Highway driving w/chains while towing
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New User
Joined: May 2008
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Highway driving w/chains while towing
I tow a 37' 5'er with my 08-350,6.8L diesel,CC,LB,4x4,SRW. I may have to travel over I-80 to NoCal in early Dec without any flexibility in schedule & I want to be prepared with chains. Owners manual only references type "s", without indicating any particular style, whether diamond, ladder, cable or chain. Other research says diamond style not recommended for towing and ladder style not compatible with the ABS.
If I stay in 2x4, can I use the ladder type "s" on the rear with-out adversely affecting the ABS?
I have also found conflicting info as to which axle of the trailer to chain and whether ladder style provides any lateral support.
Any info would be appreciated.
If I stay in 2x4, can I use the ladder type "s" on the rear with-out adversely affecting the ABS?
I have also found conflicting info as to which axle of the trailer to chain and whether ladder style provides any lateral support.
Any info would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
How about dropping over onto Hwy 199 (Grants Pass) to Hwy 101 Cresent City and travel south?
First, you will need commercial grade chains for the truck. Your packing a lot weight on your rear axle/tires. Cheap chains will break under the load.
I seriously doubt that you will harm your ABS while on snow/ice covered roads, while chained.
As for the trailer, either axle will work. The chains on the trailer axle is primarily for stopping purposes (keeping the trailer behind the tow vehicle.)
Depending on your tire to trailer body clearances, dictates the style of chain or cable that will work without causing damage.
I found a set of chains at Les Schwab (they usually run a deal where you can return unused chains in the spring for a full refund), that use cam locks on the side links to tighten the chains.
No need for rubber tensioners. I've used these with good results both on a 34'fifthwheel and on lightly loaded F250 4x4.
I use commercial grade chains on my F350 while towing. I use 4x4 (with the rear chained) on snow and ice. No problems.
Good luck
First, you will need commercial grade chains for the truck. Your packing a lot weight on your rear axle/tires. Cheap chains will break under the load.
I seriously doubt that you will harm your ABS while on snow/ice covered roads, while chained.
As for the trailer, either axle will work. The chains on the trailer axle is primarily for stopping purposes (keeping the trailer behind the tow vehicle.)
Depending on your tire to trailer body clearances, dictates the style of chain or cable that will work without causing damage.
I found a set of chains at Les Schwab (they usually run a deal where you can return unused chains in the spring for a full refund), that use cam locks on the side links to tighten the chains.
No need for rubber tensioners. I've used these with good results both on a 34'fifthwheel and on lightly loaded F250 4x4.
I use commercial grade chains on my F350 while towing. I use 4x4 (with the rear chained) on snow and ice. No problems.
Good luck
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, KY
Just make sure you don't have max traction chains on the front while using 4x4... prevents slipping, which you need! Use highway chains on the front, and if you use them, keep the max traction chains in the rear.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
In my experience hauling cars I never needed chains on the pickup due to the weight on the rear axle and the ability to put it into 4 hi if needed. I carried three railers for the rear axle and cables for one axle on the trailer. I did put the cables on the trailer several times.
On the highway you shouldnt ever have to chain up all 4 on the pickup. If you are empty then just chain up the front, but I have only needed that in offroad situations.
On the highway you shouldnt ever have to chain up all 4 on the pickup. If you are empty then just chain up the front, but I have only needed that in offroad situations.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento Ca
I have never had to tow in chains so take this for what its worth. I will almost always install the chains on the front of the truck first. Once I'm locked into 4wd, the front is pulling, the front is steering, and the front is stopping. In reality what is the rear doing other than staying behind you at that point. If I then need some additional help I will add chains to the rear. Things have to get fairly hairy before that is needed.
As I said earlier, I have never towed the 5er with chains. 80 is well maintained. Statically you will not need the chains, I would still have them for both the trailer and the truck. I have drove it many times in the winter and never needed them. I have also pointedly avoided days that I would have needed them.
As I said earlier, I have never towed the 5er with chains. 80 is well maintained. Statically you will not need the chains, I would still have them for both the trailer and the truck. I have drove it many times in the winter and never needed them. I have also pointedly avoided days that I would have needed them.
