Snow chains

[RGar974417]

We're planning on going to Yellowstone in May. I have all wheel drive but I want to be prepared just in case and would like to buy some chains to take with. I would like something that is easy to put on and take off.Anyone have experience with any easy on/off chains? Here is one example I have seen: http://www.flextrax.com/ Anything else?

[pbmazda32]

I've got Peerless Auto-Tracks, been happy with them. Just make sure you clean them and oil them when you get home and put them away.

[buta4]

You might look at Automatic Tire Chains. More expensive than normal chains though. Flick a switch to engage/disengage.

Most models work in reverse also.

[RGar974417]

I have driven on chains before. I have them on my tractor for snow removal. I am looking for something to get me out of a jam and are easier to put on than regular chains.Maybe there is no such thing and I should just buy regular chains.

[Harvey51]

I bought a pair of cable chains last October when we travelled through some mountains. Never used them. I did try putting them on the outside duals and had no trouble. They were $50, looks like $100 now after the Canadian dollar slipped. As someone mentioned they are not meant for travel more than a few km, or for speeds over 60 km/hr. It feels good to have them aboard and they are much lighter and less bulky than real chains. I carried real chains in my van for many years and never used them so these seem good enough.
Canadian Tire

[PA12DRVR]

rhagfo wrote:
:h :h
I guess I have never found that hard to put on standard tire chains, carry a set in the truck, and one in the 5er. Keep in mind in most western states, if the TV is chained, you need to chain at least on axle on the trailer also.

Agree with this^^^^....for a daily driver in Los Anchorage, my preference is 4WD with studs...but the rig always has chains in it and available.

If the snow is so deep that chains are required (as a practical matter, not a regulatory matter), I usually decide that I don't HAVE to go anywhere, but where chains really come into their own (IMNSHO) is when driving on packed snow/mixed ice. Cross- or Z-bars that bite into the ice are really beneficial, particularly on stopping.

[d3500ram]

I have purchased several from www.tirechain.com

Chains for almost every size and type of tire. Good customer service too.

[monkey44]

loggenrock wrote:
..... Have carried chains in my rigs for over 15 years - goal is get me out of a predicament, not drive into one... ST

And this one ^^^^ X2

if you are unfamiliar with chains and snow driving, the best way is stay out of it. In this case, in May, it won't stick, so wait it out. Like loggenrock says, carry something to get you out of trouble, not into it.

[IDoMyOwnStunts]

pconroy328 wrote:
Autosock looks like the easiest way to get out of jam. But some of the roads I've crossed are snow and then clear and then snow. Autosock's will get destroyed, apparently, unless you pull them off before pavement.

Well, that's a bummer. Still, it would make a good emergency backup similar to those tie wraps for tires (Zip Grip Go) things I've been seeing.

I use traditional chains for my truck. My last car had some of those Les Schwab quick fit tire chains that you could install without moving the car. Those were awesome and I could run them for miles, but I seriously doubt they would handle the weight of a truck or trailer.

[pconroy328]

Autosock looks like the easiest way to get out of jam. But some of the roads I've crossed are snow and then clear and then snow. Autosock's will get destroyed, apparently, unless you pull them off before pavement.

[loggenrock]

Go to www.tirechains.com - look at their diamond pattern chains. Go on very easy (I've used many types of tire chains for many years...) - the pattern provides for a smoother ride but still affords good traction. Other companies make similar styles. Have carried chains in my rigs for over 15 years - goal is get me out of a predicament, not drive into one... ST

[seaeagle2]

We use chains on our E350 service vans, admittedly, in Seattle, we don't use them every year, but due to micro climates, and HILLS when we do get snow, often we end up chaining up. We've tried a lot of cable chains, etc, bottom line, there's no substitute for real chains. A lot of the quickie, or alternative type products won't take driving for long distances, they're okay if you need to go a couple blocks to a plowed road, but if you're going to be traveling any distance, they just don't hold up.

[rhagfo]

:h :h
I guess I have never found that hard to put on standard tire chains, carry a set in the truck, and one in the 5er. Keep in mind in most western states, if the TV is chained, you need to chain at least on axle on the trailer also.

[Tvov]

mcc272 wrote:
Re Flextrax, I called the company and got the size they suggested last year. I never could get them on my dually. Never could get the company to return my calls thereafter. I am a very dissatisfied customer. They are unused in my basement headed to the dump and I use regular tire chains.

Well, that sucks. They look easier to put on than traditional chains, but if there is no customer service....

[The_Texan]

IDoMyOwnStunts wrote:
Has anybody tried an Autosock yet? I know they are legal in Washington. Don't know about other states.

They are now legal in all 50 states. If I were buying today, that is what I would buy.