When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I run chains on a stock truck with stock wheels and 285/75-18 tires. They just barely click the radius arm at full lock. Cables to me would be a last resort, an on road solution you almost never need but are sometimes required to carry. Colorado doesn't require me to carry chains. I learned 20 years ago the value of chains when I was rescued in the dark, in the winter, in the ditch in the middle of nowhere , because somebody else had them...I bought chains the next day, good ones because I rely on them to save my bacon and make me money.
This is all chained up to haul these logs down a 12% grade covered in snow and ice for several miles.
I have never felt the need to run a 4wd pick-up down the road at speeds where chains would start tearing things up. I rarely run them on pavement, only with over a foot of snow. I could see how you could tear up wheels but users should apply common sense to what they are doing.
I use a heavier twisted link style. the v-bars are incredible but unacceptable in some places I like to use them. I have matching, chains for all four wheels. They have already been on the truck twice this year and we hardly have any snow. I use mine a fair amount and can have a pair fitted in 5 minutes, I try to choose "clean" places to fit them. fresh snow brushes of pretty easy. I do have a tarp in the toolbox as well
When the roads get bad here in Colorado CDOT can require passenger vehicles to have proper tires (at least 3/16 tread, M&S or 3 Peak rated tires, etc.) or carry a set of tire chains. If you are not prepared with the right equipment and close down a lane due to the lack of proper equipment, they can and will likely issue a fine.
For a heavy truck, chains are the best option. Cables are too easy to break and/or pull them out of their crimping nubbins.
I opt for the 3 Peak tires. However, if the roads are going to be that bad, I'd much prefer to stay home or at least stay local.
Sorry all for somewhat narrow slice of the topic here.
Originally Posted by RidgwaySD
I use a heavier twisted link style. the v-bars are incredible but unacceptable in some places I like to use them. I have matching, chains for all four wheels. They have already been on the truck twice this year and we hardly have any snow. I use mine a fair amount and can have a pair fitted in 5 minutes, I try to choose "clean" places to fit them. fresh snow brushes of pretty easy. I do have a tarp in the toolbox as well
I will be driving out there in the winter for the first time and have been drinking through the proverbial fire hose on how/what to. Coming from SE TX there's a lot to learn.
My question is: where are you driving that you've already needed to chain up twice? My plan is to get chains (the ones you linked to most likely) but with shipping times I'll probably be up there before the chains get to me. If I am mainly sticking to the roads around Loghill and Ridgway proper and then up to Montrose and GJ... is it urgent enough to where I should try to rush order something from amazon? For reference, I have a 22 FX4 with KO2s. Any other tips for winter driving needs out there would be appreciated if you think of anything. I think I have watched all of youtube on the subject and am trying to prioritize (already added tarp to the list from that thread).
My plan is to get chains (the ones you linked to most likely) but with shipping times I'll probably be up there before the chains get to me.
Not sure what your time frame is, but I ordered V-bars from Piedmont Chain and they were shipped free the next day, arrived within the week from NC>NY.
