Best Snow Chains?

[PEGUSAS]

When I buy a new set of chains, I always get a size or two larger (diameter, not width) and cut them down to fit.....I usually end up with a spare crosslink or two out of the deal.

I have also been known to take out the last crosslink at one end....this allows me to drape the chain over the top of the tire, reach around and attach the hook inside and then pull the front ends together and fasten them....eliminates the need for a block or having to lay out and drive over the chains to get them on.

I like the v-bar ice-breaker crosslinks. The square link p-wags seem to be popular, but I don't see much of a benefit.

No, I have never aired down my tires in snow/ice. I would avoid running chains on bare pavement for any duration of time.....no cornering traction and wears the chains out in a very short time.

CruiserStuff,

Thanks for the advice - much appreciated.

Question - I know that my Model 80 with its current mods/tires will do great in the snow as long as the snow is not deeper than my frame. Wondering though - if I were to go out into a storm to help pull or winch others out of ditches, would chaining up help for recovery operations and if so how much benefit do you think I would get out of chains?

I see that you plow with a Model 40. That is way cool. In Virginia I have only seen late model pickup trucks or dump trucks fitted with salt spreaders doing the plowing. How effective is your 40 at plowing? Is there a type of plow setup that you recommend?

 

[lovetoski]

if I were to go out into a storm to help pull or winch others out of ditches, would chaining up help for recovery operations and if so how much benefit do you think I would get out of chains?

I've only used chains on my 60. Holy cow, the improvement in snow traction was increadible! It was essentially unstoppable. I consider my 80 to be the best snow vehicle I've ever driven...and while I've never had to put chains on it, I'm sure it would be at least as unstoppable as my 60 was...

 

[canman]

We purchased some PEWAG chains for use by the Canadian military on their G-Wagons in Afghanistan and at the time I had the pleasure of visiting their factory in Austria. There's a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to the manufacturing/ quality of a snow chain. I wanted to get a pair for my truck, but the size I needed was a special order, and it was too late for last winter. They have a sales office now in the US. If you want a quality chain that will last a long time I suggest you have a look at PEWAG.

 

[CruiserStuff]

If you're going to be hauling stuck people out of snow drifts and berms, I would definitely chain up. You'll be pulling twice the weight and the associated friction (the reason they're stuck) to free them, so you want as much traction as possible.

Everything, of course, depends on how deep the snow is and what kind of snow it is (sticky, fluffy, wet, dry, etc). All factors contribute to traction (or the lack thereof). Recovery and retrieval can be easy (one pull with a tow strap) or darn near impossible depending on conditions.

My 40 is an AWESOME plow vehicle....heavy and with a short-wheel base makes for a great combination.....and, of course, completely bullet-proof! Effective plowing (that doesn't thrash your rig) is about finesse and approach....not as much to do with horsepower as you would think.

I only have experience with Meyer plows, but have been very pleased. I checked into Boss plows, but they're too heavy for the front end of a 40. You might also check into Western plows.....I've seen many of those on 40's through the years.

CruiserStuff,

Thanks for the advice - much appreciated.

Question - I know that my Model 80 with its current mods/tires will do great in the snow as long as the snow is not deeper than my frame. Wondering though - if I were to go out into a storm to help pull or winch others out of ditches, would chaining up help for recovery operations and if so how much benefit do you think I would get out of chains?

I see that you plow with a Model 40. That is way cool. In Virginia I have only seen late model pickup trucks or dump trucks fitted with salt spreaders doing the plowing. How effective is your 40 at plowing? Is there a type of plow setup that you recommend?

 

[vabluefish]

Nick - agreed - no one should run chains on blacktop - what would be the point. However, as I noted in my original post, here in Virginia the state might get the main roads clear to something close to blacktop and the side roads won't be cleared for a week or more. So really my question was - if I chain up for the uncleared roads, how long can I travel on the cleared (pavement roads) until I cause damage to my rig, tires and chains? This is assuming that I am only using the cleared roads to get to my neighbors to help them out etc. Thoughts?

I'm in your neck of the woods too and was wondering the same thing. I have to get to work in severe weather, and noticed the same thing with the side roads and the highways. After researching some chains, I've found that Thule's line has a quick release: Thule - Snow Chains
They are less expensive on Amazon, but are definitely pricey. I think these may be great once you get to the highway entrance.