Snow chain advice for an ignoramus please

[Spikepretorius]

In my region snow is not something I drive in very often. However the other night we had to do a SAR operation in hectic conditions and I nearly saw my truck, and possibly myself, say goodbye down the side of a mountain. Real scary.
So anyhoo can somebody please educate me about snow chains.
What is recommended? What must I stay away from? For lateral grip too. There seem to be many brands and patterns on the market
Ice was the real problem. There was ice under the snow. I kinda manage snow ok with my MT's.

 

[brained]

This comes from growing up in a logging family - If you're going to chain up be serious about it. Light duty car chains upsized to fit pickup tires might be easy to carry/easy to put on, but if it's bad enough that you need them you're better off going straight to the big stuff.

To this day my little 4x4 gets a set of offroad truck chains cut down to fit. Get the ones with the ice stickers welded on.

[edit]I can't comment on this vendor or chain but they look like mine:
http://www.tirechain.com/VBAR.htm[/edit]

 

[Errant]

If conditions are bad enough that chains are required, I chain up all four with a diamond pattern chain (adds lateral grip).

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Yep, diamond pattern or "V" grip chains, sized for your tires.

I couldn't find ones to fit my 33x12.5-15's locally, so I did as Brained did, and cut down a bigger set to fit.

For your case, it's not just traction, but can be a life/death situation, get the best.

Oh yeah! Practice putting the chains on during good weather, so you have no suprises when you do need them!
And if you run them on all 4 (or have disc brakes in the rear) make sure the chains clear the flexible brake lines. I have seen chains rip brake lines out before.

 

[Dale]

I guess the question is "what are you using them for"? I like http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20Pages/Trac_regulations.html Z -Cables for my SAR Response vehicle. Our Staging Area is always on a two wheel drive road; but, I add them to my AT tires when its gets icy or real greasy. If your talking about Gumbo Mud then I would want real chains.

 

[dzzz]

Here's a chart from the place I've bought chains

 

[Tucson T4R]

I like the Thule XB16 snow chains.

http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/SnowChains/SnowChains/30822.aspx

I have towed my trailer with them on icy mountain roads and they worked great. Excellent lateral traction.

 

[corax]

not to hijack, but while we're on the subject . . . should chains only be used with the tires at street pressure? In other words, don't air down with chains on, correct?

 

[Tucson T4R]

not to hijack, but while we're on the subject . . . should chains only be used with the tires at street pressure? In other words, don't air down with chains on, correct?

I would guess that's true as far as airing down to very low pressures. I still air down to around 20lbs when off the pavement even with chains on.

 

[Wyowanderer]

not to hijack, but while we're on the subject . . . should chains only be used with the tires at street pressure? In other words, don't air down with chains on, correct?

Correct. SOME may choose to air down, but tires at full operating pressure is best practice.

X2 on using them on all four wheels. Using front or back is really hard on the transfer case. Once again, lots of people do, but at the peril of their drivetrain. Once again, best practice.

Throw away the rubber o-ring that comes with your new chains and buy eight rubber straps appropriately sized for tightening the chains. That way, WHEN they break, you don't lose adjustment on that wheel.

Of course, the best thing is to never need to use them in the first place.

:sombrero:

 

[CJCA]

More reading on an old post on chaiins.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36394

 

[Spikepretorius]

Thanks for the advice so far
Just to clarify:
I know NOTHING about snow chains. Nobody uses them in our area so there is no local knowledge that I can go tap into.
I need somebody to tell me specifically pearls of wisdom. (buy product x, or failing that buy product y)
Vague general comments about snow chains unfortunately go over my head. I've done a search and read the threads but unfortunately my basic knowledge on the subject isn't enough for me to make anything of those conversations.

I would not be using them on roads. I'd be using them to ascend steep inaccessible mountain tracks where 4x4 tractors would usually be the mode of transport in fair weather. Only for SAR work. Used maybe 1-3 times per season.

I assume that diy fabrication of snow chains is a bad idea?

 

[brained]

I need somebody to tell me specifically pearls of wisdom. (buy product x, or failing that buy product y)

Go to a local logging or mining supplier, or any supplier for whatever industry is in the area, or look for a local company that makes/supplies chains for road graders or other heavy equipment. Tell them you want the knarliest off road truck (semi truck, not pickup truck) chains they make. The chains will be too big - you can pay to have them cut down or do it yourself.

I'd be using them to ascend steep inaccessible mountain tracks where 4x4 tractors would usually be the mode of transport in fair weather. Only for SAR work. Used maybe 1-3 times per season.

Don't mess with the diamond quick fits - those are for ice, they will not dig (think of the paddle wheel on a sternwheeler) sufficiently when needed and may come apart when you try. Double ladder with ice bars or vlink will handle deep and ice.

I assume that diy fabrication of snow chains is a bad idea?

I wouldn't do it from scratch, but the guys using chains on a regular basis will have chain pliers to remake and repair with.

If it were me preparing to head out in 2 or 3 feet of snow in the mountains with a layer of ice underneath (oh wait, that is how I spend my winters here) I'd buy this or this or the Pewag Glacier V-Bar
Truck Chains. I pass guys left and right who are running cable and diamond pattern chains and are stuck or can't go further.

 

[Spikepretorius]

Go to a local logging or mining supplier, or any supplier for whatever industry is in the area, or look for a local company that makes/supplies chains for road graders or other heavy equipment.

No such thing here.
If I'm going to buy then I need to select and import the stuff myself.

 

[Tucson T4R]

I agree with Brained about serious off road chains if you need the max traction but I think in your case, similar to mine here in Arizona, The Thule XB16 diamond pattern chains will give you the security you need.

See the link in my post above to find an online source.