Snow Chains

[blackpowderhunter]

Looking to snag a set of chains to keep in my Tacoma for both late archery as well as just to have when out snowshoeing and camping over the winter.
Has anyone had any experience with the diamond pattern quick fit les schwab chains?
Or are there any others I should be looking at in that general price range.
Been watching craigslist but might just snag a new set as I know sometimes the tensioners (the rubber sections) can dry out.
What about the traditional ladder vs the diamond patterns?
Thanks!

[Special T]

Depending on the size of Tire you can get them online reasonable. Here on the west side you can buy the tensioner or chains at 6 roblees

[blackpowderhunter]

I've been poking around online a bit
running 265/75/16s

[SkookumHntr]

Those les schwab diamond pattern chains are pretty easy to put on and work good! That's what I have, and same size tire..

[Tapp Daddy]

I've run nothing but the quick-fit ones from Schwab on my rigs for 15 or so years.  Depends on your use though.  I wouldn't be thrashing around the steep and deep too hard with them, but for the occasional on-road/logging road stuff, they'll be fine.  Easy on/off too.  Just get familiar with them once or twice in your driveway first where it's warm and dry.  That'll save you a few choice words when it's dark and wet on the side of the road somewhere.

[JDHasty]

The best used to be Weed V-bar chains.  I think they still are.  Chain tighteners are a must

[huntnphool]

 It really matters where you are driving. If you plan to hit Swakane or Entiat with snow on the ground, the V-Bar's are the only thing I'd go with. Seems every year we see someone going off the edge with inadequate gear......be safe.

[JDHasty]

It really matters where you are driving. If you plan to hit Swakane or Entiat with snow on the ground, the V-Bar's are the only thing I'd go with. Seems every year we see someone going off the edge with inadequate gear......be safe.

It is what my dad sold in Montana and it is the only chain I use. 

[blackpowderhunter]

mostly be used on logging/fs roads..
i basically have come down to either the quick fit diamonds or a set of ladder style v bar with cam tensioners.
thanks for the input everyone!

[Special T]

There is a "local" company Quality chain out of Oregon Hillsboro I think. Not sure that the passenger stuff is made here or not or if you can order from them...

[Boss .300 winmag]

The best used to be Weed V-bar chains.  I think they still are.  Chain tighteners are a must

In deer camp this year the question came up about this style chain. Are they legal on wa paved roads?    Searched WASDOT site didn't find an answer.

[Special T]

The best used to be Weed V-bar chains.  I think they still are.  Chain tighteners are a must

In deer camp this year the question came up about this style chain. Are they legal on wa paved roads?    Searched WASDOT site didn't find an answer.

First off you should not run ANY kind of chain unless there is snow or ice on the road. It is bad for the vehicle road and chains. Good tires and caution do more for the drive than burly chains. I've run cables on my 2wd dodge  and rarely even needed those on the road.

[blackpowderhunter]

The best used to be Weed V-bar chains.  I think they still are.  Chain tighteners are a must

In deer camp this year the question came up about this style chain. Are they legal on wa paved roads?    Searched WASDOT site didn't find an answer.

First off you should not run ANY kind of chain unless there is snow or ice on the road. It is bad for the vehicle road and chains. Good tires and caution do more for the drive than burly chains. I've run cables on my 2wd dodge  and rarely even needed those on the road.

i think they meant if there is snow and ice on paved roads are they allowed to be used as opposed to only on dirt roads with snow/ice.

[logger]

I just cut down our old log truck chains to fit the pickups, then you never have to worry about them breaking

[Special T]

I just cut down our old log truck chains to fit the pickups, then you never have to worry about them breaking

I find that mostly works well for 33" and larger and 12" wide tires.