Snow Chains Question
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Snow Chains Question
Hello everyone,
This is my question I am asking ya'll. I will be heading up to Mtn. High this weekend with my '01 Excursion XLT 5.4L 2x4. I have recently read on a column or some website that it is not a good thing to take the 5.4L to snowy mountains. Now i'm going to take it anyways since it's an Excursion and i'm sure it can hang. Take in mind it also has stock(ish) tires. Would snow chain's really be neccessary? If so any particular type? Thanks
This is my question I am asking ya'll. I will be heading up to Mtn. High this weekend with my '01 Excursion XLT 5.4L 2x4. I have recently read on a column or some website that it is not a good thing to take the 5.4L to snowy mountains. Now i'm going to take it anyways since it's an Excursion and i'm sure it can hang. Take in mind it also has stock(ish) tires. Would snow chain's really be neccessary? If so any particular type? Thanks
Last edited by Incognitt; Dec 13, 2005 at 11:36 AM. Reason: Incorrect Information
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
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From: Washington State
Not sure what the 5.4L has to do with going to a mountain...
The engine in the snow is less important than the fact you have a 2WD truck with stock road tires. Get some snow tires out back. Do you have a limited slip rear end?
The engine in the snow is less important than the fact you have a 2WD truck with stock road tires. Get some snow tires out back. Do you have a limited slip rear end?
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Paisley, OR
I would not buy snow tires, unless you need them for most of the winter (but then I never buy them and I live where it snows). Sometimes it is required to have chains on in the mountains, or you don't go. Here in Oregon, when you enter a snow zone, you must have chains in or on your vehcile. I would get a set of chains that have chain link that cover the traction part of the tire, I don't like the cable type, they break way to easy.
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We took are 2wd 2004 V10 to the snow for the first time a short while back, I bought the chains just to keep the people happy at the check point, but thought I would never use them. I have to say it was a great $70 investment (from the local Wallmart) we ended up using them the entire weekend, the stock tires were useless on the roads.
Worst case you spend the money, have peace of mind for the trip, and if you don't use them sell them through your local classifieds.
Worst case you spend the money, have peace of mind for the trip, and if you don't use them sell them through your local classifieds.
Last edited by spm272; Dec 13, 2005 at 03:43 PM.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Washington State
Originally Posted by dnroberts
I would not buy snow tires,
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Paisley, OR
Ken:
For me I can't justify $500.00 for snow tires, and then $50.00 each spring and fall to mount and/or re-mount them or my street tires, and then they only last three winters. It is better to buy snow wheels and have them mounted on them. I did do this once for a rear wheel drive LTD I had in the late 80's. Snow tires do give you good traction in the snow and studs on ice. I have not even installed chains since 1973 and then I was forced to by the State Police. In this part of the state we have dry powder snow, which gives you better traction then the wet snow on the west side of the state.
Dale:
For me I can't justify $500.00 for snow tires, and then $50.00 each spring and fall to mount and/or re-mount them or my street tires, and then they only last three winters. It is better to buy snow wheels and have them mounted on them. I did do this once for a rear wheel drive LTD I had in the late 80's. Snow tires do give you good traction in the snow and studs on ice. I have not even installed chains since 1973 and then I was forced to by the State Police. In this part of the state we have dry powder snow, which gives you better traction then the wet snow on the west side of the state.
Dale:
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Originally Posted by Monsta
Not sure what the 5.4L has to do with going to a mountain...
The engine in the snow is less important than the fact you have a 2WD truck with stock road tires. Get some snow tires out back. Do you have a limited slip rear end?
The engine in the snow is less important than the fact you have a 2WD truck with stock road tires. Get some snow tires out back. Do you have a limited slip rear end?
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Diesel User
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From: Berkshires, MA
Please keep in mind that if they fail or don't fit properly they can damage the fenders or even tear out the brake lines.
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Diesel User
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From: Berkshires, MA
I bought Vulcan cable chains. I have them in the truck as a just in case. I reseached the subject last year and these fit my needs and they are easier to put on (no readjustments with the ZLT's and they come in a rigid case). Some say the cables easily break and are known to "slide". Tire chains are quite aggresive and durable, I almost went with them. All require care after use. You will need a place to put them after you take them off, unless you drive them home. You need to clean them and oil them before you store them for the next time.
http://www.vulcantire.com/chainszlt_c.htm
Nice site and they have the instructions online in pdf's.
http://www.vulcantire.com/chainszlt_c.htm
Nice site and they have the instructions online in pdf's.
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Originally Posted by Downsized2X
Please keep in mind that if they fail or don't fit properly they can damage the fenders or even tear out the brake lines.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: NorCal
Caltrans (Owner of SR 138 & SR 2 (I think) to Mtn High) used to allow vehicles traveling with "snow tires" to proceed in certain occassions when cars w/o "snow" tires needed chains. This is no longer the case.
Most every tire out there (unles it is purpose built ie....low profile performance tires) is rated for mud and snow. That is what the M + S stand for on the sidewall.
If there is control on the roadway due to snow you will need chains unles you have 4x4. Even if you have 4x4 you must carry chains. They won't check your vehicle, but they might ask. Sometimes 2x4 and chains will not be allowed, but 4x4 with chains will.
You can purchase chains from Les Schwab and if not used return them in the spring for a refund. Most other places will not allow a return. Althogu I would think Wal Mart and Costco would if not used.
Most every tire out there (unles it is purpose built ie....low profile performance tires) is rated for mud and snow. That is what the M + S stand for on the sidewall.
If there is control on the roadway due to snow you will need chains unles you have 4x4. Even if you have 4x4 you must carry chains. They won't check your vehicle, but they might ask. Sometimes 2x4 and chains will not be allowed, but 4x4 with chains will.
You can purchase chains from Les Schwab and if not used return them in the spring for a refund. Most other places will not allow a return. Althogu I would think Wal Mart and Costco would if not used.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,532
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From: Valdez, Alaska
Get a set of chains for the piece of mind. Studded tires are nice but as mentioned expensive. I use mine 8 months out of the year so its an expense that is justified. Never had to use chains but we have excellent snow removal and road maitenance here so usually not an issue. There is always that blue moon day but the studded tires work fine.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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You guys seen the OnSpot.com system? They are sweet, kind of a clearance liability. I haven't had much experience with chains or studed tires. But for my last trip up north I bought a pair of studded tires off ebay for really cheap. Just buy some stock steel rims if your gonna run them every season. I've seen studed tires stop faster on ice then some rubber tires on dry pavement, i don't understand how the tire companies have snowed over the public and phased them out.