Snow Chain help for winter wheeling

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Dec 18, 2009
Threads
8
Messages
27
So school me on what kind of chains I need to get. I have a mostly stock LX450 with stock Michelins on there, suspension is stock but I do have airbags in back. Winter is upon us and I have searched but haven't found the quintessential snow chain thread. Don't plan on doing too much wheeling with it or much highway use with chains on, just an incase I get stuck and am kicking myself for not getting a locked cruiser type of use. Maybe going up some logging roads, drift busting and what not.
So what are better Diamond Pattern, Twisted Link, Vbar, or what? I can't imagine the cable ones do much in deep snow. What are some good sources for them as well. And can I get by with only getting one pair? Thanks for your wisdom.
 
Bill Burke 4WD used to recommend and sell the RUD Grip 4x4 tire chains on his website. They're no longer there, so I'm not sure about availability. They were a heavy-duty diamond pattern that was very easy to install. Coincidentally, I was trying to find them late last night. I got as far as the RUD website , but was unable to find them to fit an LT315/75R/16, before I gave up and went to sleep. Good luck!
 
On an awd vehicle chaining all four tires is the best way. If you only have one set, put them on the back for road use, and front for slow/ off road use. I would chain both unless it was just for a few feet.
 
look for cam lock style chains. not a need to carry bungies with those (i still keep them in the truck just in case tho). a twist style chain will be cheaper and will work fine for years in deeper snow, but if you're going to be on harder pack or pavement/snow, get a good american square cut chain. don't bother with v-bar unless you will encounter a lot of ice.

remember....if they break they can do a lot of damage. check them over before each use.
 
I run some 1/4" chains snow wheeling and love them off road. I did pull my chains off to early this weekend, hit dry road so off they came to only hit ice a 1/4 mile down the road(nice ride sideways). They beat the snot out of me and I'm actually looking at some cheaper lower profile cable chains for on road use. Preferably a zig zag pattern of some sort. I also have 10 rubber chain tensioners on hand, 2 for each wheel and 2 extra. I like my chains tight!

I would also recommend going to a bigger rim size chain, my chains were really close to the brake bleeds. Could have sworn every other clank was the bleeds getting cot up in the chains...

Also a picture to make the thread
IMG_4608.jpg
 
I would also recommend going to a bigger rim size chain, my chains were really close to the brake bleeds. Could have sworn every other clank was the bleeds getting cot up in the chains...

Also a picture to make the thread
IMG_4608.jpg

another advantage to cam lock chains...they don't pull in towards the rim like the old style chains ;)

not an 80, but you get the gist of how they sit.
DSC00296.webp
 
I use the RUD ones from Bill Burke and they work awesome. Not cheap though. They are fairly easy to install and I was entirely unstoppable with even just one set on. With two, I might as well have been a snow cat...LOL! Of course lockers help too.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom