Chains vs cables?!

[wraithen]

Ok so I was driving around the state land near eatonville/elbe and I was on the main road. I saw where someone before me had a little trouble going up the next hill so I stopped and put my xterra in 4 hi. I started going up and then started spinning so I stepped on the brake. I went from not moving at all to sliding backwards. I decided I wanted some semblance of control so I threw it in revers (or so I thought.) After I came to a stop I hit the gas to back up a little. Apparently I pushed on setting too far and I was in park. I was in park and was just sliding down the hill, ABS not even knowing we were in motion. I backed up and decided to try again with some more speed. I got about 2 feet farther up the hill and started going backwards again. This time gravity decided to pull me towards the edge of the cliff and I'm just along for the ride. I wasn't on the brake, I threw it in neutral and still couldn't even steer the rear end away from the cliff. This is gonna hurt a lot! Luckily I stopped about 6 inches from the side of the cliff. I slowly backed down on the road and decided the coyotes didn't need to die that badly. I cleaned out my underpants and went to the only stand that wasn't past the hill. Now it's time to find a good set of traction devices.

So what's the preferred device for what I'm trying to accomplish? What are the pros vs the cons of tire chains vs tire cables? I would think chains are what I'm wanting but I've never had to deal with this before. Usually blizzaks are all that I need and more. I don't think they will cut it this time.

[rasbo]

chains,nuff said

[Tony]

My personal preference is the quick fit chains that you can buy at Les Schwab. If you are stuck you can put them on without having to back on or pull on to them. I had to use mine a couple of weekends ago just outside of Elbe.

[Special T]

Depends on what you drive. Cable chains are best used for cars, 2wd trucks that are on paved roads. the advantage they have is they are CHEEP, and easy to install and take off.  They are not as industrial as link chains nor get as good of traction.  Link Chains are normally used in offroad, or snowed over gravel roads out in the deep. They get better traction, and last longer. However they cost more and are more difficult to put on and its important to adjust them to the right tension so they don't come off or are too tight... Hope that helps a pair for most sizes can be had for under $100

[high country]

Some big heavy laclede ice biters with v bars. Cables are disposable. You think sliding sucked....try driving without brakes because you saved $40 on a set of cables and snapped one and wiped out a brake line, speed sensor and a fender.....seen it. Chains can break, but you have to go full tard or plain fail to check them before use.

[JimmyHoffa]

There are some good threads on this.  The cables are good for pavement and slush.  Once off the pavement I like chains.  For the westside, seems when we do get the cold days and snow it will come over a series of days where the temperature cycles above and below freezing--snow/rain/snow, leaving layer and layer of slush-ice unlike the eastside which will stay below freezing and have deeper but solid packed snow.  The better chains (IMO) for wetside that I've played with are the bigger chains, the diamond tread, and the ice-breaker chains that have V-bar claws that dig in.  Most were about $90-$100 for a pair (so $200 for the whole set).  Schwab, Discount tire, anyplace like that should have something good for forest roads.

[jeepasaurusrex]

Chains all the way.  Plus, when in the snow/ice, air down your tires to about 15psi. It will make a world of difference. I run mine on the Jeep at 5psi when snow wheeling. HUGE foot print.

[Huntbear]

If I need them, I want chains on my Expedition.  Cables like others have said, are for cars and small 2wd trucks.   Real chains will chop thru ice and give you traction when nothing else will.  You just have to slow down and not drive crazy with them on.

[Russ McDonald]

I put on some chains that are ice cutters.  Damn what a difference.  I have a 1996 GMC Yukon 4x4.  When this weather is out it is slippery.  I grew up in Northern MN and driving in this stuff is totally different.  Here is a little story of my opening day of elk hunting this year.  Hope you all like it.  I was in the same position as you wraithen.

[Woodchuck]

So where at in Mn?

[jrebel]

Every truck / jeep I have ever owned was equiped with.....2 sets (4 total) CHAIN, and 1 set (2 total) les schwab HEAVY DUTY quick fit chains. 

I use the quick fit for road driving when necessary or for very light snow or ice in the mountains.  Only buy their heavy duty set and still be careful, I have broke these chains when trying to pull someone out of a ditch.  I was trying to get by without putting on my big chains and it cost me $120.   The Chains are for mud, snow, ice, etc, etc.  If you can afford it one set of your chains should have diamond cut ice scratchers.  Don't be cheap when you are dealing with your life and property. 

[jeepasaurusrex]

I wish I could find the picture from last year. Its of a Honda with chains on the rear wheels only. 

[jrebel]

I wish I could find the picture from last year. Its of a Honda with chains on the rear wheels only. 

We hunt the Swakane unit late archery, We saw a ton of people with 4 wheel drive vehicles with chains on the rear only.  I thought maybe there was a new trend that I was unaware of?

[CAMPMEAT]

I wish I could find the picture from last year. Its of a Honda with chains on the rear wheels only. 

...............with California license plates ?

[deerslyr]

Were you comin in from scott turner and goin up the big hill on the way to the top? Ive been stuck on that hill a few times as well in my younger days