Chains vs cables?!

[Rick]

You need to look in the owners manual. A lot of the newer rigs (even trucks) don't have enough clearance to run chains and are limited to cables. There are even a few that have so little clearance you can't use cables.

You need to remember its not just clearance on the tires,but brake lines,suspension parts,etc.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

The quick fit chains don't hold up to much heavy use.    I broke mine yesterday in the woods, I'm gonna try out the heavy duty chains next,  but under normal conditions they work great.

[fillthefreezer]

i have a full set of heavy duty big truck tire chains for my powerstroke but ive never actually put them on other than to test fit. been pushin snow with the grill and never needed t hang the iron...

[cwuwildcat]

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

I'm guessing it also had a rear wing/towel rack bolted to the trunk lid for down force on that front wheel drive car.

[wraithen]

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 

Hit the nail on the head. You guys are right about the snow here. I thought I was above all this freaking out about the white stuff. I still am when I'm on pavement but that hill just about made my day painful. Looks like chains all the way and if I can swing it at least a set with the ice scrapers. Should I put the better set up front for maneuverability or in the rear for stopping and going?

I'll double check my owners manual and make sure there's nothing weird. I know I have plenty of fender clearance but I know what you mean about other odd things to hit. Nissan screwed us with wheel selection because of how they designed the brake rotors.

Thanks a lot guys. I really appreciate all the advice. I'll be better prepared next time.

[cwuwildcat]

Also, try to get a set of chains where your tire size is in the middle of the size chart.  I've got a pair that my tire size is the largest they will fit.  They are a bear to get on because they BARELY fit.  It's a pita to get those ends to link together, especially since you don't put them on till you need them.  Nothing like struggling to get them hooked up while laying in snow/slush and fingers freezing. 

I've bought a second set where my tires are in the middle of the minimum and maximum size they fit, and they are a lot easier to put on because I've got a couple of extra links to hook up to.  Also, doesn't hurt to have a chunk of 4x4 to drive up on.  You can hook them up without doing the drive forward/backup dance.  It's annoying to come to a stop on a cross link and not be able to move them around, back up to get off of it and roll onto another one.

[ANDERWAGON]

Get a good set with cam tensioners that are tightened with a T-handle. 

[Sumpnneedskillin]

You need to look in the owners manual. A lot of the newer rigs (even trucks) don't have enough clearance to run chains and are limited to cables. There are even a few that have so little clearance you can't use cables.

You need to remember its not just clearance on the tires,but brake lines,suspension parts,etc.

Found that out with the wife's 09 Traverse.  The owners manual says no chains only "traction devices" and only if the mfr recommends use on the vehicle/tire combo. 

[Knocker of rocks]

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.

Thank you!  As a life long resident of the Puget Sound area, I get sick of hearing about how none of us know how to drive in snow.  This too often comes from residents of say, Quincy or Othello.  Winter driving in the prairie states or the Columbia basin is nothing like the megalopolis with a coating of snow.

There are a lot of idiots here though.

[losdaddy7]

Chains without question, and don't buy the cheapo 3.5 mm chain size either.  Go for 5.5mm or larger.  Got a second set this year so I've done quite a bit of shopping around.  Best deal right now seams to be online RUD grip 4X4's...  $98 delivered a set.

[Bean Counter]

Security Chain Company (SCC) makes chains specifically designed for minimal clearance vehicles. I used a set on an AWD sedan.once and they.were awesome. Drove straight on up paved hills covered with snow and ice.

[Russ McDonald]

So where at in Mn?

North East MN near Ely.

[Special T]

Something else i would like to say about chains. If you Nut up and buy an expensive set of Icebreaker chains for all four corners, there is NO reason to buy a tire that is more aggressive than an all season. All season tires wear better than MT style tires. The bigger the void in the rubber the quicker they wear, period... So a set of decent chains run you $300. That difference is made up in 1 set of tires for your truck. If you don't abuse your quality chains they will last you a long time... Much longer than a set of tires or 2.... I have chains for all my rigs I have cables for my 2wd 1 ton that drives the passes and link for my 4x4...

Just came off Blue Mt near Acme WA We chained up my bros Mech shop truck 4x4 F350 up front, and let me tell ya it took a steep grade at knee deep snow.  I also 2nd the D cam tensioners they reduce the ammount of time getting proper tightness.

[dannysdaddy]

4wd use chains.  front wheel drive use cables.  learn how to put them on without a jack and BEFORE you actually need them...

[fish vacuum]

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?

For some 4wd vehicles, the manufacturers specify in the manual that chains can ONLY BE USED ON THE REAR.

I don't use chains much but I've found the quick fit style from Les Schwab to be very easy to put on. My 2wd pickup performs better than I expected with them on.