Tire Chains - still a thing?

[Sandman 4x4]

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Ok here’s a trick I’ve used since I tried out of desperation one snowy night. I was stuck in my family’s 68 Chrysler Town&Country wagon, that had reg good tires with plenty of tread. I was stuck just a short walk from a Home Depot and went in to find ideas. That I found in the isle that had zip ties! I bought a bag with 2 dozen, 30” industrial strength zip ties, then went out and removed the fender skirts and hubcaps. It was a major pain but in about an hour I had 8 of them sent through the wheel and tire with the zip end on the tread pulled tight. I went back in the car and drove straight home without any drama, even up hill we dreaded the last 1/4 mile up to the house. Ever since then I’ve used that trick, even on trail bikes! It’s very difficult to find any longer than 30”, that was big enough to fit over the huge 15” tires on that wagon. I’ve also used them in 30/9.50-15 AT tires on a Scout II, that just barely fit but helped. The 24 count bag didn’t weigh hardly anything.

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[Reddog]

Many years ago I had a sweet 1991 BMW 318is, and I had a set of tire chains in the trunk. I used them maybe once but boy did I feel smart to have them- it was chaos on the roads after a heavy snowstorm, cars were at 45 degree angles and on the sidewalks everywhere, but that little RWD BMW with chains just kept going.

I've kept chains in all my vehicles since then. I have a really good set for all four tires that I've kept with me for about 10 years, moving from vehicle to vehicle. This includes an old G-Wagen, a Grand Cherokee and a Commander. The thing is, in all that time, I've never used them. In fact before the snow started falling I spent a couple hours re-learning how to put them on in my driveway so I didn't have to figure it out when I was in need.

I've found that when the roads get really bad up here, they end up closing them before I could make use of them. Other than that, all my vehicles have been capable enough with decent 3ps/M+S tires and 4wd/awd. A set of truck chains weighs a lot (50lbs?) and takes up a toolbox I have in the bed.

Should I retire the chains? Does anyone else carry chains regularly? Have you ever been in a situation where it was worth the headache and mess of actually putting them on?

No, don't get rid of your chains. I always carry them on trips across country in winter and while out west in winter. There is no substitute for chains when the snow gets deep. If you live and play where there is no threat of deep snow, then fine, get rid of them. I use them every time I travel to the PNW in winter and spring. Can't tell you how many times I have put them on to get into some of the high lakes in Oregon for spring fishing. If you are Jeeping in the mountains you need them. A set weighs about 55 lbs, not a show stopper. Last winter my son tried to drive his JK thru a snow drift in central Oregon and didn't have his chains with him. Would have made it had he done so. Cost him $400 for the mistake to get towed. Everything is about risk so make an assessment of your needs and act accordingly. Good luck to you.

 

[Sting-Gray Neutral Pres.]

They fit just fine on stock Rubicon/mojave tires, are required carry in certain states on certain passes, and are legally required application in certain conditions. My setup in this pic was likely a bit less than the 10,000 lb CVW chain requirement that was active at this moment in time but I played it safe anyways with all that weight out back and my family in the truck.

On rare occasions (usually freezing rain on a steep grade) it can be a requirement for ALL vehicles regardless of what tires you have. This actually happened on Snoqualmie Pass in WA state a couple weeks ago, and was a massive coordinated effort by state patrol to keep the freeway open with chain checks (as opposed to just closing it, which is more common). I think I-80 in CA does this sometimes too.

One last reminder to folks that see snow only occasionally: 4WD/AWD doesn’t matter for shit, your ability to stop in snow/ice is far important and that all comes down to tires (or chains).

 

[Freems]

I always have chains stored in the back…it’s the only way to come home in deep snow…(if it’s a foot or more deep, only put them on the front)

 

[Reddog]

They fit just fine on stock Rubicon/mojave tires, are required carry in certain states on certain passes, and are legally required application in certain conditions. My setup in this pic was likely a bit less than the 10,000 lb CVW chain requirement that was active at this moment in time but I played it safe anyways with all that weight out back and my family in the truck.

On rare occasions (usually freezing rain on a steep grade) it can be a requirement for ALL vehicles regardless of what tires you have. This actually happened on Snoqualmie Pass in WA state a couple weeks ago, and was a massive coordinated effort by state patrol to keep the freeway open with chain checks (as opposed to just closing it, which is more common). I think I-80 in CA does this sometimes too.

One last reminder to folks that see snow only occasionally: 4WD/AWD doesn’t matter for shit, your ability to stop in snow/ice is far important and that all comes down to tires (or chains).

In very deep snow we put a set on the front vs the back on 4x4 vehicles. Works better for me in very deep snow. Got caught in a blizard once in NE Oregon while elk hunting up high. Snowed so hard it turned into white out conditions. We formed a convoy with other vehicles and got down off the mountain safely but the Jeep I had at the time, a Willy's pickup, was pushing snow up over the fenders it was so deep. I swear by chains on the front in very deep snow when using a 4x4. Looks like you were pulling quite a load. Hate doing that in the snow or when icy and going down hill.

 

[InvertedLogic]

They fit just fine on stock Rubicon/mojave tires, are required carry in certain states on certain passes, and are legally required application in certain conditions. My setup in this pic was likely a bit less than the 10,000 lb CVW chain requirement that was active at this moment in time but I played it safe anyways with all that weight out back and my family in the truck.

On rare occasions (usually freezing rain on a steep grade) it can be a requirement for ALL vehicles regardless of what tires you have. This actually happened on Snoqualmie Pass in WA state a couple weeks ago, and was a massive coordinated effort by state patrol to keep the freeway open with chain checks (as opposed to just closing it, which is more common). I think I-80 in CA does this sometimes too.

One last reminder to folks that see snow only occasionally: 4WD/AWD doesn’t matter for shit, your ability to stop in snow/ice is far important and that all comes down to tires (or chains).

I just pulled the same trailer from TX to CO and narrowly missed 3 snow storms in between. I am not envious of that photo, that would not be a fun tow!

 

[Sting-Gray Neutral Pres.]

I swear by chains on the front in very deep snow when using a 4x4. Looks like you were pulling quite a load. Hate doing that in the snow or when icy and going down hill.

I agree if not towing chains up front on 4wd/awd is the right move for directional control and better braking. Towing though I really wanted to avoid the tail wagging the dog if the trailer got squirrely.

 

[johnchabin]

pewag.us - pewag

They have chains Made in USA (Pueblo, Colorado).

I'm up and down Wolf Creek pass all winter. Chains are a necessity IMO.

 

[johnchabin]

Here's their catalog:

Catalogs - pewag

I see up to 37x12.50R17 after a quick glance.

 

[TurboChris]

I used to do a fair amount of 4 wheeling in the snow in the local mountains (Big Bear - 8000+ elevation) and when the local highway patrol designated it to be "Chains Only" we always were alllowed thru since we had M&S tires. Once or twice I was stopped and asked (in the line of cars where they were turning people away who didn't have M&S or chains) and I just pointed to the back and said "behind the seat" and was waved thru.

 

[Zapper]

I have towed that trailer many times with the old Hemi Commander. Those things are heavy and its amazing how much heavier they can get with a load full of household crap! Even with the Hemi you could definitely feel it.

I notice you have a diesel, I get anxious just thinking about towing that with my 3.6 + 6 speed.

 

[Zapper]

Well it looks like the consensus is to keep the chains... but hahah this is probably the most sensible advice!

We used them when I was based at Camp David, Md from 1982-1984. We had CJ-5's and some of the blizzards (1983 especially) we had they were a must in the mountain terrain. I haven't see any since but then I refuse to live where you might need them.

 

[BearFootSam]

They fit just fine on stock Rubicon/mojave tires, are required carry in certain states on certain passes, and are legally required application in certain conditions. My setup in this pic was likely a bit less than the 10,000 lb CVW chain requirement that was active at this moment in time but I played it safe anyways with all that weight out back and my family in the truck.

On rare occasions (usually freezing rain on a steep grade) it can be a requirement for ALL vehicles regardless of what tires you have. This actually happened on Snoqualmie Pass in WA state a couple weeks ago, and was a massive coordinated effort by state patrol to keep the freeway open with chain checks (as opposed to just closing it, which is more common). I think I-80 in CA does this sometimes too.

One last reminder to folks that see snow only occasionally: 4WD/AWD doesn’t matter for shit, your ability to stop in snow/ice is far important and that all comes down to tires (or chains).

Great post, I’ll back up everything you said. I’m on the Olympic Peninsula and chains are required to be carried up the mountain in winter. Regular old school chains fit my Rubicon fine, no rubbing or interference.

I bought them while towing a trailer from MD to WA in winter in case we hit trouble on a pass. I’ve never actually needed them, but having them is good insurance.

I wonder that they might be handy in bad mud too. We get so much rain in the winter, 3-4” of pudding slick mud might as well be ice. The Falkens pack up badly and chains could be the ticket if the winch and shovel fail.

Shovel, winch, chains and a tow strap & sunrises are my get unstuck kit. In the National Forest with zero cell service and very few if any passers by, you really have to be prepared out here.

 

[MikeSalt]

I don’t think chains would help.

 

[arosen1997]

I don’t think chains would help.

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