snowchains . . . .

Baaahahahaaa I do the same thing. I have a buncha old crane slings and clevices in my toolbox that I drag out fullsizes with. Been many a for n chevy drug out with my '08 4cyl. Only 1 chevy pulled out with the '11 6cyl. But to repeat what everyone else has said, you shouldn't need chains. If ya do, you probably shouldn't be where you are

 

Doesn't matter if you should need them or not, some places require you to have them. Places like Donnor pass make the snowfall we get in New England look like childs play so the highway patrol require anyone traveling that area to carry chains with them at certain times of the year.

 

I bought these last winter: Security Chain Company TC2512MM

$123 SCC TC2512MM Radial Chain LT Cable Tire Traction Chain for Light Trucks - Set of 2

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BREMQ0

Actually had to use them too heading up over Donner Pass to Truckee. They worked well, installed easily and if they are put on right shouldn't be too near your rims to cause any scratching. They are pretty inexpensive as far as chains go, not sure how they'll hold up in the long run but seem pretty solid for occasional use.

 

look on craigslist. that is where i got mine for my 35's tires.

 

i have had many sets of chains over the years. the best that i have found are either the heavy duty variety that have the cleats welded to the cross chains. this kind works best when you are on dirt roads and the chains will likely never be driven on asphault.

the other kind that worked well for me makes a diamond patern across the tread of the tire, has color coded parts of the chain to help untangle it and a clever tensioning system. this set up works on streets and highways cus the diamond pattern makes them roll smoother.

both kinds i found at a tire shop. les schwab i think. if you want "good" ones expext to pay $75-100 for a set.

i use them quite a bit to mob around, go backcountry skiing or unstuck myself. with 2 sets you can make it into the woods pretty damn far. or get yourself hopelessly stuck.

 

If my taco needs chains to get around then I don't need to be out in it.

 

thanks for all the input guys. i shoulda explained a lil more earlier... i have a 2wd and when you go up to mammoth sometimes the roads get really icy and its mandatory that you put on chains at certain points... my accord somehow made it w/ 2 front cables last year during a minor blizzard.

so when i do decide to purchase chains or cables, am i putting them on the back tires cause its rwd or the front????

 

rear...

 

x2

Up front, wont do anything for you since you need the traction

 

ive had the best luck with these. had them for 2 seasons. only have broken a link twice lol, but they are way better than cables. Ive used them more than 10 times also.


i have a prerunner also, made it up to mammoth with them no problem.



just make sure you get these. I get them as tight as i can
http://www.tirechainsrequired.com/Shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=97&cat=Adjusters

 

I don't know what tire chains are

 

just a curious question, would lowering air pressure in your tires help at all in the snow, or even on the road?

 

yea it helps alot in snow, mud, and sand

 

ya okay, thats what i was thinking since im out at pismo a lot, seems to be logical to air down in the snow as well

 

x2

 

I thought narrow tires were better in the snow. Wouldnt airing them down make the contact patch slightly wider?

 

For 4wd, do you guys put them on the front or rear? I have heard both explained but wanted to know what the majority was doing.

 

Rear first, then if you have another pair of chains put them on the front.

 

i thought this as well years ago, but the snow and the way it packs and ices over is much different on the west coast and its the law to have chains or cables with you in some states. here in CT we get a lot of snow, but the roads are well plowed, hills arent too bad, and the towns and state sand and or salt, this is not the case in northern cali.


and OP--- get some different rims with snow tires and cables for the winter

 

On 4x4 vehicles you put chains on the front because that is where the weight is at. I live in Oregon and if you go into a snow zone you have to carry traction tires or chains no matter what. A few times a year no matter the vehicle and even with studs on you have to chain up.

Also narrow tires are better in the snow and ice than big tires.

Call and ask a tire store they'll answer all your questions I'm sure.