Tire Chains

[El General]

I'm from Texas and know nothing about tire chains. I'm gonna buy a set before a mid October elk hunt in CO. I've just been looking on Amazon.

Anything wrong with these?
Amazon.com: Security Chain Company ZT751 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2: Automotive

They all seem to come in sets of 2, but I should buy for all four tires, right?

Anyone have an inexpensive set they would recommend? I don't want to spend a ton of money as I won't need them more than once a year.

Thanks as always,

EG

 

[gelton]

What kind of truck do you have? What size tires and how much clearance are generally the deciding factor of whether to chain all four or just two. I have a set that doesnt fit my new truck but the shipping is probably almost as expensive as the chains.

 

[El General]

What kind of truck do you have? What size tires and how much clearance are generally the deciding factor of whether to chain all four or just two. I have a set that doesnt fit my new truck but the shipping is probably almost as expensive as the chains.

LT265/60R20 on my buddy's Crew Cab 3/4 ton chevy. I don't think clearance is an issue.

 

[Kmnork]

What kind of truck do you have? What size tires and how much clearance are generally the deciding factor of whether to chain all four or just two. I have a set that doesnt fit my new truck but the shipping is probably almost as expensive as the chains.

I have the same brand for my Taco and live in Frisco, CO- Toyota advises only to use them on the rear tires so check your owners manual for specifics for Chevy...

As for the product themselves they work great hold up great and are definitely worth having in the truck year around up here.


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[Titan]

Not sure what the clearance is like on those 3/4 Chevys, but I would go with true chains. 265 is a fairly narrow tire, so that is a plus.

Those cable type units aren't nearly as strong as link chain. Might work fine if it's just mud or snow, but spin one of those on some rocks and they won't last a second.

I got mine on Tirechain.com. They have light duty for around the same price and medium/heavy duty for an extra $20 or so. Make sure you get the ones with cam tighteners and pick up some rubber tighteners. Shipping is only $15-20 per pair.

 

[AdamW]

Check your manual. My 2015 1/2 ton says rear only and actually excludes my tire size from recommending chains at all. Quite the predicament huh?

I'm looking at actual chains, those cable jobs in your link may be decent for pavement but based on the several rokslide threads you'll find if you search, real chains are the answer. I'm in the same boat, I'm buying a set that I'll likely never use at home.

 

[PAhunter58]

LT265/60R20 on my buddy's Crew Cab 3/4 ton chevy. I don't think clearance is an issue.

I checked in with my Chevy Dealer. For the most part they add this into the Owners Manual for protection for the warranty. I did find out that for my 2018 Chevy Silverado, I do require S Compatible Snow Chains. These are specifically made for newer trucks with less clearance. Bought 4 and tried them out and they will work fine. Can't go over 30 MPH, but who needs to if the conditions warrant chains anyways. I would stay away from cable type chains as they won't work in more than two inches of snow and they are not nearly as durable as chains.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Those things look like they're made for driving the kids to hockey practice on a snowy day. If you really need to use them out in the sticks you'll wish you had some real chains.

 

[duchntr]

Those would probably be OK for the occasional use. I would use those on the front especially if your truck says you cant use chains up front then buy a real set of chains for your back tires. BTW for the guys talking about about only chaining the rear, that is the opposite of what you want to do. If you actually need chains and only have the rear chained up they will push your rig all over making it hard to steer and stay on the track. So if your car/truck manual does not recommend chains get a set of class s chains for the front (they will clear everything) and some real chains for the back.

 

[Chesapeake]

I run those Z cables on my rigs for packed snow and ice when on pavement and gravel. They are lower profile so you can do about 40 without vibrating out your fillings. They survive patches of bare pavement and gravel well. They are real easy putting on and taking off. Mine have lasted several years maybe running 20 to 50 miles a year.
Hard pack and ice on paved roads I just chain the fronts and run in 4x4. Good for steering and braking.

For serious snow and mud when off road I run real chains. They are more durable, but 40 on hard pack would rattle your rig apart. If I'm seriously in a bad way I chain up all 4. At that point I'm just trying to get out.

 

[AdamW]

Those would probably be OK for the occasional use. I would use those on the front especially if your truck says you cant use chains up front then buy a real set of chains for your back tires. BTW for the guys talking about about only chaining the rear, that is the opposite of what you want to do. If you actually need chains and only have the rear chained up they will push your rig all over making it hard to steer and stay on the track. So if your car/truck manual does not recommend chains get a set of class s chains for the front (they will clear everything) and some real chains for the back.

Thanks for the input! From thermals to chains, I'm always finding it on Rokslide.

 

[El General]

I'm not particularly concerned with running on pavement, though maybe I should be. I was mainly concerned with crappy two tracks.

 

[Blackbruin]

Those are not for off road use. They are also pretty cheaply made.

 

[Blackbruin]

These are way better if you need clearance, and are made for off road, plus they help is sideways sliding, chains on ice with cables or regular styke link chains tend to slip sideways.

 

[Blackbruin]

Sorry fat fingered last post....lol.
Tirechain.com, great company to deal with. Like u said cables are for highwayz and arent that good

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[Bob92057]

Check Walmart online. I ordered 2 sets and they were delivered to my house in 2 days. FREE shipping.

 

[N Corey]

This all depends what you’re planning on using the chains for but if it’s for mountain roads I definitely wouldn’t buy those cable chains. I’d get a good quality set of real chains with v-bars. One set is good two sets is better it all depends how bad the roads get. They’re invaluable on ice and mud as well.

 

[huntsman22]

and it pays to fit the chains to your tires BEFORE you need them..... All extra links on the inside should be cut off, so brake lines, shocks and such, can't be damaged. Extra links on the outside can be controlled with the tighteners.

 

[El General]

From the GM owner's manual

If the vehicle has dual wheels or P265/65R18, P275/55R20, LT265/70R17, LT265/70R18, LT265/60R20, P285/50R20, P285/45R22 or 285/45R22 size tires, do not use tire chains. They can damage the vehicle because there is not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and you or others may be injured in a crash. Use another type of traction device only if its manufacturer recommends it for use on the vehicle and tire size combination and road conditions. Follow that manufacturer's instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle, drive slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the vehicle's wheels. If you do find traction devices that will fit, install them on the rear tires.