Notices
Aerostar Ford Aerostar

Snow Chain Recommendations

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 23, 2015 | 08:42 PM
  #1  
iszatso's Avatar
iszatso
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
10 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Oakland, Ca.
Snow Chain Recommendations

Need to get snow chains for front and rear for my 94 AWD with standard wheels. Any suggestions especially to buy locally? I live in Oakland California.
I'm pretty sure in the Sierras the AWD will substitute for chain controls with all weather rated tires on unless it is super bad out and they move up a notch to 4WD with chains.. Want to drive to Reno for Thanksgiving to see Dad and get there no matter what. Links to size would be nice. TIA, BRGDS.

patrick
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2015 | 10:21 PM
  #2  
96_4wdr's Avatar
96_4wdr
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
If it snows on that heavily traveled road, the plows will have the snow hammered down into a 1/2" of hard packed ice that turns to skating rink slick water on top.
It's not the get going that's the problem, it's the stopping before sudden death that can be the killer.

Super Z6 cable chains only and check the chains/tensioners hourly.

Stop at a tire shop near before the mountains and have them show you how to correctly put on cable chains.
$10 bucks worth of lesson is priceless

Complacency and expecting the other guy to do the right thing leads to early icey road death. Lots of deep canyons and loaded semis on that road.

Watch Highway to Hell, it will convince you, be over prepared. and keep it under 35 mph.

Amazon.com: Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Chain for Passenger Cars, Pickups, and SUVs - Set of 2: Automotive Amazon.com: Security Chain Company SZ429 Super Z6 Cable Chain for Passenger Cars, Pickups, and SUVs - Set of 2: Automotive
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2015 | 11:13 AM
  #3  
RojoStar's Avatar
RojoStar
Tuned
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 402
Likes: 16
Originally Posted by iszatso
... Want to drive to Reno for Thanksgiving...
Nice plan.

Reporting from the SF Bay Area...
Although we just got a wet cold front, the roads should be clear & dry by mid-day (today, Wed 25, day before TG).

Thule CB-12 on the way to Bear Valley, CA for skiing.
Plz don't laugh, its 2WD and legacy touring rubber.




095 on 215/65-15. Would have appreciated a tad more chain size.


Now 102 on a 225/60-16.
 
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2015 | 11:34 PM
  #4  
Car Guy's Avatar
Car Guy
Tuned
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 11
From: Longmont, CO
What are your thoughts on the Thule brand chains? Any experience with others? I sold Laclede at a retail store and feel their Alpine series are good. I haven't experienced them 'in the field' but installed countless pairs on customer's vehicles.
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 10:04 AM
  #5  
RojoStar's Avatar
RojoStar
Tuned
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 402
Likes: 16
Originally Posted by Car Guy
... Any experience with others?...
Good follow up Q.
Answer: No. I'm not promoting the Thule brand, just saying what I use.
One benefit, probably not unique to the CB12, is that because of the tailored design and open pattern, you don't have to roll the vehicle to complete the install, and you don't have to lie on the ground.

1) Send the chains all the way around the tire patch.
2) Grab the two cable ends and pull them up around the tire so that the cable, now on the inboard side of the tire, moves upward off the ground and towards the axle. At this moment it looks like you are giving your tire a big bear hug.The native population, gawking, will approve and maybe show you how bear hugs are really done.
3) Up at the top of the tire, connect the (inboard) cable ends, and a single link on the outer face, then slide the cable loop inbound over the top of the tire so it drops down on the inbound side to a centered position.
4) Snug up and tie the outside face.
5) Drive away.





I'm guessing the diamond pattern is also quieter on dry pavement (verses a straight across pattern).
Hasn't rusted but it hasn't gotten much use either.
Even less usage in the future, the rubber is now Altimax RT43, which could have managed the situation.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mprice
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
11
Dec 8, 2009 11:58 PM
jantman
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
5
Jun 28, 2007 12:31 PM
oldfordtrucksrule
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Oct 9, 2005 08:33 PM
super sized
Excursion - King of SUVs
15
Feb 16, 2004 06:44 PM
tonyford
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
3
Dec 8, 2003 10:58 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:53 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE