Best Snow Chains?

[Kelly]

I'm shopping for snow chains. What style do you prefer? Why?

Things to consider: Weight - Easy of Use - Durability - Price - Space Required to Store.

Cable - Straight...


Cable - Diagonal...


Chain - Straight...


Chain - Diagonal...

 

[Saints&Sailors]

I bought a pair of straight chains for my 33"x12.5" tires. It was hard to find chains in my size that weren't super expensive. I think I ended up buying them for ~$85 with tensioners. I also don't plan on ever actually using them - if the road is that bad they probably are closing it or other driver's won't exercise the same degree of caution that I would. From what I've read, the diagonal chains offer more "bite" but I cannot speak from personal experience how noticeable this is.

 

[Mike W]

I also don't have a lot of experience, but I did some research and ended up getting some SCC Z-Chains. I had to account for tight clearances on my rover.

I have blizzak snow tires this year, so I doubt I will need them, but what the heck. Be prepared.

 

[RaggedViking]

HA! Amateurs. Go Big or Go Home!
http://www.americantracktruck.com/

 

[Kelly]

HA! Amateurs. Go Big or Go Home!
http://www.americantracktruck.com/

What kind of highway mileage do you get with those? ;-)

 

[RaggedViking]

What kind of highway mileage do you get with those?

I would assume highways would be out of the question - as would most places in general.
BUT - you could crawl up the side of a mountain, which is nice...

 

[boehml]

This is an interesting thread. I want to try the a portion of the WABDR this winter. Might need a set of these myself.

 

[VCeXpedition]

Bill Burke did an article some time ago, pretty good information here.

His preference in the article is RUD Grip4x4 but I'm not sure they sell that name anymore.
I found this (Classic V) and it seems to be pretty close to what he runs, or at least did back some time ago!

 

[Kelly]

Bill Burke did an article some time ago, pretty good information here.

His preference in the article is RUD Grip4x4 but I'm not sure they sell that name anymore.
I found this (Classic V) and it seems to be pretty close to what he runs, or at least did back some time ago!

Great info. What do you carry Dan?

 

[Kelly]

Does anyone have any experience with the Thule XG-12-Pros?

 

[VCeXpedition]

Great info. What do you carry Dan?

Flip-flops and swim trunks! I live in California for a reason!

J/K when I PLAN to go to the snow, I currently have 2 sets of conventional chains, heavy, difficult to install but honestly never had to install them except to practice in my driveway.

Long ago, I was going up to Big Bear with a car full of teenagers one winter for skiing and the CHP was doing a snow chain check. They were stopping most everybody. When it was my turn, the guy just waved me by and as I passed he said I would never need chains in a Landcruiser!

I hope he's right!

 

[Meta6981]

Does anyone have any experience with the Thule XG-12-Pros?
View attachment 10595

I would also like to know. I wonder if it is worth the high cost?

 

[coffeeshark]

I used straight chains in Alaska, and those seemed to be "good enough". Personally I'm looking at diagonal ones though.

But as for the Thule D-link I don't think I'd want to spend that much extra money for such a little amount of extra chain.

 

[gurkang]

I bought snow palet for may UZJ100 (285/70R17 tire). Did not need and use before. But they are not heavy. They are not tough as chains. But I could not find any snow chains for my tire size in Turkey. :)