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10-15-2007, 01:47 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Renton, WA
Posts: 274
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Tire Chains
Well, I'm down to my last decision, at least on what to get from SMB. What are the opinions of tire chains? How are the Pewag chains that SMB west offers? The 4x4 Grip chains RUD makes seem to have high ratings. Are the Pewags that SMB carries as easy to get on? I probably wouldn't worry about it now but I'd like to be adventurous on my drive back home from Fresno.
Thanks
__________________
2007 6.0l 4x4 "Betsy"
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10-15-2007, 02:08 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,643
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At what point do you need chains on top of 4x4 and lockers?
__________________
it was good to be back
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10-15-2007, 02:22 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,177
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I've seen the RUD chains installed a few times. Much. much easier to install, and very compact compared to typical chains (e.g. Pewag). I see RUD chains selling for just under $200 for 4 sets of chains.
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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10-15-2007, 02:36 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Renton, WA
Posts: 274
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Jage -
I'm not sure where that point is exactly but, judging by history, I bet I can and will find it.
At this point I'm "only" putting all-terrain tires on the van. I'm not nearly as confident in how they'll do in the snow as a set of of the mud-terrains would do. We'll be spending a fair bit of time in the mountains when we finally get this thing. Especially when I have the kids with me I want to be damn sure I can get back. It's a Dad thing -- i.e. Mom will kick my butt if I don't.
Herb -
In looking at the Pewag web site they offer something similar to the RUDs. I don't know if they go on as easy or work as well, and I'm not sure if that model is what SMB carries.
__________________
2007 6.0l 4x4 "Betsy"
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10-15-2007, 03:14 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa CA
Posts: 638
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Jage,
You will know when you need chains on top of 4WD. It will be about 10 minutes before you realize you should have stayed home!
__________________
Chris/Ruth
2016 MBZ Sprinter 144" 4wd.
DIY
07 BMW 525xi wagon
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10-15-2007, 03:22 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 785
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In CA, You will need chains when you hit the CHP roadblock in the middle of a driving snowstorm. CA law requires all vehicles to carry chains in snow/ice road conditions. Even if you have 4x4 with snow tires, you legally also need to carry chains. Last year a CHP officer made me show him my chains before he'd let me pass in the SMB. Didn't have to put them on, just had to prove they were there.
R
__________________
2006 SMB 4x4, EB-51, 6.0psd
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10-15-2007, 03:39 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,177
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Velogeo
Herb -
In looking at the Pewag web site they offer something similar to the RUDs. I don't know if they go on as easy or work as well, and I'm not sure if that model is what SMB carries.
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I have a set of big, bulky chains that came with my used SMB. I have to admit that I only assumed they were the Pewag chains that SMB sells. I have seen new chains in a bag up at SMB West, and based upon the size and shape of the bag, I think they are the full link type of chains, not a cable type of chain. Maybe SMB West has more than one option?
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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10-15-2007, 05:04 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 282
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As a long-time 2WD + chains snow driver, the CHP does have a point. 4WD = 0WD if you start to skid and the ABS doesn't seem to help much on ice, whereas with 2WD+chains, you start to skid and the ABS + chains really does a fantastic job at stopping you (while you watch with clenched teeth as 4WD SUVs, thinking they were invincible, go past you into the ditch). So, for really icy conditions, I'll probably put on chains for when, not if, the van loses traction at speed.
__________________
2006 RB50 6.0 Diesel
Flatplate water heater (mounted INSIDE), portable butane stove (no propane)
SMB 4WD
Amsoil
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10-15-2007, 05:17 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oregon
Posts: 168
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dont even bother with anything less than the RUD Grip 4X4's. They are sweet; quick and easy on/off and have a plastic steel cable to help locate the cross bar links. I dont know what SMB is selling them for, but you should be able to find them for less than $200 for two sets (4tires) online.
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10-15-2007, 05:45 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Renton, WA
Posts: 274
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You can get the RUDs from Bill Burke's web site http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm for a little less than $200 for all 4, not including shipping. He really recomends them in his videos. I've been boning up. It's been almost 15 years since I've gotten to go down anything rougher than a gravel road.
The only real reason I'd consider the Pewags is because I don't want to carry tire chains in my luggage. I'd hate to think what the TSA would think of that.
Thanks for the replies.
__________________
2007 6.0l 4x4 "Betsy"
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