Anyone carry chains?

[goridedoo]

Truck is due for tires, I am considering running michelin ms2's. Sounds like they are great highway tires but have mixed reviews on snow. I ran dedicated snow tires the last 2 years and still struggled getting around parking lots with a triple axle 31' trailer, and also had to deal with the downfalls of a soft snow tire. Thinking maybe the ms2's and carrying chains for deep days when the parking lots havent been plowed will be a good compromise. Anyone carry chains? Good idea/bad idea? Recommendation on where and what to get? Will be running 265/70 16s.

 

[summ8rmk]

Carry chains all winter.

GS6

 

[Red Mtn]

I run much more aggressive tires and carry chains. That is a HEAVY trailer to be dragging through snow. Get something rated for snow like a BFG AT KO2 or the Goodyear Duratracs. Buy GOOD chains. The highway bar type are plenty but get heavy ones not something from WalMart.




Snow tires...





Chains...



and lucky for him a truck with a big winch on the front.

 

[IDspud]

Always carry chains, even in my wife's rig.
I like to get there and back.

 

[DUKHTR3]

I carry chains tire chains. I have wish I had then 2 times. Now I have them for 2 years and have haven't used them. I do run a set on my skid loader in the mud and man do they work good. I have bought both sets from tirechain.com. they seem like quality chains. I have used and abused my skiddy chains and yet to brake one. They get my vote.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[goridedoo]

I run much more aggressive tires and carry chains. That is a HEAVY trailer to be dragging through snow. Get something rated for snow like a BFG AT KO2 or the Goodyear Duratracs. Buy GOOD chains. The highway bar type are plenty but get heavy ones not something from WalMart.




Snow tires...





Chains...



and lucky for him a truck with a big winch on the front.

Thanks for the replys guys, sounds like I need some. Should I be getting them for all 4 wheels or just the rears? Any mounting systems or patterns superior to others?

As for tires I have been on the fence between MS2s, KO2s, and Kumho Road Ventures. Open to opinions here too.

 

[szotty]

My choice of tires with good luck in snow and pulling/hauling is nitto trail grapplers g2. Or the toyo open country at but I have heard great things on general grabber at2 same exact tread patter as ko2 just less money and last longer

 

[volcano buster]

When we get a snow event, we are required to chain up if towing up to the pass. Period. Sled beds are popular because you can get by with not chaining up.

I use a dedicated studded snow tire when it gets snotty but always pack 2 sets of chains. I prefer the quick-fit chains from Les Schwab for standard packed highway applications since they run smooth and quiet. My back up set are standard cross-bar chains which will hold a better load for deep snow or mud. I have had to run chains coming across the Blue Mtns one trip for 60 miles at 26 mph (cruise is active at 25 mph, made for a smoother trip as chains and the speed limit weren't fully needed but OSP was out for revenue) so the smooth chains make it nice.

I don't hesitate to throw chains on as they go on and off pretty easily and keeps the rig out of the ditch more often. I used to chain up everyday to go to work so I got used to it.

 

[Scott]

My chains never leave my truck 12 months out of the year.

 

[800poodragon]

Here are my chains....I always pack 4 of them. Have a set of tire cables I use on one axle of the trailer on those real icy and windy days..

 

[Red Mtn]

Thanks for the replys guys, sounds like I need some. Should I be getting them for all 4 wheels or just the rears? Any mounting systems or patterns superior to others?

As for tires I have been on the fence between MS2s, KO2s, and Kumho Road Ventures. Open to opinions here too.

You should have them for all four. If fitting just one set, pulling a trailer in loose snow, chaining up the front is MUCH more effective than just the rear. I would be cautious about chaining up the front end of one of those trucks with an IFS without doing the rear too. I do not think they can take the abuse like a solid axle up front.


If you intend to run tires in the winter, get tires rated for it. Look for the "snowflake on the mountain" symbol on the sidewall. These tires are actually tested and work in the winter unlike the generic M&S designation. Both the Duratrac and KO2 have it.

 

[richracer1]

Here's where I buy all of my tire chains.

http://www.tirechain.com/

 

[boondocker97]

Chains stay in the toolbox on our diesel trucks all year. Chain up the front first and that has gotten us in and out of unplowed parking lots with a triple axle 40' trailer just fine. Solid axle front end.

 

[Goinboardin]

Chains are awesome. Just chaining up the front axle has gotten me through lots of snow. 4 chains, 4low, and the truck becomes tank-like, plowing snow with the front bumper. I've pulled several rigs out of the ditch on FS roads with ease, and it's just a little half ton. This reminds me that I need to get a set for my taller tires as the old set isn't big enough. Not something I've needed often but good to have on hand.

 

[Arcticatdan]

I always carry four heavy duty ones for the truck and an set of chains for the trailer.
Have needed them once and had no problem getting out of trouble. In addition test fit them in the shop, make sure they fit especially when getting new tires even the same size they can still be different sizes, and you know how to put them on in any conditions.

 

[Pro-8250]

I need some input also. I have a 2003 F-250 crew cab with a 8'6 straight blade boss plow. I need some chains for plowing my driveway and going west. What would I need that would work for both? Would they work on my friends 2015 3/4 ton Chev crew cab? I have 285/75 R16 tires. I don't know what he has.

 

[Snowmow]

Pewag makes the best chains.

 

[Dirty Steve]

I bought 4 of these last year.

https://www.peerlesschain.com/brands/traction/traction-product-choices/super-z-lt/

I am running a 2015 2500 Silverado Duramax CCSB that is leveled and have 285/55/ R20 tires. I was concerned with a conventional chain banging off of my fenders/ flaps and these are supposed to be designed for low clearance situations.

I haven't needed them yet, but tried them out last winter off road and they dig pretty good. Took about 5-10 minutes to put them on the first time.

Not sure that these would be the best choice for everyday use, but seem to be a great set up for my " just in case" type use. I just keep all 4 in a small Rubbermaid Tote and toss in in the back of the truck when headed west.

I have a crane, hoist and rigging business and one of my rigging chain vendors makes these, so I get a decent price. We can also sell Pewag.

 

[Snowmow]

I bought 4 of these last year.

https://www.peerlesschain.com/brands/traction/traction-product-choices/super-z-lt/

I am running a 2015 2500 Silverado Duramax CCSB that is leveled and have 285/55/ R20 tires. I was concerned with a conventional chain banging off of my fenders/ flaps and these are supposed to be designed for low clearance situations.

I haven't needed them yet, but tried them out last winter off road and they dig pretty good. Took about 5-10 minutes to put them on the first time.

Not sure that these would be the best choice for everyday use, but seem to be a great set up for my " just in case" type use. I just keep all 4 in a small Rubbermaid Tote and toss in in the back of the truck when headed west.

I have a crane, hoist and rigging business and one of my rigging chain vendors makes these, so I get a decent price. We can also sell Pewag.

When your in a REAL situation, churning and burning, you don't give a rats Azz about fender flairs, mud flaps, Hell, you don't even care about the whole fender anymore. That's what insurance is for.


Buy good chains, keep em with you at all times, why spend money on something that "might work". Might as well buy chains that will either get you out, destroy your pissy chevy front end or not. Then you can call AAA if you have service. If not?????

 

[Snowmow]

That being said. If you can't run a real set of Chains with the way your truck is "set up" then you should consider how it's set up. If you install a set of good chains properly, you won't have an issue with fenders, flairs, mud flaps.