I need feedback on snow chain.

CowboyUp · 11-05-09, 08:14 PM

Howdy

I despite that we don't have to much snow here or better say we don't had, because I fell like this year is looking like will be a surprise for my region, I am looking to get snow chain for my cruiser ( on the rear) and I need some feedback if is wort or not to invest money on this.
I don't know how the cruiser will handle the snow and ice and I will be glad to get some feedback on this this

.
Thank you!

retrofive · 11-05-09, 08:57 PM

The cruiser handles very well without chains IMO. Even with old worn tires I was amazed. New tires made it even better. With that said I do have chains and have used them. I have the Laclede Alpine SS chains
.

greentruck · 11-05-09, 09:12 PM

Never had enough snow for long enough to bother with chains myself. I have heard if you only have one set of chains and 4x4, you should put them on the steer tires for best effect. But that's free advice, worth what you paid for it.

IdahoDoug · 11-05-09, 09:23 PM

I don't think it's worth the expense where you live unless you're determined to go offroading in snow. Even where I live, the Cruiser will get through anything on the roads with average tires. Winter tires will make that getting through anything safer and a little easier. Chains on the road would be almost unheard of in your area unless you have a job or need to get out even during an ice storm or similar.

DougM

PACNW96 · 11-05-09, 09:36 PM

I live just north of you in Seattle and I always carry chains in my 80. The in-laws are in Spokane so we cross over the mountain passes several times during the winter. I should also note I take a few winter logging road excursions as well which can be quite a challenge. Keep in mind in the Pacific Northwest we don't get the dry fluffy snow that other regions get, but the wet snow that can be very nasty to drive in. If you plan on driving in snow get a pair of chains for emergencies it will be well worth it when you need them.

Also, IMO if you get a single set of chains put them on the rear....you might be able to steer better with them on the front, but imagine going downhill and loosing traction in the rear...you will get some major fishtailing if not worse.

I got my chains here:

Tire Chains by TireChains.com

greentruck · 11-05-09, 09:57 PM

Well, shows what I know about snow chains.

Probably the less I know, the better!

I've got body parts that go numb just at the sight of snow. Don't get me wrong, I like snow. But where the soul is willing, the flesh is weak -- or simply frozen.

retrofive · 11-05-09, 10:58 PM

Doug brings up a very good point. I enjoy to go looking for snow

If I didnt I would not have a set TBH. And if you just want a set, check the CL list, peoples sell them dirt cheap all the time.

C6H12O6 · 11-05-09, 11:12 PM

I drove all over town in last year's snow in Portland, including a trip to and from the hospital in the peak of it all with a pregnant wife (to) and a newborn baby (from). No chains and two-year-old Bridgestone Revos. No problems at all. It was actually funny how easily I got around in just 4Hi while everybody else was dug in. Ice is a bit of a different deal, but the snow we get around here is usually pretty short-lived.

If you wheel in the snow, airing way down usually helps, and I'm sure chains would be great, but if you aren't lifted with big tires, clearance is the real issue. Chains won't help that.

tblume · 11-06-09, 12:22 AM

I ran from Eugene to The Dalles last year at christmas time when the ice and rutted snow was at the worst ('dozers on the interstate) and I blew up my chains after 15 miles on I-84 @ 40mph. (packed snow and ice, etc..) Vibration was terrible, but after I stopped and removed the chains and their parts

from around the axle and tire I was able to comfortably/safely and smoothly run 45 in the same conditions. (<10K on 255/85/16 BFG MT's @ 55psi)

IMO chains are going to help you get through the worst of the heavy, unpacked stuff you may see on neighborhood streets or out in the woods, etc, but on the main roads with compaction and (maybe) plowing/gravel, you will be fine with decent tread/lower psi/ careful driving and no chains (hassle) than with.

HTH

CowboyUp · 11-06-09, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C6H12O6

I drove all over town in last year's snow in Portland, including a trip to and from the hospital in the peak of it all with a pregnant wife (to) and a newborn baby (from). No chains and two-year-old Bridgestone Revos. No problems at all. It was actually funny how easily I got around in just 4Hi while everybody else was dug in. Ice is a bit of a different deal, but the snow we get around here is usually pretty short-lived.

If you wheel in the snow, airing way down usually helps, and I'm sure chains would be great, but if you aren't lifted with big tires, clearance is the real issue. Chains won't help that.

I remember that days and was funny for me to, to see trucks, Jeeps and 4x4 stuck in snow and me with a minivan passing by like nothing happen ( I had chain to all 4 tires ). I am using Hillsdale Hwy for commute and near to Hillsdale town center is one of the worst place to drive when is snow beside the West Hills. Always there are lease up to 10 vehicle abandoned for a stretch the 3 miles.....

CowboyUp · 11-06-09, 01:38 AM

I will buy a pair of chains and keep for emergency or when the OST will ask for that. I have in mind do go out in the woods more often this winter and I believe there I will need them the most

.
Can I drive in the woods with out chain if the snow is one feet to two feet .....

? Probably I will get answer to this question my self when Saturday I will go in the woods in cascade

.
Thanks!

Brian894X4 · 11-06-09, 02:41 AM

You do need some kind of chains, for then they require them to be carried. Especially if you ever plan to travel over Mt. hood this winter. I ran a set during the heaviest and deepest now last year just for the added piece of mind. I knew I could go anywhere without them, but it was nice to have that added traction knowing I could stop and start whenever I wanted too.

When I'm driving around other idiots on the road I don't want to tempt fate to prove how cool I am in my "4wd". Besides, as great as the LC is in "going" especially with lockers, no 4wd is that great at stopping until you got the right tires or chains.

I purchased 2 sets of RUD grip chains from this guy...

RUD Chains, DVDs

I have been very pleased. It takes a little practice getting them on, but then it's straight forward. They can be installed without moving the vehicle and they work great. You can leave them on for many miles. When I have these things on, I don't worry about a thing. And I always carry at least one set, sometimes both.

I agree with your weather predictions. Maybe we're gunshy from last years unexpected "event" but the weather just "seems" like it's going to be repeat this year.

addicted56 · 11-06-09, 05:12 AM

I flew home last year into Portland and hung out with a buddy. We had two freinds pick us up..Wifes freind and my buddy to hang out with before the long drive back to the coast. My buddy and I cruised around in a unimog and the subaru with my wife got stuck higth issue. Anyway for parts of downtown Portland and Burns road and out around skyline you are going to need some sort of traction device just to get up the hills. Beaverton/Hillsboro can be a pain. Even with the slightest dusting 5 minutes after the fall of snow...cars are lined up all over the side of the road spinning out. It is a full locker event if you don't have them you need some studded tires. About 4 years ago during that big overnight snow followed by 3 days of freezing rain I was the only one out in my 4-runner in a population of a million people That was after my neigbor that lived below me and had my porch covering hers came up the stairs and hammered all of the ice out of the way of our screen door so we could get out. We had been stuck there for over a day. I put 2 chains on the front and with the snow under the thick ice I could climb up anything no matter how steep. Plus in Downtown Portland itself you have a bigger probability of Freezing rain then actual snow that will get so deep you can't drive in it. My reccomendation is get a set of studded tires. Plus if you go over the passes you are required to carry them (don't remember the months) and they will actually ticket you and turn you around on days where they are required to be on. Of if you are headed down thru Ashland into Northern Cal that road gets closed every single winter and they turn people around and that is on I-5. They are a good thing to have when you need them.

jlg32281 · 11-06-09, 07:31 AM

what are snow chains? i kid, i kid. i have no valuable input for you northerners. just thought i'd mention the fact that i've never even seen snow chains in person, only on tv. i love the south!

Pak Meul · 11-06-09, 09:36 AM

I usually get around on snowy mountain roads just fine, but trying to go up a steep access road with snow deep enough to plow with the differentials tends to require momentum or chains. I plowed with my 80 last year and it did a great job with just my new tires and using the lockers. When trying to back up hill over snow that had been packed down to slick ice, then chains were a necessity. I had some cheap chains that were made in China that worked to get me out of a jam a couple of times, but quickly broke them at fairly low speeds. I suspect that using them with lockers put too much strain on the low quality steel.

Point being if you NEED chains then there is no substitute for chains, and if you use chains then you should probably spring for some descent ones. I'll be buying a good set this year. If you just want a set to show a traffic cop so you can get past a check point set up to keep unprepared drivers off mountain roads and get out of the occasional stuck, then the cheapies are the way to go IMHO.

Old#7 · 11-06-09, 10:42 AM

I have 2 sets of laclede Alpine super sport chains for the 285's I just picked up. I haven't used them yet but I am planning on hitting the deep stuff this winter. I have done a few practice mounts on the rig and they go on , oh so slick. You can get them at your local LesSchwab. I made sure to get the 2500 series chains, or the alpine super sports they have beefier links and are the only ones rated for off-road and heavy commercial use. The regular alpine sport is the 2300 series. they have thinner chain links, not for off-road.

80t0ylc · 11-06-09, 12:02 PM

I agree, at least one good set to carry at all times, 2 sets even better. I would suggest trying them on a tire immediately after purchase to insure good fit. (They can be mismarked or swapped in boxes in store) I thought I was getting a bargain for my 2nd set and turned out - they didn't fit. Returned them and went back to Les Schwab to get 2nd set. I carry 2 good, heavy duty sets year around. They are useful sometimes in town (here in PNW) but they are indispensable in the back country.

As to which axle to run chains on when only one set is used, that depends on what you're doing. If you're towing, you'll want them on the rear. Same if your headed down hill for any great distance as was previously described, also if you're leaving them installed for getting around during a storm. But, for short distances, getting unstuck and going up hill, chains are more effective on the front wheels, but drive carefully and slowly.

For us in the PNW that travel in Oregon in the winter months towing anything, ODOT has modified the snow zone and chain law:
TripCheck-Announcement Details
So be aware, trailer owners.

One other tip from an old timer, if you don't mind. If you're out by yourself, in the back country, just exploring or on a ride. Don't be tempted to put the chains on until after you get stuck. And then only to get out and back to where it's safe. If you're with other rigs you can take chances, they can always help, but not when you're by yourself. You don't want to be the object of a search and rescue mission.

CowboyUp · 11-07-09, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlg32281

what are snow chains? i kid, i kid. i have no valuable input for you northerners. just thought i'd mention the fact that i've never even seen snow chains in person, only on tv. i love the south!

HAHAHAHAHA!

CowboyUp · 11-07-09, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80t0ylc

I agree, at least one good set to carry at all times, 2 sets even better. I would suggest trying them on a tire immediately after purchase to insure good fit. (They can be mismarked or swapped in boxes in store) I thought I was getting a bargain for my 2nd set and turned out - they didn't fit. Returned them and went back to Les Schwab to get 2nd set. I carry 2 good, heavy duty sets year around. They are useful sometimes in town (here in PNW) but they are indispensable in the back country.

As to which axle to run chains on when only one set is used, that depends on what you're doing. If you're towing, you'll want them on the rear. Same if your headed down hill for any great distance as was previously described, also if you're leaving them installed for getting around during a storm. But, for short distances, getting unstuck and going up hill, chains are more effective on the front wheels, but drive carefully and slowly.

For us in the PNW that travel in Oregon in the winter months towing anything, ODOT has modified the snow zone and chain law:
TripCheck-Announcement Details
So be aware, trailer owners.

One other tip from an old timer, if you don't mind. If you're out by yourself, in the back country, just exploring or on a ride. Don't be tempted to put the chains on until after you get stuck. And then only to get out and back to where it's safe. If you're with other rigs you can take chances, they can always help, but not when you're by yourself. You don't want to be the object of a search and rescue mission.

Thanks for the tip

. I am going always out by my self and I will be more worry about my

cruiser them me. I believe I can survive in any situation

.

CowboyUp · 11-07-09, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by addicted56

I flew home last year into Portland and hung out with a buddy. We had two freinds pick us up..Wifes freind and my buddy to hang out with before the long drive back to the coast. My buddy and I cruised around in a unimog and the subaru with my wife got stuck higth issue. Anyway for parts of downtown Portland and Burns road and out around skyline you are going to need some sort of traction device just to get up the hills. Beaverton/Hillsboro can be a pain. Even with the slightest dusting 5 minutes after the fall of snow...cars are lined up all over the side of the road spinning out. It is a full locker event if you don't have them you need some studded tires. About 4 years ago during that big overnight snow followed by 3 days of freezing rain I was the only one out in my 4-runner in a population of a million people That was after my neigbor that lived below me and had my porch covering hers came up the stairs and hammered all of the ice out of the way of our screen door so we could get out. We had been stuck there for over a day. I put 2 chains on the front and with the snow under the thick ice I could climb up anything no matter how steep. Plus in Downtown Portland itself you have a bigger probability of Freezing rain then actual snow that will get so deep you can't drive in it. My reccomendation is get a set of studded tires. Plus if you go over the passes you are required to carry them (don't remember the months) and they will actually ticket you and turn you around on days where they are required to be on. Of if you are headed down thru Ashland into Northern Cal that road gets closed every single winter and they turn people around and that is on I-5. They are a good thing to have when you need them.

You are so right, just 5 minutes of slightest dusting and the city are looking like we are in the biggest snow storm in state in last 100 years if your measure after how many cars are stuck in the snow

. And the ice rain, no comment !

CowboyUp · 11-07-09, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian894X4

You do need some kind of chains, for then they require them to be carried. Especially if you ever plan to travel over Mt. hood this winter. I ran a set during the heaviest and deepest now last year just for the added piece of mind. I knew I could go anywhere without them, but it was nice to have that added traction knowing I could stop and start whenever I wanted too.

When I'm driving around other idiots on the road I don't want to tempt fate to prove how cool I am in my "4wd". Besides, as great as the LC is in "going" especially with lockers, no 4wd is that great at stopping until you got the right tires or chains.

I purchased 2 sets of RUD grip chains from this guy...

RUD Chains, DVDs

I have been very pleased. It takes a little practice getting them on, but then it's straight forward. They can be installed without moving the vehicle and they work great. You can leave them on for many miles. When I have these things on, I don't worry about a thing. And I always carry at least one set, sometimes both.

I agree with your weather predictions. Maybe we're gunshy from last years unexpected "event" but the weather just "seems" like it's going to be repeat this year.

Brian

You right about some of Portland drivers that are so idiots that will be better for me to stay home then destroy my cruiser

.
Maybe I am gunshy or not, but I felt like almost two months ago about weather changing and I still feel that we will have a surprise with the weather. Think that I don't was wrong, in other states the snow is all ready pile up. I will look to buy how soon I can a pair the chain and probably another pair of chain when will be some green paper in the wallet

.

CowboyUp · 11-07-09, 02:24 AM

How about in the front to have snow cable for the tires and in the rear chains

? I was reading about a guy that he was using only snow cables for minimal TLC damage.
I know from my last year winter experience, when I had chains in the front and one of the chain broke and destroy my brake caliper, and other car body damage

. After that I used in the front cable snow and on the rear chain. But, that was with a minivan

. Now I have a Cruiser

!!!!!!!!!!

Atoyot1031 · 11-07-09, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tblume

I ran from Eugene to The Dalles last year at christmas time when the ice and rutted snow was at the worst ('dozers on the interstate) and I blew up my chains after 15 miles on I-84 @ 40mph. (packed snow and ice, etc..) Vibration was terrible, but after I stopped and removed the chains and their parts

from around the axle and tire I was able to comfortably/safely and smoothly run 45 in the same conditions. (<10K on 255/85/16 BFG MT's @ 55psi)

If your going to run chains, I would suggest airing down, it gives you more flotation and the chains are a lot less abusive. Also, IMHO, the more tensioners the better.

UCBerzerkeley · 11-07-09, 01:12 PM

chains, boy, there's a concept. i dont hit the snow that often, but i do wish my MTs were better in the snowpack, as that's mostly what i will see when i see snow. but hey, it's an MT.

the "maybe i should look into a set, just in case" seems predominant

retrofive · 11-07-09, 01:25 PM

Fun in the snow chained up

(and no the j**p wasnt pulling the 80! lol)

firetruck41 · 11-07-09, 02:57 PM

I think I have the same type of chains as retrofive, brian894x4, and old#7. I got 2 sets from Les Schwab, 2-3 years ago, and only used them once (didn't really need 'em) until last year, then I used them for several days straight. I pulled out several cars trucks who didn't have enough traction. It would have been tough to get around, except for the major roads here, if I didn't have chains. Also I have to be able to get to work, no matter the weather. We have steep hills in the area, and I didn't want to be limited in where I could go, if needed. Much of the low traction stuff we have arounf here is freezing rain, or melted snow/rain that freezes to the road overnight. They were expensive at ~$90 each set, but worth it for peace of mind.

Cowboy- for our area (I am just across the Columbia river) I would definitely have one set, at least, for "emergencies". I didn't have a need to run them on the freeway, as I don't need to venture that far from home usually, so I don't know how they would hold up. They are relatively easy to put on/take off, once you have done it.

Matt16 · 11-07-09, 03:02 PM

Chains like this are best as the chain is in constant contact with the road and so they are smoother. These chains have held up well.

No problems tackling 3.5' of powder.

CowboyUp · 11-09-09, 08:35 PM

Thanks guys for all the info and suggestion!

Old#7 · 11-10-09, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoyot1031

If your going to run chains, I would suggest airing down, it gives you more flotation and the chains are a lot less abusive. Also, IMHO, the more tensioners the better.

Most chain manufacturers expressly state to never run chains with tires aired down. Even Bill Burke in his articles states the same. It allows the chains to slacken up and could cause chain and or vehicle damage.

Old#7 · 11-10-09, 03:17 PM

Here is a test fit of my chains from laclede. My rig is stock with very worn and tired springs. With the new 285's and the chains, I still have no clearance issues.

This was the first test fit on the rig on the ground. I've fit them on the spare a number of times. I was still surprised as to how easy they were to put on.