Tire Chains Vs Cable
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2018
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Tire Chains Vs Cable
Would appreciate any input..
I have a 250 SD. No Lift /all stock..and looking to carry either chains..or cables....
What are the pros..cons..speed limits..rear vs all tires..do not want to damage the truck
Thanks
I have a 250 SD. No Lift /all stock..and looking to carry either chains..or cables....
What are the pros..cons..speed limits..rear vs all tires..do not want to damage the truck
Thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
I use cable chains on the front of my F-350 with 18" wheels. I have regular, heavy duty, ladder chains for the rear, should they be needed. I have used the rear chains once.
The owner's manual says to not use chains on the 20" wheels.
Here's a thread from a few days ago that may be helpful: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...icy-roads.html
The owner's manual says to not use chains on the 20" wheels.
Here's a thread from a few days ago that may be helpful: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...icy-roads.html
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
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From: BC Canada
Ford doesn’t cover chains or cable chains on any aluminum rims, any size. They will deny warranty. I have never used chains on mine, but if I did it would only be on the rear as clearance on the front with larger tires would not likely permit chains on the front without some damage. With only one truck, at least a set of chains would be a must in off-road in snow and ice. I prefer to be with a buddy second truck and my good tow strap.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 684
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From: Green Bay Wi
I have used chains on my 2016 f250 Xlt Fx4 without any issues. I have heavy duty v bar chains for front and rear. I have them for getting out of unplowed forest roads, possibly for pulling out other trucks.
i
i
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What an education..
I changed the tires ..immediately to Michelin.. Defenders ...and they have an all seasons rating ..but wanted to carry a set of chains for the unplanned " two foot" snow days
I changed the tires ..immediately to Michelin.. Defenders ...and they have an all seasons rating ..but wanted to carry a set of chains for the unplanned " two foot" snow days
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I carry emergency strap on tire chains for the same reason. Gives me peace of mind at least. Had to use them when I was plowing and got stuck too far in a pile.
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Yeah..I wrote that book..chapter and verse
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Joined: May 2018
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I find there are a lot of variables in winter driving. 1) I live in Washington State: The law requires if you cross the passes you must carry chains. HOWEVER, most times 4 X 4's are exempt. If it gets worse then that then count me out. To many chuckle-heads up on our passes who don't have a clue how to drive in snow. Don't have suitable winter tires etc. I run heavy lugs on all my rigs with studs in the winter months.
I also run a 16,500 lb Warn winch up front. Mostly to help others and for self rescue along with a heavy duty self use anchor point when trees and large rocks are few and far between. Along with a good sized rescue box. Heavy Duty tree straps, HD ****** straps, turnbuckles, D-rings, cable dampers etc. Also been to winching school which was very informative for my Wrangler Rubicon when off roading in the Cascade Mountains, Canada, Alaska etc
I guess living in Alaska for 26 years sort of instilled this excessive behavior but it sure beats being stuck for hours till someone comes along who can provide assistance.
George
I also run a 16,500 lb Warn winch up front. Mostly to help others and for self rescue along with a heavy duty self use anchor point when trees and large rocks are few and far between. Along with a good sized rescue box. Heavy Duty tree straps, HD ****** straps, turnbuckles, D-rings, cable dampers etc. Also been to winching school which was very informative for my Wrangler Rubicon when off roading in the Cascade Mountains, Canada, Alaska etc
I guess living in Alaska for 26 years sort of instilled this excessive behavior but it sure beats being stuck for hours till someone comes along who can provide assistance.
George
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Thats what I call prepared..
Where I live...for the most part its not as extreme as in other parts of the US..and that becomes a problem..because many people here take it for granted that heavy snowfall /ice will not be a concern.. however .. it got so bad a few years ago the highway patrol was commandeering 4x 4 vehicles..
And every so often you read or hear of someone.. who has frozen overnight../country road....also..for someone coming to get you..good luck with that..there are two few tow trucks..and those that exist are most often under the police guidance...cabs will not go out..
In addition... the snow plows will take no mercy on your **ss ..and you will see at first light.. a number of stranded vehicles covered with the snowplows .. residue..buried in heavy salt..ice..and they will stay there for days
Where I live...for the most part its not as extreme as in other parts of the US..and that becomes a problem..because many people here take it for granted that heavy snowfall /ice will not be a concern.. however .. it got so bad a few years ago the highway patrol was commandeering 4x 4 vehicles..
And every so often you read or hear of someone.. who has frozen overnight../country road....also..for someone coming to get you..good luck with that..there are two few tow trucks..and those that exist are most often under the police guidance...cabs will not go out..
In addition... the snow plows will take no mercy on your **ss ..and you will see at first light.. a number of stranded vehicles covered with the snowplows .. residue..buried in heavy salt..ice..and they will stay there for days
Last edited by Philisophe; Oct 20, 2019 at 08:38 PM. Reason: spelling
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Laramie, WY
I carry a sleeping bag, tow strap, and a shovel. That has always gotten me out. I used to have cable chains but it seems easier to just dig out when stuck. I know that won't work if you're trying to drive miles down deep unplowed roads, but that isn't what I do.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2019
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Cables are OK for light passenger vehicles, however a full set of chains is invaluable when running in rough winter mountain passes or even in mud. This is especially true when you are loaded and towing. There is also no reason to be scared of running them as long as you take precautions. It is important that you fit them to your vehicle BEFORE you actual need to use them. Trimming excess chain and using bunges to pull the slack will make for a trouble free experience.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2014
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I used to carry chains and only used them once in 10yrs. Instead I now have studded snows and they're more than enough for unplowed gravel logging roads, and snow covered highways. Regardless, when driving with chains, I typically kept speeds down to ~25mph to avoid damage to the truck/wheels.