Snow Chains or Cables

[Archive]

Does anyone have an opinion regarding using Chains verses Cables in the snow? I probably only go to snow country a few times a year for skiing. Seems to me the cables would ride smoother? I appreciate any inputs.


------------------
'99 QC 2500, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, Auto, 4x4, Prime-Loc Filter Kit, Electric Bed Cover, Banks 24v Stinger Plus

 

[Archive]

I've done a lot of chaining up to plow snow up here in Alaska. If you have to run at highway speeds, I would think the cables would be better. But if you need to jerk Fords out of the ditch, there's nothing like the traction of reinforced chains on all 4 wheels! I run studded snow tires in the winter, so only have to chain up when there's a huge amount of snow, or lots of glare ice.

------------------
Dan Heynen - Anchorage - '97 Club Cab 2500 4X4, Auto, 3. 54, US Gear Engine brake, gauges, K&N, lock-up switch, Mag-Tec rear end, Bushwhacker fender flares, rhino spray in bedliner, Amsoil user and dealer, 28 foot 5th wheel, 25 foot sailboat, Western Pro Plow, Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

 

[Archive]

Corprimo's got it. The cable sets are usually used for ice or shallow snow and don't provide alot of bite. Chains with the half links welded on for traction are the best for mud and snow. Just my $0. 02 #ad


------------------
(Lil' Mack)-89 D250 2WD 5Spd 3. 55 Reg Cab. K&N, 3. 5" Exst, E&M Custom seats. Bosch H4 55/100 HdLites. Bosch 100W Driving. Bosch 55W Fogs
205,000 miles & counting

 

[Archive]

Hey Fitz,
I can't get any e-mail to you..... Whats up?
Got some scoop for you.
Ron

 

[Archive]

Ron,
Should be working now. I had a server blow up on me. Can you try again...
Thanks,
Fitz

 

[Archive]

Where can you buy tire Cable-Chains by mail order at a good price ?

Jack Goodwin

------------------
1999 Dodge Ram SLT 3500 QC, 4x2, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Gooseneck hitch, Lance 1130 Camper.

 

[Archive]

I drive Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana all year and have never needed chains or cables. You have 4 wheel drive and if you drive smart I don't believe you would need them, I think it is a mind set people have. I was in San Bernadino several years ago in a 90' Continental. The highway patrol was requiring chains to go over the summit on I15 east. He looked at my tires and also say I was from Utah and said "get the hell out-a-here" How come I said. His reply was " Hell you know how to drive in this stuff".

------------------
98. 5 ISB 2500HD 4X4 SLT QC, 3. 54 forest green/camel leather, 5 spd. hood weather bra, cobra CB, Westech boost & pyro, Geno "A" pod, Dee Zee brds. Grover air horns, toaster LED's, HD light lens covers, bug deflector, J&J mud flaps, back up alarm, K&N, Guidon fiberglass tonneau, Ventvisors, Fuel door LED's, X-mission fltr. Fosgate/Clarion system, ABS, trailer tow, Aux rear suspension, factory clearance lamps, sliding rear window, Michelin LT265/75R16 LTX AT, RamZerks, 24' Reinell with tandem trailer.

 

[Archive]

FITZ, more important than chains is the type of tire you have and having some WEIGHT in the bed. Tires with the most sipes are the best in ice and snow. The OEM Goodyears work very good in snow. Before going to the mtns go purchase 3 bags of sand or shovel about 300-500 lb into the bed as close as possible to the tailgate. When you hit snow just drop into FWD and have fun. The only time I chain up is if I have to winch someone out of trouble. (you can't winch in the snow without chains) I agree with corprimo, if you are going to purchase chains get the reinforced chains, maximum traction is gained with these and one invaribly has to travel over DRY pavement to get to a chain removal area and they will last longer. Also cables have a tendancy to sling off the wheel. I have seen brake lines torn off by cables which have come loose. Anyway you look at it, chains are are a PAIN!! Carry them but if you don't have to use them in snow all the better. One last comment, on glare or black ice there is NO substitute for chains! Good luck, Dave

------------------
Dave Hauser, 96 3500 4x4 extended, auto 4:10 LSD, K&N, tow hooks, fog lights, custom front reciever hitch and mount for 8000 Ramsey winch, alum diamond plate box and running boards, Dodge dually mudflaps, tow 18' flatbed, 69 Vette, 89 HD FLHS

 

[Archive]

I am from upper NY state and we too get just a tad of snowwwww.I cant see where chains would help over a real good snow tire, for black ice or hard pack studded tires and good common sense are the best
don

 

[Archive]

Fitz,
If you're close to a Les Schwab tire store, They've got the best chains I've ever seen. The neat thing is that if you don't have to use them, they'll give you a full refund at the end of the season. $65 for the heavy duty set.

------------------
99' Stock Quad 4x4 A/T LB 3. 54 20K Miles.
Did have both 18-11-99 & 18-08-99 TSB's performed.
Pull a 7000# Terry 26H TT over, around and thru the Cascades.

Enhancements: Blow-by bottle.

Founder/President of the: KISS MY DIESEL CLUB.

 

[Archive]

Sorry Don, I've got to disagree. I run studded snows in the winter on another set of rims, and when there's wet snow or wet ice, even studded tires aren't enough traction for steep driveways or plowing. With chains on all four wheels I feel like I could climb trees with my Ram if I so desired. I've been burying trucks in ditchs and snowdrifts for 30 years up here, and with the help of good tire chains, a coal shovel and a 4 foot handyman jack, I've never had to have someone else pull me out. On the other hand, I can't count the number of times that I've pulled others out of what has often been predicaments caused by their own stupidity. I carry a big yellow toe strap and a logging chain for those occasions!

------------------
Dan Heynen - Anchorage - '97 Club Cab 2500 4X4, Auto, 3. 54, US Gear Engine brake, gauges, K&N, lock-up switch, Mag-Tec rear end, Bushwhacker fender flares, rhino spray in bedliner, Amsoil user and dealer, 28 foot 5th wheel, 25 foot sailboat, Western Pro Plow, Arctic Cat snowmobiles.

 

[Archive]

Anyone looking for more info on tire chains should take a look at: www.scc-chain.com

This site has a wealth of info all related to use of tire chains & cables.



[This message has been edited by cjackg (edited 12-22-1999). ]

 

[Archive]

I have to agree that the stock tires (Michelin in my case) are great on snow with a fair amount of weight in the back, but on glare ice they are worthless.

I usually use 4WD due to the limited slip rearend's desire to sideslide on anything but dry pavement.

I live on a dirt road where the past 5 days they have been covered with glare ice. If you are familiar with 'washboarding' on dirt roads, you will know what I mean by last night having this truck do a 180 at 20mph on glare ice after hitting an ugly stretch of washboard. "lift foot & steer into the skid" does not work well in 4WD as the right front usually skids and or locks up.

This is the kind of glare ice where people are forced to leave there cars on hills and walk home (usually arriving with a sore tail).

Anyone make the mistake to switch from 4wd to 2wd while on ice? I don't recommend it, especially if you are decelerating at the same time. There is a point in the disconnection where an uneven amount of traction is applied to the front end... . weeeeeeeee

I am not unhappy with my truck or it's tires, however I am in this thread as I am looking for chains!

------------------
99QC 2500 SB 4x4 5spd most options except seat upgrades, thermostat controlled AC cab&engine heaters

 

[Archive]

I finally bought a set of Cooper cable chains for $45 just as insurance for my trip from Florida to Yakima, Wa. Never thought I would actually have to use them...
Coming across Wyoming from Cheyenne to Utah got pretty tricky with slick icy roads but no need for chains.
Then we got to the good stuff in Oregon on I84 with the interstate closed due to ice and snow on the roads, and still coming down. After we chained up along with the truckers, we found a backroad that got us back on the interstate 29 miles later. After that we only had the Blue Mtns and Deadmans Pass to deal with before coming out of all the snow and ice, and removing the chains. This set of cheap cable chains got over 100 miles of use that night and get full credit for getting us through an otherwise impossible situation.
I sure advise carrying a set for "insurance" !

------------------
1999 Dodge Ram SLT 3500 QC, 4x2, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Gooseneck hitch, US Gear Decel, Lance 1130 Camper.


[This message has been edited by cjackg (edited 02-17-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Not to be nit-picky, but doesn't the use of chains void your warranty? In fact, I remember signing a document when I bought the truck that said I waive all warranty if I use link chains on my tires.

Just a thought...

Craig

 

[Archive]

Craig -

Let me preface my comment(s) by stating that I believe you 100%. Having established that, what you're describing has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard!

That would effectively void the warranty of almost any vehicle which has ever operated at over 3000' elevation for any extended period of time, or been used on any ranch/farm/towing or logging operation, etc. I know I didn't sign any such paper, nor do I know anyone who has - because in this country that would definitely be a topic of conversation and probably the last pickup that dealer sold in about a 5000 sq. mi. area - NO JOKE!!

That's really interesting, I wonder how the hell they get away with that? Again, I believe you - it just amazes me.

Rob

------------------
1999 2500HD 4x4 SLT Driftwood QC LB 3. 55LSD 5spd Camper/Tow, Custom Front Bumper/Brush Guard, PIAA 90ProXT's, PIAA Platinum Headlamp Bulbs, Per-Lux 550 rr mtd aux b/u lights, Diamond Plate Bed Caps w/full frt&rr DiaPlate Protectors, Attwood 25Klb. rollover gooseneck hitch, Kelly Safari AWR LT255/85-16 tires, 2" Trailmaster leveling kit w/shocks, Muffler/Silencer Ring gone, Totem alum canopy, Mobil Delvac1 5W-40, and... cup smoothie

 

[Archive]

Maybe what they meant was that the tire warranty would be voided if you used chains. If so, that might make sense to me as I'm sure running chains on your tires is harder on them than running without.

------------------
-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes chapter of the TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, Prime-loc, boost & pyro gauges, TST Powermax, Permatech spray in liner, Grizzly ss nerf bars, front Draw-Tite receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's
http://my. voyager.net/stevest

 

[Archive]

Oh - that makes sense... never mind... #ad


Emily Latella