tire chains

crippeninc · 11-30-2006, 06:45 PM

I have a 4x2 and want to know if anyone has experience with tire chains for the snow? I live in So-cal so don't see lot of snow, but would like to drive to the mountains this winter. Which are better, the chain type or cable type? And do I need 4? or would 2 be ok on the rears? Thanks

BlingAlong06 · 11-30-2006, 06:56 PM

i personally like the cable type better. i think they are easier to put on and ride better. the chains are known to have the extra slack whip around the fenderwell. you will be fine with two on the rear

**Just-in** · 11-30-2006, 06:57 PM

My dealer made me sign a disclaimer that if I used chains my warranty would be voided. you didn't have to?

BlingAlong06 · 11-30-2006, 06:58 PM

nope i have never heard of such a thing

12glocks · 11-30-2006, 07:04 PM

I live in the mountains where it snows. The cables are more conveniet, the chains have more traction. The cables are easier to put on than the chains. Neither is fun to put on while it is cold and snowing. Around here people like to put them on in there garage before they head out.

If one of them brakes while your driving they can rip stuff up quick and bad. Dont plan on running them above say 20-30 mph.

To be frank, I would avoid snowy mountain roads with a 4x2 in general unless you are keeping them in the toolkit to get out of there.

Good luck.

crippeninc · 11-30-2006, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the input. The mountains road around here seem to be plowed quite often, especially Big Bear, there are just certain times where they wont allow you up the mountain without chains. I bet having the truetrac rear end would help.

ruauman2 · 11-30-2006, 07:42 PM

Check out the SSC Shur Grip Z cables. Easy to put on and take off. Good tightening system. Probably costs around $100. I used them on my 4x2 Ram for three winter with no troubles. I only ran them on the rear and it took ten minutes to put on, five minutes to take off. As someone else said, "chains have better traction" but when you get on thin ice or snow, then the ride is very rough. The Shur Grip cables handle well. They are expensive but worth it in my opinion.

Bayou Titan · 11-30-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just-in

My dealer made me sign a disclaimer that if I used chains my warranty would be voided.

Tell your dealer to put down the crack pipe.

The Titan owner's manual explains the use of chains and says nothing about their use voiding the warranty.

mtofell · 11-30-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayou Titan

Tell your dealer to put down the crack pipe.

The Titan owner's manual explains the use of chains and says nothing about their use voiding the warranty.

Agree Agree.... I'm no lawyer but Contract Law 101 is that a contract cannot be binding if it's illegal.... I don't know about the mountains in CA but in OR when the weather gets really bad they state troopers give out HUGE tickets if you don't have your chains on.... I suppose if anywhere on earth a dealer would be ignorant to the use of chains it would be So CA....

As for the question.... the cable type are eaiser to put on but generally don't provide as much traction....

Personally, I hate chains.... they don't help you stop at all... just get going faster, which of course when you can't stop is kinda silly.... I suppose with anti-lock brakes it's a bit better than the old days.... If you have a couple extra bucks and the willingness to swap your wheels around go get 4 used studded tires of cheap rims.... I went this route for years and it's awsome. You're covered in snow as long as the road is plowed and more importantly, on ice.

I don't know about So CA but in Oregon there are plenty of used tire shops where you can get a set of used tires of rims for about $50/wheel.... I haven't checked on the Titan lug pattern so that could be a bit hard to come by, but all of my past vehicles were no problem...

I acutally haven't even needed any tires in the last few years.... maybe Al Gore is right, maybe we are all going to burn up.....

phillipyang · 12-01-2006, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just-in

My dealer made me sign a disclaimer that if I used chains my warranty would be voided. you didn't have to?

They cannot enforce this. They might be worried about your wheels and axle being damaged if you drive in chains. It could possibly ruin your tranny if you get stuck in snow but no, they cannot void your warranty.

travelship · 12-01-2006, 08:19 PM

I've chained cars and semis many times, and I think the cables are junk. I think the cables are more likely to come off and tear things up, and the chains are more durable. Get a set of chains with the cam locks, and they fit so snug you won't even need rubber tighteners. I like Pewag chains.
http://www.pewagchain.com/