Recommended snow chains for Colorado 3rd season rifle

[AgentP]

So I’m gonna be hunting third season rifle and I saw people recommend snow chains for this area. I just googled snow chains and there are so many. Some sites have sets for almost $400! Are these worth it? Or can I get away with some closer to $200. Any recommendations on sites/chain types or any links? I know I can do the research by why not ask for personal experience and prevent myself from getting caught up in the weeds if it all. Thanks!

 

[Dennis]

I have had the best luck with heavy duty hardened tire chains. Bought some and made some from semi truck chains cut down for length. The good news is they seem to last a lifetime. Clearance on newer vehicle might be a problem. FYI

 

[TaperPin]

Depends on what you need them for. The cheapest chains aren’t hardened and can wear through quickly if any pavement is showing through, but they work fine for getting through moderate snow like when just getting out to a road that’s paved and plowed. I keep cheap chains in all our cars for this. These typically also qualify as low clearance chains since the chain is so thin.

Then there are better quality low clearance chains for frequent highway users that are hardened and may have a different arrangement other than simple cross links so the ride is less bumpy. Skiers who don’t get studded tires seem to favor these.

The best heavy duty chains for deep snow, traction on ice and jeep trails are thick, hardened with cross bars. The bigger the chain, the more snow and mud that is grabbed. “Mud chains” for off highway use are heavy, like the size of chain used on semi trucks. Many new vehicles don’t have the clearance for heavy duty or mud chains.

I’ve had cable chains fail on pickups so often I don’t trust them.

 

[Trogon]

Bar chains from any tire shop will do. Don’t get cable “chains”. Put em on in the driveway first before you have to do it in the snow.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Call Bluejay Industrial in Hayden, ID and talk with them regarding what will fit your specific vehicle. If cam lock V bar chains will fit, place the order and never look back. If they won’t fit, buy whatever they recommend.

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[mtnbound]

So I’m gonna be hunting third season rifle and I saw people recommend snow chains for this area. I just googled snow chains and there are so many. Some sites have sets for almost $400! Are these worth it? Or can I get away with some closer to $200. Any recommendations on sites/chain types or any links? I know I can do the research by why not ask for personal experience and prevent myself from getting caught up in the weeds if it all. Thanks!

What is your vehicle?

 

[eoperator]

Not sure of your experience level or vehicle type but the thought of a newby putting vbar chains on all 4 in new rough country sounds like a recipe for an unfortunate outcome.

 

[AgentP]

What is your vehicle?

5th gen 4runner

 

[AgentP]

Not sure of your experience level or vehicle type but the thought of a newby putting vbar chains on all 4 in new rough country sounds like a recipe for an unfortunate outcome.

So it’s a 4Runner and it only recommends 1 axle. I agree v bar would prolly be too much and couldn’t be used on the road, though I don’t anticipate needing chains on the road. I am just trying to decide what kind to get in case I find myself in that situation. Rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it

 

[4th_point]

All about clearance, Clarence. Sorry, couldn't help it!

If I was looking to explore in the snow, I would want chains for all 4 tires. Vbar or even regular links. Ladder or diamond is up to you.

But it sounds like you don't have clearance for chains in the front.

Can you get even cable chains for the front?

Have you looked at the clearance between the tire sidewall and suspension? My guess is that the A-arm is really close.

If I couldn't get all 4 chained, I'd be quite a bit more cautious. I wouldn't be too aggressive trying to get way back with bad conditions possible and snow already on the ground.

If you can get cable chains on the front plus whatever in back, you can cut some trails with a factory rig and lighter drier snow up to about the frame. A V8 or powerful engine helps though, as you'll be on the gas. In deep dense wet snow the cable chains aren't great but that may not be an issue in CO with dry snow.

I'd also consider something like the Trac Grabber if they fit your wheels. No sidewall clearance issues and they are like a paddle for each tire, which work great in deep and even wet dense snow. Super easy self-recovery tool for situations like slipping into a ditch that might take forever to dig out with a shovel. Just need to be mindful of fender clearance, especially turning.

But... everyone has different risk tolerance, expectations, and desire to explore. Once you get out in the snow, get stuck a few times, and do some recoveries, you start to form your own opinions on gear to suit those things. Hard to give advice to someone else, unless they know exactly what they want to do and under what conditions.

Just keep in mind, things can turn real ugly quick so just use common sense and travel with another vehicle if you're wanting to get way back during winter.

 

[AgentP]

All about clearance, Clarence. Sorry, couldn't help it!

If I was looking to explore in the snow, I would want chains for all 4 tires. Vbar or even regular links. Ladder or diamond is up to you.

But it sounds like you don't have clearance for chains in the front.

Can you get even cable chains for the front?

Have you looked at the clearance between the tire sidewall and suspension? My guess is that the A-arm is really close.

If I couldn't get all 4 chained, I'd be quite a bit more cautious. I wouldn't be too aggressive trying to get way back with bad conditions possible and snow already on the ground.

If you can get cable chains on the front plus whatever in back, you can cut some trails with a factory rig and lighter drier snow up to about the frame. A V8 or powerful engine helps though, as you'll be on the gas. In deep dense wet snow the cable chains aren't great but that may not be an issue in CO with dry snow.

I'd also consider something like the Trac Grabber if they fit your wheels. No sidewall clearance issues and they are like a paddle for each tire, which work great in deep and even wet dense snow. Super easy self-recovery tool for situations like slipping into a ditch that might take forever to dig out with a shovel. Just need to be mindful of fender clearance, especially turning.

But... everyone has different risk tolerance, expectations, and desire to explore. Once you get out in the snow, get stuck a few times, and do some recoveries, you start to form your own opinions on gear to suit those things. Hard to give advice to someone else, unless they know exactly what they want to do and under what conditions.

Just keep in mind, things can turn real ugly quick so just use common sense and travel with another vehicle if you're wanting to get way back during winter.

Yeah it’s hard to know exactly what conditions until the week of. I’ll measure clearance but I have larger tires so it may not be great in the front. My tires are the peak rated though I know that means close to nothing if the conditions are very bad

 

[rideold]

I don't know where you are hunting but I've carried chains in my truck since 2016. I have never put them on. I've driven through mud and snow for many a hunt and just made the decision to not drive as far in if the conditions deteriorate. Sure, carry some for the rear of your 4Runner. It's good insurance and I think you'd be crazy to not have them just in case. But don't go spending a ton on them. Just get a set at the auto parts store.

 

[Hunter26]

I think a lot of good things have been said. It just depends on you and how far you want to push it depending on the level of weather you get. That said I agree that it is a good idea to have them with you for at least one axel. Some advice I got and didn't listen to is put them on before you need them because it can be very difficult to put them on when you need them. Also I would carry a cheap floor jack or something for just the instance when you don't listen to my advice like I didn't listen to the advice when it was given to me. That said, as somebody that sounds new to this type of thing, when you have them on it can give you a false sense of security to keep going further when you maybe you shouldn't so keep that in mind. I would call a professional like the one recommended above and just see what they have to say. Why not.