Snow Chains?
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 544
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Snow Chains?
Anyone have any expierence using snow chains on a Ranger 4x2?
If so, was the effort worth it. I have been looking at a few different brands and all seem like a pain in the neck to put on and take off.
Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
If so, was the effort worth it. I have been looking at a few different brands and all seem like a pain in the neck to put on and take off.
Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
I've used them on other rigs but not my Ranger. They give you plenty of extra starting and stopping ability, especially in deep snow or on ice. Because they are a pain to put on and remove, you might want to look into cable chains. They are somewhat less effective than regular chains, but easier to install and you're able to drive a bit faster without rattling everything to pieces. If allowed in the state where you live, you might consider studded snow tires; they work great on ice.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,221
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From: Homer, Alaska
Depends on the driving conditions. I chain up my 83 4x4 on the front because the weight gives an advantage for starting and stopping. I won't tell you the obvious about a 4x2 and chains. (Yes I will-Put them on the rear tires) They are a pain (not always in the neck), but there are times when that is the best option; ie, really icy and slick roads. Keep the speed down or you will bust a link (makes lots of noise) and can cause body or brake damage. I usually use the chains (not cables; those are for the wife's car) only when needed, and then take them off. It is amazing how good you can get at taking them on and off if you are prepared. Have something to lay on (old carpet, garbage bag, etc) and make sure you have a flashlight!! Tonight I just spent $400 for new studded tires, but I will not leave the house without the chains. I used to drive a 2wd Dodge p/u and the chains will get you just about anywhere you need to go. One other positive reason to use chains; it's not nearly as big of a pain in the neck to put them on as it is to sit in a ditch for 4 hours waiting for the tow truck. Also remember, there are lots of idiots out there trying to kill you when it snows. See and avoid!!!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
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From: Seattle
Chains
I chain up every time I have to go over Snoqualmie Pass for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Seems like that is the only time the weather gets horrid. Once I led a line of 50 plus cars over the top in my '98 Ranger (that big piece of crap - God I'm glad I traded it in). I'm sure all 50 of them were honking at me to get my butt moving, but if it wasn't for the cable chains I never would have made it up.
Its the ice that gets me nervous, and for that two 50 lb bags of sand over the rear axle and cable chains work nicely and let you move faster than a snail's pace. Even this year when freezing fog and drizzle covered the compact snow and ice on the pass right after Thanksgiving.
You know its going to be a bad trip when the number of cars in the ditch increases as you approach the top, and you still have 10 miles to go.
Its the ice that gets me nervous, and for that two 50 lb bags of sand over the rear axle and cable chains work nicely and let you move faster than a snail's pace. Even this year when freezing fog and drizzle covered the compact snow and ice on the pass right after Thanksgiving.
You know its going to be a bad trip when the number of cars in the ditch increases as you approach the top, and you still have 10 miles to go.
Last edited by Ken00; Dec 9, 2003 at 07:17 PM.
