big linked though)
 
-Steve

[Bshiftbc]

Les Schwab's cam-lock off road chains and the V bar chains are great.  I put them in my truck in Nov and take them out in May...never know!  I've always started with chaining up the front first and use the rear chain for a backup to get myself OUT!  A good square nose shovel is very important too.

 

[JimmyHoffa]

V-bars are amazing. I used them last week in some super pucker areas and never slipped.

I have two sets coming for the Jeep. I can't use them on icy roads though, can I?

Icy logging/FS roads I don't see why not.  The ice part is what makes the V-bars stand out so well from the other designs (imo).  What I ran into a lot was old snow compacting into ice, then the new layers of snow forming on top of the ice.  The twist links worked okay, they would grip over the snow and if it was sticking to the underlayer of ice would work fine.  But there were times when the twist would remove the snow layer and have some slippage on the ice part.  The V-bars grab the ice underneath the snow and keep you going.

[CAMPMEAT]

Ya don't need chains guys. I've never used them elk hunting or where I live. Don't waste your money and don't listen to Les Schwab.. I've hunted elk for 30 years in the worst conditions and never, ever have had to use them. Just be slow and pay attention to your surroundings. I drove my trucks at 105,500 lbs and never chained up except for going down an 8% grade. Save your money and put it towards my Christmas present............ Listen to experience and not inexperienced rookies.

[romaknows]

Ya don't need chains guys. I've never used them elk hunting or where I live. Don't waste your money and don't listen to Les Schwab.. I've hunted elk for 30 years in the worst conditions and never, ever have had to use them. Just be slow and pay attention to your surroundings. I drove my trucks at 105,500 lbs and never chained up except for going down an 8% grade. Save your money and put it towards my Christmas present............ Listen to experience and not inexperienced rookies.

No offense , but you are so wrong about not needing chains ( at least in certain situations, like iced out hills and switchbacks) .I too drive semi for a living and there are some times you have to chain up loaded or not .

[CAMPMEAT]

Ya don't need chains guys. I've never used them elk hunting or where I live. Don't waste your money and don't listen to Les Schwab.. I've hunted elk for 30 years in the worst conditions and never, ever have had to use them. Just be slow and pay attention to your surroundings. I drove my trucks at 105,500 lbs and never chained up except for going down an 8% grade. Save your money and put it towards my Christmas present............ Listen to experience and not inexperienced rookies.

No offense , but you are so wrong about not needing chains ( at least in certain situations, like iced out hills and switchbacks) .I too drive semi for a living and there are some times you have to chain up loaded or not .

I'll agree, in some areas, but, that' s only for semis. I have 20 + years experience and it's really not needed. I've hauled on any and all types of roads you can think of. The OP is talking about a public road if I remember right, huge difference. Too many people are sheeple and believe evrything the gubmint says.  But of course, safety first.

[The Weazle]

I would read your owners manual before you slap chains on the front end if anything.  Many newer vehicles can't have chains on the front because it'll tear up the brake system.

[lghtnquik]

Not sure how properly used chains could hurt your brakes? But I do know if all these guys so worried about chains just ran decent tires and drove as slow w/o the chains as they do with they would likely never need them. I'm on my second winter here since moving from Wisconsin and laugh everytime I go through the pass when there's snow flying it's comical to frightening at best. Are they good insurance sure, do I carry them when elk hunting CO above 10,000 yep but it has always been commonly held wisdom if you need chains or 4wd to get where you are going and that worries you, you should have turned around a long time ago.