Hi guys,
I'm running all season tires (they were new when I got the truck and I'm wearing them down before replacing w/ more suitable tire).
I'm running OEM 20 size tires (285/50R20) and I know that is not a popular size here, but I found products to cover the entire spectrum, so it is the type/feature not the model of the traction device.
The truck works fine for my snow needs and speeds for going skiing at the PNW resorts.
I do have some tracks boards and shovel to get out if I get stuck in the parking lot but I was thinking not pushing my luck and have a pair of chains in the trunk for just in case. I usually have some traction device in all my cars even if they are AWD and running dedicated winter tires.
[2023-02-10 - Update] We had a few days of slick ice after rain followed by freeze. You could not walk on the street. So, I said to myself what a great opportunity to test my truck systems. My neighborhood has off camber turns and steep hills. I was running above mentioned AS tires and no traction devices. Because of that stopping on the steep hill was not an option as the truck was just sledding down with the brakes applied. Off chamber curves were a no go as the truck was sliding sideways. All that was expected. What I did not expect was the traction difference the central diff lock and crawl control made. I was able to climb the steep hill provided I started on the flats, and I did not stop! [end update]
First question is choosing between the cables and chains.
I have a lot of experience with cables as chains are overkill for anything but trucks and can actually damage some cars.
But what about 200 series? I do not do off roading in the winter or deep snow forest roads. Some of the chains I tried on for fit are actually extremely nice with tight as a drum fit. They are heavier by a lot and take a bit more space but not a lot more because they fold better than cables. I like the cam style and some don't even need spiders (some do).
The cables have much nicer ride on bare pavement or hard surface snow/ice and I can run them to the max rated speed without feeling the car is coming apart due to vibration. I can also install some of the cables without moving the vehicle. Most chains require that I move the wheel at least 1/4 rotation.
Second question is what kind of chains or cables you found the most useful for use on the 200?
[Update 2023-02-10] l ended up keeping:
Security Chain Company ZT751 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain
with a spare set of Security Chain Company SZ1176 Tire Traction Chain Rubber Tightener
Security Chain Company Quik Grip Square Rod QG2128
with TireChain.com 39225 Truck SUV Spider Tensioner Tightener Bungee Tire Chains
For details see my posts below. [end update]
Last question, how many/which axle do you chain?
[Update 2023-02-10] For my 2013 LX and OEM size tires, the answer is rear axle only. No chains or cables that I could find will fit the fronts. There are two areas that create problems: the vertical arm from spindle to the UCA and the UCA. The vertical arm is a problem with the cables, because the cable that goes around the back of the tire holding the cross/Z cables, is rubbing on it. The arms position relative to the spindle is fixed (it si part of the spindle) so there is nothing to be done except finding a cable that has a larger diameter - could not find one, or getting wheel spacers. The chains are rubbing on the same arm and are very close to UCA. The beefier Super Z ZT751 side plates and especially the C hook are too close to the spindle arm for comfort. Z6 SZ451 cables are better in this regard. For the rear, chains or cables are fitting fine with a lot of room to spare.
That brings me to the conclusion that for OEM size tires, unless you have multiple sets of tires/wheels, running spacers, or live in a snow free area, one of the most important criteria when buying tires is snow traction for the front tires. [end update]
On my other awd's is the fronts. But on 200 I think it should be the rears first. I'm looking for only chaining one axle. Is that a problem?
Here is what I've tried for fit using my spare...
Security Chain Company Z-579 Z-Chain
They are the z style (at an angle to the thread) - good, but the fit is not so great requiring a spider that is not included with the cables - not a big issue as I can buy them separately. What I do not like is the ends of the cables that are sticking out and you are supposed to tuck under the plastic sleeves (green in the picture) not very secure.
Amazon product ASIN B001H9GQR4
I'm running all season tires (they were new when I got the truck and I'm wearing them down before replacing w/ more suitable tire).
I'm running OEM 20 size tires (285/50R20) and I know that is not a popular size here, but I found products to cover the entire spectrum, so it is the type/feature not the model of the traction device.
The truck works fine for my snow needs and speeds for going skiing at the PNW resorts.
I do have some tracks boards and shovel to get out if I get stuck in the parking lot but I was thinking not pushing my luck and have a pair of chains in the trunk for just in case. I usually have some traction device in all my cars even if they are AWD and running dedicated winter tires.
[2023-02-10 - Update] We had a few days of slick ice after rain followed by freeze. You could not walk on the street. So, I said to myself what a great opportunity to test my truck systems. My neighborhood has off camber turns and steep hills. I was running above mentioned AS tires and no traction devices. Because of that stopping on the steep hill was not an option as the truck was just sledding down with the brakes applied. Off chamber curves were a no go as the truck was sliding sideways. All that was expected. What I did not expect was the traction difference the central diff lock and crawl control made. I was able to climb the steep hill provided I started on the flats, and I did not stop! [end update]
First question is choosing between the cables and chains.
I have a lot of experience with cables as chains are overkill for anything but trucks and can actually damage some cars.
But what about 200 series? I do not do off roading in the winter or deep snow forest roads. Some of the chains I tried on for fit are actually extremely nice with tight as a drum fit. They are heavier by a lot and take a bit more space but not a lot more because they fold better than cables. I like the cam style and some don't even need spiders (some do).
The cables have much nicer ride on bare pavement or hard surface snow/ice and I can run them to the max rated speed without feeling the car is coming apart due to vibration. I can also install some of the cables without moving the vehicle. Most chains require that I move the wheel at least 1/4 rotation.
Second question is what kind of chains or cables you found the most useful for use on the 200?
[Update 2023-02-10] l ended up keeping:
Security Chain Company ZT751 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain
with a spare set of Security Chain Company SZ1176 Tire Traction Chain Rubber Tightener
Security Chain Company Quik Grip Square Rod QG2128
with TireChain.com 39225 Truck SUV Spider Tensioner Tightener Bungee Tire Chains
For details see my posts below. [end update]
Last question, how many/which axle do you chain?
[Update 2023-02-10] For my 2013 LX and OEM size tires, the answer is rear axle only. No chains or cables that I could find will fit the fronts. There are two areas that create problems: the vertical arm from spindle to the UCA and the UCA. The vertical arm is a problem with the cables, because the cable that goes around the back of the tire holding the cross/Z cables, is rubbing on it. The arms position relative to the spindle is fixed (it si part of the spindle) so there is nothing to be done except finding a cable that has a larger diameter - could not find one, or getting wheel spacers. The chains are rubbing on the same arm and are very close to UCA. The beefier Super Z ZT751 side plates and especially the C hook are too close to the spindle arm for comfort. Z6 SZ451 cables are better in this regard. For the rear, chains or cables are fitting fine with a lot of room to spare.
That brings me to the conclusion that for OEM size tires, unless you have multiple sets of tires/wheels, running spacers, or live in a snow free area, one of the most important criteria when buying tires is snow traction for the front tires. [end update]
On my other awd's is the fronts. But on 200 I think it should be the rears first. I'm looking for only chaining one axle. Is that a problem?
Here is what I've tried for fit using my spare...
Security Chain Company Z-579 Z-Chain
They are the z style (at an angle to the thread) - good, but the fit is not so great requiring a spider that is not included with the cables - not a big issue as I can buy them separately. What I do not like is the ends of the cables that are sticking out and you are supposed to tuck under the plastic sleeves (green in the picture) not very secure.
Amazon product ASIN B001H9GQR4
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