Tire Chains, the good the bad, and the best...

[_Walker_]

Im planning a trip in the next few weeks up into the hills for some caving, and expecting some DEEP snow etc; Now I have a full set of cable chains for my BJ74 "only 235/75-R15, unfortunately "
Now iv done some searching and found Tire Chains by Tirechains.com which seems to have good reviews on here, HOWEVER! I'm debating what would be the BEST type to go for? 4.5mm Diamond, 5.94mm V bar, or 7.92mm Round... Or would I be best to go hunting for a small set (if they even make them) of those crazy chains they use on the logging skiders? Ideas? opinions?

 

[hydrogeo]

IMHO for all around use the round link are the ticket. That said, I haven't used them but I'd bet the diamond link would work as good or better.

The v-bars rule on ice but they really rip up pavement and they wear alot faster.

The logger-style ring chains are amazing in the woods, but they get so much grip they make it really easy to bust stuff like axle shafts and are also a problem on the road. Not sure you could actually find a set that would fit anyway.

It's worth springing for a set with a higher number of cross chains. They run much smoother. Any style chain will be light years better than the cables.

 

[lt403]

RUDchains 4x4 grip model.
see bb4wa.com

 

[turbocruiser]

RUDchains 4x4 grip model.
see bb4wa.com

Yes, the best of the best, get four if you are at all able to.

 

[_Walker_]

ok cool, thanks guys, any idea how thick they are? IE would they be comparable to the strength of the 7.9mm rounds?

 

[hydrogeo]

Those grip chains look cool and I be they are really easy to put on, but is there any concern about the life span of the integrated rubber cord on the outside? I seem to only get about 3 years out of tensioner straps that look to be made out of similar material before they dry rot and break.

 

[subzali]

IMHO get the thickest ones you can. I spliced together trucker chains to make my set, 34 x 11.50 would be about the largest tire size you could get that way, and even with them being pretty thick driving over rocks etc and spinning them in deep snow has caused a couple cross links to break. I would get one of these chain pliers while you're at it, it is so much better than trying to get under there with a vice grips and a screwdriver to repair one when it breaks. Get the Truck/SUV (13") or the Large (18") - I can't remember if mine is the large or not, I suspect it is and it's perfect for those big links.

FWIW I agree with round bars being good for general purpose use, maybe someday I'll try the v-bars but so far mine have worked fantastic...

 

[cstamm81]

Call the guys at tirechain.com, they know their stuff. I was told basically the heavier the better. They make a chain similar to the Rud style. I asked about that model and he called it the "gentlemen's chain". AKA not for extended, hard use. The heavier the chain, the stronger it is, simple. Give them a call and talk it over, nice US made chains in all sizes.

 

[EricG]

I have a set of the diamond style chains from tirechains.com I've been offroad with them about 4 full days so far in some pretty deep stuff. I've spun them over rocks/frozen ground a few times with no issues. I've been very happy with them so far.

The best part is, they are very easy & fast to put on. I think I could probably put on all 4 in about 15-20 minutes and without moving the truck or crawling under it.

 

[mrlocksmith]

BB4WA was out of RUD Chain model #0160 (Back Ordered until JUNE) for my BFG AT 33x9.50 15LT's. I did not want to wait so I bought a diamond type pair inbound from TireChains.com

Mark