Tire Chains - Snow in the Mountains - Yes You

[seth30]

Just a heads up to all you late season hunters. Please take your tire chains with you hunting. Also, make sure they fit your tires. If you only have one set and you drive a 4WD, put them on the front. Better yet, put chains on all 4 tires. Traction and steering!
I'm going to air my opinion now before this years late archery elk frustrations. I am darn tired of having to drive out of the ruts and part way into the woods every time a truck comes down the rd with no chains. A $50,000.00 truck with another $10,000.00 in over size tires & wheels, shocks and lift etc but can't afford chains??? Just stupid. Be considerate of everyone else out there and be prepared. If you can't afford chains, hike from camp. DO NOT drive down the middle of the road expecting everyone else to pull over for you. 
Thank You for reading.

What kind of rig do you have sakoshooter?

[Bookworm007]

I always keep chains with me during the bad weather but haven't needed to used them yet. Last year I had snow rubbing the bottom of my subaru and she still trucked along just fine 

[washelkhunter]

....................and uphill vehicles have the right of way.

   

[LndShrk]

I just air down, lock and go.  I can not count how many times I've been out wheeling in the snow, only to find some guy who wanted to take his family out in the snow for the day, or is out looking for a Christmas tree and they are stuck in the snow.  We air them down and they drive right out.

This is true but when on the logging roads etc one has much more control with chains. I don't "Need" chains to get where I want to go but I will use them as they make it that much better.

[300rum]

1st, check your owners manual.  For instance, my GMC specifically says "no chains".  I do however have LS cable chains as they are the lowest profile chains that I could find.  The problem is the inside of the tire and all the brake line stuff that they can/will catch on and tear off.  The cable chain will give you the most room but it isn't a guarantee. 

The rear tires have the most "room".  On the fronts, I can put them on and drive pretty much straight but much turning at all can get me in trouble.

Have them put the truck on the lift and put the chains on.  They won't like it but have them do it anyway.   

So what are the best chains to get and where do you buy them?

[bobcat]

Have them put the truck on the lift and put the chains on.  They won't like it but have them do it anyway.   

You mean just to be sure they fit?

[LndShrk]

1st, check your owners manual.  For instance, my GMC specifically says "no chains".  I do however have LS cable chains as they are the lowest profile chains that I could find.  The problem is the inside of the tire and all the brake line stuff that they can/will catch on and tear off.  The cable chain will give you the most room but it isn't a guarantee. 

The rear tires have the most "room".  On the fronts, I can put them on and drive pretty much straight but much turning at all can get me in trouble.

Have them put the truck on the lift and put the chains on.  They won't like it but have them do it anyway.   

So what are the best chains to get and where do you buy them?

Thule makes some that will work for the low riders.
Thule Premium Self-Tensioning

Warning.. They will cost nearly as much as a new rifle.

[300rum]

Yeah, You need to look inside of the wheel well.  The space that is important is the distance from the inside of the tire to the brake control parts.  When you turn, the chains can tear this out.  You can read all about it on the internet. 

I called LS corporate office and asked for the "chain expert".  I was kind of surprised when they patched me into someone immediately.  I don't know the guys name but I at least felt like he knew what he was talking about.

I took the truck to a couple of other shops and they were ready to sell me whatever I wanted.  I called "tirechains.com" and they weren't very helpful either, more then willing to sell me what I wanted instead of what I needed. 

The LS cable chains sit higher on the side wall of the tire compared to the "V" bar tire chains and regular style chains.  They give you a little more room on the inside which is what counts. 
 

Have them put the truck on the lift and put the chains on.  They won't like it but have them do it anyway.   

You mean just to be sure they fit?

[300rum]

It isn't being a "low-rider" that's the problem, there is plenty of room for any chain in the wheel well from the top of the tire to the body of the wheel well.  The problem with the chains is that the Brake control's are too close to the tire, especially when turning.  Maybe that's what you mean though?

1st, check your owners manual.  For instance, my GMC specifically says "no chains".  I do however have LS cable chains as they are the lowest profile chains that I could find.  The problem is the inside of the tire and all the brake line stuff that they can/will catch on and tear off.  The cable chain will give you the most room but it isn't a guarantee. 

The rear tires have the most "room".  On the fronts, I can put them on and drive pretty much straight but much turning at all can get me in trouble.

Have them put the truck on the lift and put the chains on.  They won't like it but have them do it anyway.   

So what are the best chains to get and where do you buy them?

Thule makes some that will work for the low riders.
Thule Premium Self-Tensioning

Warning.. They will cost nearly as much as a new rifle.

[DRobnsn]

Just a heads up to all you late season hunters. Please take your tire chains with you hunting. Also, make sure they fit your tires. If you only have one set and you drive a 4WD, put them on the front. Better yet, put chains on all 4 tires. Traction and steering!
I'm going to air my opinion now before this years late archery elk frustrations. I am darn tired of having to drive out of the ruts and part way into the woods every time a truck comes down the rd with no chains. A $50,000.00 truck with another $10,000.00 in over size tires & wheels, shocks and lift etc but can't afford chains??? Just stupid. Be considerate of everyone else out there and be prepared. If you can't afford chains, hike from camp. DO NOT drive down the middle of the road expecting everyone else to pull over for you. 
Thank You for reading.

What kind of rig do you have sakoshooter?

Silverado PU. Why do you ask?


Bobcat, check out chains at Les Schwaab. Reasonably priced and good chains. No cable chains unless you just want to drive on the blacktop.

I was curious, I had read on another thread about the GM chain fitment issues that are posted in this thread now. I haven't looked into chains for my truck its a 2012 Toyota Tacoma but I have to imagine it has some issues with fitment as well. The upper a arm is very close to the tire as well as some other components.

I think I'll just stick with airing down anyway.

[LndShrk]

It isn't being a "low-rider" that's the problem, there is plenty of room for any chain in the wheel well from the top of the tire to the body of the wheel well.  The problem with the chains is that the Brake control's are too close to the tire, especially when turning.  Maybe that's what you mean though?

1st, check your owners manual.  For instance, my GMC specifically says "no chains".  I do however have LS cable chains as they are the lowest profile chains that I could find.  The problem is the inside of the tire and all the brake line stuff that they can/will catch on and tear off.  The cable chain will give you the most room but it isn't a guarantee. 

The rear tires have the most "room".  On the fronts, I can put them on and drive pretty much straight but much turning at all can get me in trouble.

Have them put the truck on the lift and put the chains on.  They won't like it but have them do it anyway.   

So what are the best chains to get and where do you buy them?

Thule makes some that will work for the low riders.
Thule Premium Self-Tensioning

Warning.. They will cost nearly as much as a new rifle.

Yes.. that is what I meant low clearance in the back. The Thules do not go around the back of the tire.. 

[300rum]

Are these it?

http://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chains/Thule/TH02230K12.html?feed=npn&gclid=CLOj-9DcvLoCFc41Qgodg0gAHQ

I think I will go aheand and buy them if they are. 

[300rum]

Do you actually own the Thules?  Have you used them in the Mountains?

[6x6in6]

I drive a dually.  They suck in the snow.
Always chain the front first, if the camper is not on the truck.  If the camper is on it, front and rear get chained up.

Dual chains for the rear, square link, are the way to go.

[LndShrk]

Do you actually own the Thules?  Have you used them in the Mountains?

Yes your link is them.

No I do not own them. My Tundra can fit normal chains.

I have contemplated them for the wives car but I usually end up just driving her in the truck.