where can i get the best prices online. its going to be for my 04 f150.

should i get them for all 4 corners? i don't think i will really need them but they make us carry them.

 

You only need them on the rear axle. I would recommend the "cable" type if you are not going to use them very much. They are lighter and eaisier to handle, as well as cheaper.

Jim

 

I personnally only use them on the front when I go to the woods. That way you always have steering while climbing through the mud and snow.

 

Check some local older filling stations. Many have them in boxes and have for years, and will lwt them go cheap.

 

Might want to consider these also:

http://www.flextrax.com/home3.html

 

if yor are in mud or snow that is bad enough to put chains on you should have them on all 4 corners. one person said you only needed them on the back, thats ok until you are going down hill and need to turn, when you touch the brake the front wheels will lock and slid so now you cant steer and if you really needed to slow down your in the ditch, been there done that. someone also said you only need them on the front, which is fine if you are only going up hill because once you start comming down and have to put on the brakes the rear tires ,with nothing to do,will come up front to see whats happening, and now you are going down sideways, been there done that. in fact both of these experiences happened on the same hunting trip(i only had 1 set of chains at the time). anytime i feel i need chains they go on all four.

www.tirechain.com

 

The problem with buying chains online is any savings you get are offset by the shipping. Those mothers are HEAVY.

I agree with the chains on all four wheels part - but I haven't been there, and don't want to do that.

The cable style chains are weak and don't last as long. You want some real chains on those tires! Last set I got at wally mart for about $50.

 

i live in san diego so i cant just go out to the local store and get some. i remember being in colder places and you can get those at grocerie stores and 7-11. i might consider 4 but i have never needed snow chains even when i took my bmw up the mountains and that ran 235/45 zrated tires. its just a requirement to carry them. will look around online. good info though and i will pick up 4 if i can find some for a good price.

ive never seen anyone have chains on the front except a unimog with all 6 wheels chained but always thought about it helping, even though i have a 4x4. thanks guys -john

 

You indicate that you probably will not use them and only have them because you have to. I would go with the cable ones, should be able to get them through someone like Wal-Mart. If they do not have them in stock most of the big chains will order them for you, saves shipping. If you you are going to use chains very much then conventional link are much better. Again have one of the companies order them for you. One piece of advice, when you get them take the time to put them on in your driveway or garage. Will make it a lot easier when you really have to, also you will know that they fit.

1999.5 F250 PSD, Lariat, 4X4, Auto, X-Cab, Long Box, Banks Bighead, Banks Trans-Command, Gauges.

If you can read this thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier. In memory of Spec. James Wolf 1982-2003.

 

I can just picture myself living in San Diego right now in December. The UPS man comes and delivers a box with my chains. I throw on a pair of shorts and lather on the sun block, then go out in the 70 degree sunshine to try and figure out these tire chains. The neighbors start gathering... (Suppose to be 71 Deg. this weekend...)

 

Think of it this way Howdy. None of those neighbors will ever dare to cross you. They will believe that you are crazier than a pet coon. Plus it will give them something to talk about.

 

thanks for the info guys,

its pretty cold now, not really but we get cold when its not 72 and we get hot if its over 78. im used to playing christmas music in the car with the AC on. previous years were warm this time of the year.

btw those flextrax things are expensive i could get a set of snow tires for that much.

 

One thing to consider when slowing down in snow/ice conditions. Bump your rig into neutral, you'll find better braking power and more control, with less wheel lock-up and less brake pressure required. I've driven in way to many crappy road conditions not to know better. This includes running big rigs up and down the road....only to hear the sound of the tires disappear(black ice) all you have for options on black ice is to slow down as gently as possible, and hope for the best...and keep your wits about you. When things go silent....pray, and be ready for anything, and yes, you can control it, if you do just that. As for snow chains. studded rear tires, and good grips with a softer rubber compound for the front are best, or 4 winter grips. Chains are for some serious situations, and chains on the front may actually cause you to skate off the road depending on the situation. If you need chains, slow driving is advisable, as any kind of high speed driving will not only tear up the chains, but will tear up your truck and yourself as well. Chains are meant for under 30mph driving. Low traction situations, anything over that is not a recommended idea. The only time I've run chains on all 4 corners is when off-roading in some seriously deep snow. Chains in mud will help little, if at all, and that's if you can still put them on. Mud requires self cleaning lugs, and rpm/wheel speed to claw through. Much different than an ice and snow situation where chains become useful.

 

$170 USD! Whoa, that IS expensive considering shipping and any tax.

At our Canadian Tire, here in Nova Scotia, they are $140 CDN, that's $114 USD.

But I think that they are easier to install (not having to roll forward), self tensioning, safer should they break, and you can drive faster on them than chains. 30mph or 50kph.

Check out - http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...09/275689.html

Just a thought, but your right, they are expensive.

Digger

 

You should see just exactly what the law requires you to have in the areas you intend travel. The requirements vary, cables aren't even considred chains in some areas. There are places you have to have all drive wheels chained, some areas require trailers to be chained if you are towing, and others require no chains if you are 4 wheel drive.