Tire Chains for Winter Weather
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 21
Tire Chains for Winter Weather
Howdy:
I am looking to obtain and try out some tire chains before it turns to snow and ice weather.
Just purchased the pickup in my signature (1980 Ford F-150 2WD P235/75/R15). It is to be a short-trip daily driver for my son and a nasty weather alternative for my wife, who does not want to drive her dream car in that nasty weather...but her job requires her to show up: rain, shine, snow, ice, apocalypse-is-nigh. "Nasty weather" includes the infrequent ice & snow we get around here in the winter.
I never have used them on any vehicle. I am looking for folks who have used them and pointers as to make/model.
I can't find an owner's manual (Ford website goes back to 1996), but I suspect it would tell me only the rear axle ought to get chains.
E-Trailer spat out the following list when I put in my truck & tire information:
https://www.etrailer.com/parts-by-ti...=tire%20chains
There are quite a few options. What should I look for? What ought I avoid?
Any help would be appreciated.
I am looking to obtain and try out some tire chains before it turns to snow and ice weather.
Just purchased the pickup in my signature (1980 Ford F-150 2WD P235/75/R15). It is to be a short-trip daily driver for my son and a nasty weather alternative for my wife, who does not want to drive her dream car in that nasty weather...but her job requires her to show up: rain, shine, snow, ice, apocalypse-is-nigh. "Nasty weather" includes the infrequent ice & snow we get around here in the winter.
I never have used them on any vehicle. I am looking for folks who have used them and pointers as to make/model.
I can't find an owner's manual (Ford website goes back to 1996), but I suspect it would tell me only the rear axle ought to get chains.
E-Trailer spat out the following list when I put in my truck & tire information:
https://www.etrailer.com/parts-by-ti...=tire%20chains
There are quite a few options. What should I look for? What ought I avoid?
Any help would be appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
Get the good old steel chains, avoid the plastic snap-on type. They need to be fitted to your tires, and you need to tension them with bungee cords, or they will flop around and put holes into your sheet metal.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 21
Good to know. Thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,808
Likes: 2,604
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Chains work OK just on rear, but if it's icey road weather, all 4 work very well as do chains in back and studs in front or better yet, stud all 4 and then chain up the rear if it gets really bad. I never run chains far on just wet or cleared roads, I learned to stop safely and get them off. Seen a buddy not remove his, cross chain come loose, before he got stopped right rear door handle was ripped out and part of door skin with it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: CT
I've always used steel ones, preferably not the old style with canvas straps. The walmart or autozone plastic/rubber/steel combo works until you hit a clear patch of pavement, then they get shredded.
So far I've had luck with buying 80s era used ones on ebay, much more affordable. Keep a couple flat ramp sections like the ones for loading bikes that can be wedged under tires in the bed if you really get stuck.
So far I've had luck with buying 80s era used ones on ebay, much more affordable. Keep a couple flat ramp sections like the ones for loading bikes that can be wedged under tires in the bed if you really get stuck.
New User
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Northern NM
A few months late to reply, so not sure if OP has bought chains yet. My suggestion as to the various options from etrailer link is to stay away from cable chains completely. The main options then are Class S compatible, or the traditional ladder style. I've used steel ladder style chains on commercial trucks for years. They work great when you know how to put them on correctly, and know when to take them off. Class S chains are very useful to put on when your vehicle is already stuck in snow, because you do not "roll over" the chains, like ladder style chains. You do have to be careful using ladder style chains for the loose, excess links on the inside of the wheel well, which could damage your brake lines. I was surprised to see in the manual for my 2002 f250 4x4 recommendation for class S chains only, which is what I bought.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 21
FYI, I scored a set of used, but good condition Class S Laclede Alpine Sport for Truck & SUV for $37. More like "used," given I saw no wear on them. Retail is in the neighborhood of $200, so I think the Good Lord is giving me every opportunity to get it right this winter.
I'd like to thank you all for your input.
I'd like to thank you all for your input.
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