Snow Chains
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Snow Chains
Hi,
I'm a relatively new owner of a 2006 F-250 XLT FX4 (CrewCab) with the LT265/17R75's (stock) on it.
I've been giving some thought to what I'm going to do for the winter. The manual specifies SAE Class S tire chains - which, I believe, are the cable-type.
Is it true that a "super duty" will only take cable-type chains? I've been around E-350/450 ambulances for quite a while, which seem to have a lot less clearance around the tires, and we've always used heavy-duty chains on them.
Any experiences with better chains that will work on this truck? I'm a volunteer EMT, and pretty much need to be able to (safely) make it through anything... never at high speeds, but getting stuck isn't an option.
I'm a relatively new owner of a 2006 F-250 XLT FX4 (CrewCab) with the LT265/17R75's (stock) on it.
I've been giving some thought to what I'm going to do for the winter. The manual specifies SAE Class S tire chains - which, I believe, are the cable-type.
Is it true that a "super duty" will only take cable-type chains? I've been around E-350/450 ambulances for quite a while, which seem to have a lot less clearance around the tires, and we've always used heavy-duty chains on them.
Any experiences with better chains that will work on this truck? I'm a volunteer EMT, and pretty much need to be able to (safely) make it through anything... never at high speeds, but getting stuck isn't an option.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,196
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From: Arizona
Originally Posted by jantman
Hi,
I'm a relatively new owner of a 2006 F-250 XLT FX4 (CrewCab) with the LT265/17R75's (stock) on it.
I've been giving some thought to what I'm going to do for the winter. The manual specifies SAE Class S tire chains - which, I believe, are the cable-type.
Is it true that a "super duty" will only take cable-type chains? I've been around E-350/450 ambulances for quite a while, which seem to have a lot less clearance around the tires, and we've always used heavy-duty chains on them.
Any experiences with better chains that will work on this truck? I'm a volunteer EMT, and pretty much need to be able to (safely) make it through anything... never at high speeds, but getting stuck isn't an option.
I'm a relatively new owner of a 2006 F-250 XLT FX4 (CrewCab) with the LT265/17R75's (stock) on it.
I've been giving some thought to what I'm going to do for the winter. The manual specifies SAE Class S tire chains - which, I believe, are the cable-type.
Is it true that a "super duty" will only take cable-type chains? I've been around E-350/450 ambulances for quite a while, which seem to have a lot less clearance around the tires, and we've always used heavy-duty chains on them.
Any experiences with better chains that will work on this truck? I'm a volunteer EMT, and pretty much need to be able to (safely) make it through anything... never at high speeds, but getting stuck isn't an option.
Here is a link to many that will fit
http://tirechain.com/16INCHTRUCKCHAINS.HTM
http://tirechain.com/275-70R-18.htm
Reinforced Diamond Pattern are the best to get for the most traction and stability.
Last edited by blackhat620; Jun 28, 2007 at 01:09 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
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From: colorado
i have 285/75-16 tires on my truck and i run these: http://www.tirechain.com/HEAVYTRUCK.htm every year i go hunting...if you cant get there with them...than nobody is getting there
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
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From: So Cal
I have a 94 F250 4x4 etc. The wheel clearance on mine with stock tires is huge.
I have cable chains but in 8 years of driving that truck in Oregon, I never put the cable chains on. Only a couple times that I probably should have.
So can't answer your question from experience with this truck, but from experience in cars and a small truck with chains I would say chain link is best for traction if there is adequate tire to wheel well clearance. Cable chains fit in tight places but in my opinion don't work as well, but they are smoother riding.
The negative with chain link is that the chain gets loose after say 50 or 100 miles and needs to be tightened periodically. If you don't tighten them and or inspect regularly, one of the links will break and then the chain flails around which often trashes the paint and maybe sheetmetal of the wheel well. I never had a cable break, but that is because I drove too little on them, but I would guess if they did break they would do less damage.
Just my experience,
Jim Henderson
I have cable chains but in 8 years of driving that truck in Oregon, I never put the cable chains on. Only a couple times that I probably should have.
So can't answer your question from experience with this truck, but from experience in cars and a small truck with chains I would say chain link is best for traction if there is adequate tire to wheel well clearance. Cable chains fit in tight places but in my opinion don't work as well, but they are smoother riding.
The negative with chain link is that the chain gets loose after say 50 or 100 miles and needs to be tightened periodically. If you don't tighten them and or inspect regularly, one of the links will break and then the chain flails around which often trashes the paint and maybe sheetmetal of the wheel well. I never had a cable break, but that is because I drove too little on them, but I would guess if they did break they would do less damage.
Just my experience,
Jim Henderson
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
Likes: 317
From: Whittier, CA
Jantman, I have the same truck, an '06 FX4. You have the BFG Rugged Trail tires right? I dug out my old heavy chains about 2 weeks ago to see if they were going to work. They were originally from my '88 4 x 4. I can tell you they clear just fine. As with all chains, you want to avoid sharp turns, use adjusters to keep them snug, keep speed low, etc.
By contrast, I traded away my '04 F150 and while these chains would have fit, they did NOT clear. Ford started putting the shocks outside the springs on the rear and there were other clearance problems on the front. There would be hell to pay if you used anything other than cables.
But you'll be fine on the Super Duty.
Bill
By contrast, I traded away my '04 F150 and while these chains would have fit, they did NOT clear. Ford started putting the shocks outside the springs on the rear and there were other clearance problems on the front. There would be hell to pay if you used anything other than cables.
But you'll be fine on the Super Duty.
Bill
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