Now that it snowed here this past weekend i am starting to look for snow chains. I dont really know anything about them or any good companies that make them and i am looking for some suggestions. If anyone has any ideas that would be great. Thanks A Lot, Nick
Snow Chains
- Thread starter nickb857
- Start date
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NorCalDiscoII
Guest
Just bought a set from Les Schwab. Good thing about getting them there is the fact if you don't use 'em you get to return them in April for a full refund. Works for me since I'll be changing tire size for next season. Standard SUV/Pickup chains with quick lock is what you need, no cable chains.
My question is why do you think you need snow chains? I have been driving is snow for 15 years some of it with one and two wheel drive cars and have never needed snow chains?
I understand that through some of the passes out west you are required them or heavy snow rated tires in order to travel, but I would think with a Disco all you would need would be the snow tires....
But that is just me.
I understand that through some of the passes out west you are required them or heavy snow rated tires in order to travel, but I would think with a Disco all you would need would be the snow tires....
But that is just me.
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NorCalDiscoII
Guest
In most places you are required to carry chains, regardless of what you're driving or what kind of tires you have...
I've driven in a bit of snow (Colorado native), and never really saw the need for chains until a couple weeks ago. My tires would slide right off icy rocks, making picking a line impossible. You'd just slide off the rock and into whatever stopped you (tree, other rock). I really could've used chains.
I'm in the San Bernardino mountains and chains have to be carried during winter months, regardless of 4x4 and snow tires. I've never had to actually put them on, and can usually slide by saying, "they're in back." Not last time tho... the CHP actually wanted to see them. Now I've actually got to buy a pair 
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Doug W
Guest
www.tirechains.com. I have the narrow gauge for the front axle for clearance around eyebrows and inside the wheel well, and the heavy duty version for the back axle.
DW
DW
Diamond pattern chains. . .
The ones Bill recommends are Grip 4x4s, by Rud Chain.
There is a similar chain offered by TireChains.com. They are a bit less expensive, and, according to Rud's tech people, made of an inferior alloy to Rud's. (FWIW)
The advantage of both of these chains is that they have a diamond pattern with links along the tread circumference, so that if you have to stop on a slippery surface you don't slide sideways. They are much easier to put on than "ladder" type chains.
rmuller said:
The ones Bill recommends are Grip 4x4s, by Rud Chain.
There is a similar chain offered by TireChains.com. They are a bit less expensive, and, according to Rud's tech people, made of an inferior alloy to Rud's. (FWIW)
The advantage of both of these chains is that they have a diamond pattern with links along the tread circumference, so that if you have to stop on a slippery surface you don't slide sideways. They are much easier to put on than "ladder" type chains.
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Snwbord24
Guest
According to Bill Burke...
All four wheels are best. If you only have one set go with the front wheels for steering control... unless you are going down a steep hill then switch them to the rear.
All four wheels are best. If you only have one set go with the front wheels for steering control... unless you are going down a steep hill then switch them to the rear.
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NorCalDiscoII
Guest
traveltoad said:
Don't do that.
Page 189, DII manual: "...Snow chains should only be used on rear wheels..."
NorCalDiscoII said:
I'm not sure what you mean by "most places". I've lived in a number of snowy states, VT, NH, OH, NJ, WI, plus mountains of VA. None of those places required carrying chains, even though I usually did.
Many areas allow some winter rated tires in leu of chains now, but they have to have the little mountain/snowflake emblem on them. Like the Nokian Hakka's.
One thing to keep in mind with chains, don't count on them for stopping better. If your tire stops rotating without chain between it and the road, you can still slide. It's not as likely with the diamond pattern chains however.
Another thing is that the colder it is (once you're below the point where ice forms on the road), the less the need for chains. You're more likely to skid on ice at 25 degrees F than at -25.
For off-roading, chains can be a godsend. For on road, I'd sooner buy a set of Nokian Winter tires.
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NorCalDiscoII
Guest
traveltoad said:Ok... I didn't want to steer the truck anyway.
Page 189, DII manual: "...Snow chains should only be used on rear wheels..."
NorCalDiscoII said:
Which begs the question, "Why?"
"Because we said so" isn't good enough for me.
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Peter-man99
Guest
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Peter-man99
Guest
antichrist said:
in Oregon traction devices are required to at the very least be carried over the mountain passes. There are times where they are required to be used even if you feel you don't need them. What can you do the law is the law?
Last year we had 3 inches of snow then another 2 inches of freezing rain on top of that. The roads were sheets of ice. The disco handled swimmingly with nothing but A/T Goodyear's and never once did I feel a loss of control.