Tire Chain question for a 2500 hd

[doverarjim]

Ok here is the question, I do not live up north where they can handle a little snow and ice. My job sometimes requires me to get there in a big hurry most of the time when no one else can or will get out. I have always had a set of tire chains for my truck but in reading the owners manual it list three tire sizes and says not to run chains with these sizes which I think are the factory sizes 17, 18, and 20 so what do some of you guys in the snow country do? If the weather is going to be as bad as they say I want to get mine before they go sky high. Thanks

[KMGZ400]

well if you have a 4wd truck, you dont need chains. if you want to be extra safe, get an AT tires.

[alaska511]

I live in snow country.

 

You don't need chains. That 4wd knob is all you need.

[HEMICAT]

Yeah I'm really in snow country, and I've never used chains in my life. I wish I could show some places I've had my truck, like on snowmobile trails pushing snow over the hood!

Just stick with a good A/T for general use.Adding weight to the back is helpful to offset the front on a diesel. If you are really worried you could run studded tires, but you won't like those on a truck that heavy when the roads are dry.

[Shaners]

My friend uses chains on his 01' HD. He is running factory wheels with 265/75/16 tires which are plus 1 tires for his truck.. He always chains up the front wheels when it is needed and has no problems.

[sdeeter19555]

I think the main issue is making sure the chains are the proper fit for the tires you're running...too many times chains will fit 90 different sizes, and that causes them to ride high on the sidewall, have loose ends, etc...the last thing you want is a loose end hooking something underneath like a brake line. I would look into a set of cable chains...they are supposed to be lighter, and not supposed to flop around like chains.

 

And if you really want to be slick, look into a set of Cooper M&S tires...they are a true winter tire, studdable, and "E" load rated. I ran a set of these in the 265x70R17 on my 2500 Dodge Cummins, and with 45 psi in all four corners, there wasn't any place I was leary to go in snow weather...I drove all over the country during winter without a problem (including the Rockies). Its probably the priciest option, but if you've got to be there...

[sdeeter19555]

One other thought...the owner's manual probably makes that statement so that if you happen to run chains, and have the bad luck of throwing one; they don't have to worry about you wanting them to fix the damage...sort of a CYA thing....