I notice you live in NC - according to what I've heard on the news lately, if you live in NC and it snows or gets icy, well, if it were me, I'd stay off the roads. Sounds as if people there aren't real knowledgable when it comes to driving on ice.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting you down. But when the cops receive over 2200 calls for accidents due to icy roads in one day.........it would definitely make me stay home were I would be out of everyone elses way.

 

Yes,
tire chains do a great deal of good in slow speed situations. They greatly improve traction on ice. There are two kinds chain and cable and then hybrids. Just make sure they are installed correctly.
Pat

 

Who needs chains ?.we have 8500 lbs.......

 

that thing about people not knowing how to drive on ice and snow here in north carolina is true, boy do these people suck around here. but about the chains, everylittle bit helps, seems like it would be worth the time and effort for some ease of mind driving

 

the best snow tires you can {afford} are your first line of defence on winter road ways, keeping a set of cables for the front drive wheels in your vehicle is great for when it gets realy nasty; its nice to be able to move quickly out of the skid path of some other unfortunate driver.

the reason for front cables is for tires with the best traction to steer you and not the rear to push you where you dont want to go.
if you need to chain up all 4 tires on the highway, chances are you are in the worst conditions. you also have to drive slower with chains than with cables

 

...another NC resident here. I was just reading in yesterday's Raleigh newspaper about how the car insurance companies want to raise rates again. With 2200 accidents within 24 hours of 4 inches of snow and then 3 inches of sleet it's no wonder. Too bad those of us who know enough to drive SLOWLY even with the big 4wd Excursion get penalized for the morons who pass me and end up in a ditch. What's worse are the people in 4wd SUVs who think they're omnipotent just because they have 4wd and fly by at 45 mph and wonder why the 4wd doesn't help them stop!

BTW..I thought chains were illegal in many states, including NC. Am I misinformed?

 

You have to check the State regs for chains and studs. Some states allow them during certain periods, some don't.
I have only used chains off road and would not have made it out without them. Not in my Excursion either, my old Ford 4x4 PU.
I was visiting in NC a couple of years ago when they got 8+" of snow one night and drove right around and threw all the mess in Charlotte. Semi's, cars and lots of people stuck on overpasses and in ditches. Never did slip a tire in my Excursion, just kept it sane and made it back to our friends in SC about an hour late is all.
Pat

 

Anyone on ice

8500lbs = mass in motion = one of Newtons laws

 

Hey Gregaber, what do you mean they pass you at 45 mph. I too live in Raleigh and when I540 was covered, I had idiots blowing by me alot faster than that. These people seem to forget that 4wd vehicles do not stop any better than 2wd. I can see driving a little faster in snow....but on ice you should be careful no matter what you drive. I am always amazed at those who get out in their rwd cars and then they wonder why they wind up in a ditch.
I had no problem a few years ago when we had nearly 2ft of snow and I had no problem with the ice last week.....then again, I drive like I have some sense.

 

Amen, rfennell.

At least when we had the 2 feet of snow in 2000 it scared most people from venturing out in the first place.

 

I've used snow chains in light and heavy snow. I have a couple of pictures in my gallery of my last snow jaunt. Yes the chains worked well, I agree with some of the others though, stay off the roads unless you have to. Could save you a lot of grief...

 

Chains work great but give you the worst ride in your life. Not the sort of thing you candily look out and say, gee, I'm think I'll put on my chains today. Get yourself an extra set of stock rims and real snow tires, not all seasons, not winter radials, but real snow tires. You would be amazed at the difference they provide. Put them on in December and keep them on until March. Emergency chains, which are only used over very short distances in case you get stuck, are a good suggestion and also carrying a square shovel and 50 lbs of ice melt.

 

I have used chains on every one of my 4x4 here in Colorado. The only kind of chain you should use on trucks are made of chain. . . not cable. If you can find the type with little chevrons tack welded to each link buy them. They are amazing but rather expensive. Another rule about chains is don't get silly on the depth of the snow, if the truck gets stuck with chains on it you are gonna need a buddy with a winch or a lot of time with a snow shovel. They also work great in mud and slush. I have never owned studded snow tires but they seem to work well. Here in Colorado we will have a blizzard one day and a 50 degree day the next. Studs are perfect for the states with permafrost. I was stationed in California in the 90's and watched an Asian lady drive back from Snow Summit ski resort almost 25 miles on dry pavement with her chains on. Her husband was just as retarded since he could not mount them correctly so their very new Benz was missing all the paint on every wheel well when they finally pulled off. I thought I was going to pass out from laughing so hard but guess they learned the hard way. IMHO just slow down on the ice and get really good quality all seasons like Michelin or high end Goodyears. Drive like you have a egg under your foot and dont want to break it and I promise you will have no problems on ice and snow.

 

I live in Toronto and we have snow on the ground from mid-December until the end of March and I've never ever had to use chains, in fact I think they're illegal here. But we spend a ton of money on snow removal and we use tons and tons (literally) of rock salt and this salt-water mix to keep ice from forming up on the roads. I have a FWD car and I put snows on the front wheels only, makes a HUUUGGE difference. I can stop, steer and accelerate better than most 4WDs on all-seasons.

Snow chains would probably not do you any good in an Excursion, however snow tires would make a big difference because they work in all types of snow conditions, not just sheet-ice. If you live in a state that doesn't get snow very often and doesn't use any kind of salt or gravel on the roads, chances are you could just stay off the road for the one or two days a year that they're ice covered. If you live in Michigan or Minnesota, chances are you've got a decent snow removal department to keep the roads clear and you won't need chains, just a good set of snow tires in case.