Tire chains?

oldmann · March 6, 2014

We have more snow in Michigan than I have ever seen. I drive off road to get to a camp we have set up in the woods. It involves a steep incline and decline in slope to drive through a river. The slopes are getting icy and I don't think my truck can make it back out anymore. Does anyone have experience with tire chains? What brand? How much? Rear only or all four wheels?

Thanks!

txab · March 6, 2014

I've been using Z-Chain

KMGZ400 · March 6, 2014

I keep Z chains in my 2wd work van.. Had them for 3 years now and they work great.. Very easy to put on and great traction.. Can also drive about 40 to 45 on dry pavement no problem.

CapitalTruck · March 8, 2014

I used real chains on my 2wd Silverado. Got them from Vulcantire.com If you want to go somewhere and the snow is real nasty there is no substitute. The cable chains do tend to work pretty well (The Z chains as mentioned above). I keep a pair of them in my truck I case I have to use them in WV. These Silverados need class S chains I think for the front wheels. Don't know about the back.

esox07 · March 8, 2014

I had a pair that I acquired while in the army that I used on my 91 S10 blazer. They take a 4WD truck to another level in capability. They make a 2WD nearly as effective as a 4WD. I always used mine on the front tires on my Blazer since that is where the weight is. I am not sure if that is the "correct" way to do it or not. Of course, if you only have a 2WD, you definitely want them on back. Or, better yet, if you have a 4WD, why not have them on all 4 tires?

Just make sure you get a quality set and make sure you secure them properly when you use them. The last thing you want is for one to come undone while you are rolling. I saw more than one CUCV in the army with the wheel wells all trashed from flailing tire chains. And that isn't the worst. If they wrap around the axle, then you really have a problem. Take them off when you don't need them any more. Don't try driving down the highway with them on.

mike94silverado · March 9, 2014

Blame me I sold my snowmobile this fall because of the past few years lack of snow lol

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oldmann · March 10, 2014

Ok, thanks for all the good comments. Thanks for the advice. I am going to have some next winter for sure. maybe I can find them on sale. Do you think chains on all four tires would be appropriate?

KMGZ400 · March 11, 2014

Ok, thanks for all the good comments. Thanks for the advice. I am going to have some next winter for sure. maybe I can find them on sale. Do you think chains on all four tires would be appropriate?

I personally think just rears would be fine

doverarjim · March 11, 2014

I bought a set of V-bar chains from Tirechain.com at what I saw as a good price compared to what they sell for around here (Arkansas) ordered them on Friday night got them on a Tuesday afternoon had snow and ice late Tuesday and Wednesday put them on the back and got to work and home without any problems.

CapitalTruck · March 11, 2014

They worked fine in the rear of my 2wd as long as I had a crap ton of weight. It was pretty unstoppable. To go down steep, icy grades somebody told me to take one of the rear sets and put it on the front wheel diagonal from the chained rear wheel.