School me on chains.

[rc51kid]

I dont know crap about chains, except they are chains and gonon the tire.

I would like to use them on my 80 on snowy and muddy forestry roads for slow going hunting access. I would like to put them on and leave them on for the daynor multiple days as long as i am dribing around on wet or snow forestry roads. I dont know if this is possible or if i need a particular type.

I have a 94 locked 80, 2-3" lift with 315/75/16 now if that matters. I might drop down to 285/75/16. Is it possible to get a chain that would fit both? Should i do the rear or all 4 wheels? Leaning towards all 4. Any specific brands or type to buy?

Thanks guys. Not looking for miracle traction. Just want enough that i can decend grades SLOWLY and not slide off, or slide off on off camber stuff as badly.

 

[AirheadNut]

The main thing to remember about chains (actual chains, not cables) is that your top speed will be limited to 20-25mph. You can leave them on indefinitely as long as you don't plan on driving any faster than that. I have a pair each of v-bar and standard chains, the v-bar provide exceptional traction but are rougher riding. Either will work for the conditions you mention, but don't expect superior performance in super deep snow; unless there is a solid bottom the chains will just dig down and bury the vehicle.

I would recommend getting chains for all four wheels, if you just get two the wheels you put them on will depend on the terrain: going downhill, rears are better, uphill the fronts are preferable. Fitment is something you'll have to look up, a single set of chains will fit a variety of tire sizes, manufacturers and/or retailers should have fitment guides published.

I've experienced the miracle traction you speak of on a road that was pure ice with a thin layer of water on top. When I slid sideways off the road while at a complete stop I figured it was time for chains. Put them on and drove up a hill like it was nothing. I've also driven up off-camber hills (open diffs) that fully locked vehicles struggled on due to icy conditions, the chains give a wonderful feeling of control in those situations.

 

[Gubbtratt1]

Chains are great when you need to dig, which means shallow snow or mud with a solid bottom. In deep snow or bottomless mud you don't want chains. You will have a bit more grip, but once you stop moving forward you'll go in one direction only: straight down.

There is a number of different chain types. The one that is easiest to put on and take off and is the most flexible size wise is the bar type. The downside is that it doesn't help much with sideways grip.

There's also diamond type, which has grip in all directions. I have never used those, so I don't know how much harder to put on they are.

On my tractor I have got these square type. They're an absolute pain to put on and are impossible to get tight enough. They also doesn't seem to be very common for lighter vehicles, perhaps for a good reason.

There's also different sizes and types of chain links. Twisted, square, spike, v-bar. On ice they grip from worst to best in that order, in snow and mud it shouldn't make a huge difference. V-bar and spiked chains take up more room since the links are taller, and square are mostly found on very light duty chains intended for passenger cars.

Bar type chains will fit a lot of different sizes. I've had the same pair of bar type chains on 7.50-16, 31x10.5r15 (with a bit of extension), 205r16 and 255/65r16. The square type tractor chains can be cut to fit a smaller tyre, but they won't fit very well as the ratio between the side chains and center chains change.

 

[80t0ylc]

Here’s a “chain rule” of thumb that was handed down by my dad and I’ve honored. If you’re just out wheelin’ in snow and are alone, don’t put the chains on until you get stuck and then reverse direction and head back out. Chains may make you feel like you’re invincible, but there’s the rub. If you get in trouble with chains on and don’t have a back up, like a winch or a buddy in another rig, you’re headed for trouble. Our own ego can be our worst enemy at times.

 

[centerlineseal]

don’t put the chains on until you get stuck and then reverse direction and head back out.

Smartest thing I'll remember today!

 

[centerlineseal]

I might add, ... put 'em on BEFORE you get stuck, then head back out!

 

[ChaseTruck]

There's also diamond type, which has grip in all directions.

That’s what I keep in the GX, for skiing trips, for the rear only

View attachment 4015678

Easy to put on. It looked really weird when I practiced mounting chains in the driveway in the Phoenix area. And I’d recommend practicing - you don’t want to figure out how they go on while the truck is in a foot of snow.

 

[Pighead]

There's also the cam-lock type chains vs. the non-cam-locks. I like the cam-lock but they generally come only on the larger sized chains. So, find some big rig chains, used, for cheap. Cut them down to size with bolt cutters.