Tire Chains recommendations

[progress4m]

Looking for personal experience, opinions or feedback on Tire Chains (stock tire size).
Tire chains will be used for ski trips and will be in the truck just in case (hopefully will not need them).

Currently looking at Peerless Chain Truck Tire Chains, #0322730 Peerless Chain Truck Tire Chains, #0322730 - Walmart.com - Walmart.com and Peerless Chain AutoTrac Truck Tire Chains, #0232610 Peerless Chain AutoTrac Truck Tire Chains, #0232610 - Walmart.com - Walmart.com
Based on reviews “AutoTrac” is easier to install and “should” adjust by “them self”… but I am concern about reliability\ longevity of that auto-adjust mechanism…?

 

[Jeremy556]

You don't need chains.

 

[TRD PANTHER]

You don't need chains.

I would agree that in most conditions if you have 4WD and a good AT or MT with the severe service symbol snowflake, the Highway patrol will let you pass.

 

[mike5]

If you’re in CA under certain circumstances you have to carry chains....even with 4WD and snow rates tires.

 

[Kokanee]

If you’re in CA under certain circumstances you have to carry chains....even with 4WD and snow rates tires.

This is true.

 

[Cheers!]

I have a set of chains in the back when I go to Truckee in the Winter with my Limited. I have never used them. The times that CHP/Caltrans has stopped me they always ask, 4wd engaged? And they ask me if I'm going to be alright. I always reply, "I grew up in Canada and lived there for 35 years". The reply usually is, "Well then Carry on".

 

[TRD PANTHER]

I have a set of chains in the back when I go to Truckee in the Winter with my Limited. I have never used them. The times that CHP/Caltrans has stopped me they always ask, 4wd engaged? And they ask me if I'm going to be alright. I always reply, "I grew up in Canada and lived there for 35 years". The reply usually is, "Well then Carry on".

Yes. I lived up in Northern California for almost nine years and crossed 80 many times in my older Toyota 4WD. They always said the same thing, and sometimes they just looked at my raised truck with 33’s and just pointed go, while others would get pulled over. Same with 50, which, is not as easy a drive to Tahoe. During the peak Winter/snow months 120, 4, 108 are closed for the Winter at higher elevations. 88 can be the same sometimes. Snow and when it’s snowing is usually not a concern. It’s black ice that worries me and I had a scary incident once on the back side of Big Bear, HWY 18. Not much snow and roads were cleared after a storm, late night with no one around. Probably a good idea to carry some just in case of a long stretch of black ice or the LEO that just won’t let you go for this reason.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

You want v-bar chains with the cam tighteners like these:

Amazon.com: Glacier Chains H2828SC Light Truck V-Bar Twist Link Tire Chain: Automotive

No bungees necessary. The cams will hold them very tight.

I have sets for both the 4Runner and Suburban K2500 4WD diesel. We can count on one hand the times we used them and we have a home up at Big Bear Lake, CA and a ranch in Stevensville, Montana.

 

[Rack]

Looking for personal experience, opinions or feedback on Tire Chains (stock tire size).
Tire chains will be used for ski trips and will be in the truck just in case (hopefully will not need them).

Currently looking at Peerless Chain Truck Tire Chains, #0322730 Peerless Chain Truck Tire Chains, #0322730 - Walmart.com - Walmart.com and Peerless Chain AutoTrac Truck Tire Chains, #0232610 Peerless Chain AutoTrac Truck Tire Chains, #0232610 - Walmart.com - Walmart.com
Based on reviews “AutoTrac” is easier to install and “should” adjust by “them self”… but I am concern about reliability\ longevity of that auto-adjust mechanism…?

Pewag- Brenta-C 4X4 Snow Chains ( Code PWXMR82V ) I got these at Etrailer.com.
Expensive but the easiest to install without jacking up the truck.
In the attached photo I used a Floor jack because I was servicing the spare tire at the same time and took advantage of the situation.

 

[Rack]

I find it Funny that most of us who replied at this point are all Californians

 

[JoshDub]

Washington requires you to carry a set of chains regardless of drive or tire type. However, awd/4wd is exempt 99.9% of the time. Only once in my life have I ever seen one of the passes set to chains required on 4wd.

 

[ElectroBoy]

I find it Funny that most of us who replied at this point are all Californians

Ultra conservative CHP. Do you blame them? Most Californians can’t even manage to drive safely in the rain.

 

[BobsTrail]

When Oregon shows 'chains required', 4WD is OK, but you must have chains on board. Calif. requires snow rated tires for 'chain required' areas with chains on board. Check to see what Texas requires.

I have a set of cable chains I put on once to practice in our driveway and street with and without 4wd. Good practice but have not had to put them on in 5 years going over Oregon passes with snow and chains required signs.

I have a small incline that was ice covered, about 1/4 thick and it did fine with cable chains. If you need regular chains or ice breakers, stay home.

Second photo is with chains on board, not mounted on tires.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Pewag- Brenta-C 4X4 Snow Chains ( Code PWXMR82V ) I got these at Etrailer.com.
Expensive but the easiest to install without jacking up the truck.
In the attached photo I used a Floor jack because I was servicing the spare tire at the same time and took advantage of the situation.

Those look like plastic connecting links on the side. Please, don’t suggest crap like this. They won’t last one outing.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

When Oregon shows 'chains required', 4WD is OK, but you must have chains on board. Calif. requires snow rated tires for 'chain required' areas with chains on board. Check to see what Texas requires.

I have a set of cable chains I put on once to practice in our driveway and street with and without 4wd. Good practice but have not had to put them on in 5 years going over Oregon passes with snow and chains required signs.

I have a small incline that was ice covered, about 1/4 thick and it did fine with cable chains. If you need regular chains or ice breakers, stay home.

We had a guy with cable chains go down the wrong driveway next to our Big Bear Lake home. Had to call a Caterpillar dozer doing plow work to yank him back up the drive. Cable chains are basically worthless.

 

[BobsTrail]

I liked your first reply, not so much the second one.
eace:

 

[Jeremy556]

Where are you going to ski? I assumed you would be coming to CO to ski, based on your Texas location.

My advice is based on living at the top of the rockies along I70. I have never seen an instance where I70 was open to chained 4wd passenger vehicles, it's either 4wd or chains, or they close it completely.

 

[delloro]

If you’re in CA under certain circumstances you have to carry chains....even with 4WD and snow rates tires.

Last Thanksgiving, chains were required on all vehicles going to (and in) Big Bear. No exceptions. It does happen.

As others have noted, ice is the problem. I have had to chain up to go uphill due to ice. With 4wd, and snow-rated tires in great shape. Ice is a b!tch. Carry chains.

 

[delloro]

Those look like plastic connecting links on the side. Please, don’t suggest crap like this. They won’t last one outing.

Those are top-quality chains, I don't see any plastic.

 

[jhebert9]

Tire chains

Don't have a lot of experience with chains. I live in Louisiana and drive to Colorado several times a year. I bought chains to get me through west Texas and northern New Mexico in the winter. I have a set of chains in Colorado and another set to keep in the 4R. I have never had to use them in the 12 years I've had them.