Recommendation for good snow chains?

PlayOutside · 12-27-2016, 01:21 PM

First off - Happy Holidays!!!

We went for a little Holiday Camping trip and found ourselves almost stuck in a remote valley after a nice winter storm dumped a few inches of fresh snow on the dirt road in the passes at higher elevation...

We needed to use our "just in case of an emergency that will never happen" snow chains (cable style), and even though they got us out of the snow, they also got shredded beyond repair in the process.

Does anyone have recommendations for a great snow chain brand / style that can deal with heavy duty recovery needs?

We run 285/70R17 tires on our rig.

Thank you!

1der · 12-27-2016, 02:12 PM

Your choices will be cable or chain. Each has its pros and cons.

Cables like the Super Z from Peerless are easy to install, provide good grip and are easier on the the tires and road. They are lower profile and will do less fender damage if they break or come undone. I went with four of these for our rig.

Chains are are more rugged and probably provide better grip in very extreme conditions. They are likely better in mud conditions, as well. Harder to install.

Shop around as prices can vary greatly. I found tirebuyer.com to have very good prices.

E-rex · 12-27-2016, 02:33 PM

While this is a bit redneck / white trash / ghetto (pick your epithet), I am intrigued by the concept, and wonder if there is anything I can do with this general concept for the .0001% of the time I find myself stuck..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUUckU-vAqI

(and ironically, I was with my wife this morning, and she parked the Jetta sportwagen in wet muddy grass, and got it nice and stuck.. first time I could not extricate a car in several years :-) )

Flux · 12-27-2016, 02:55 PM

I have a set of RUD chains that I used on my F250 and will carry in the van as well. These are pretty burly. It's actually pretty fun to go hammer around with these on in the snow and ice.

PlayOutside · 12-27-2016, 03:08 PM

1der - thanks for the heads up! I think we'll look into chains as we would really only need them when the going gets really tough, so they might be a bit more rugged. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

E-rex - I like your thinking, and I think my hubby would be right up there willing to try something radical like your video link if our life and welfare depended on it

Flux - I'll check out the RUD chains. Sounds like they might be a good choice for us!

THANKS EVERYONE!!!

**daveb** · 12-27-2016, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E-rex

While this is a bit redneck / white trash / ghetto (pick your epithet), I am intrigued by the concept, and wonder if there is anything I can do with this general concept for the .0001% of the time I find myself stuck..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUUckU-vAqI

(and ironically, I was with my wife this morning, and she parked the Jetta sportwagen in wet muddy grass, and got it nice and stuck.. first time I could not extricate a car in several years :-) )

Never used these and not as a replacement for chains but they might get you out of a jam. Similar concept. I carry PWAG chains.

E-rex · 12-27-2016, 04:04 PM

I have read some reviews on these types of devices. In addition to effectiveness questions, build quality probably determines how many times they can be used. Clearance of the brake caliper is something to consider on anything like this (whether home-made or 'store bought').

I have not really gone seriously off-road with the Odyssey, but if I find myself going off-road when camping with the Econoline, I may want to start reading up on off-roading, including tire choices, and winches.

1der · 12-27-2016, 05:19 PM

A 2" miss of tagging a new Escalade that crossed in front of me to snake a parking space at Mammoth humbled me. Slight down hill just above Canyon Lodge had me sliding on a sheet of ice with no control.

Four wheel drive, lsd, M&S tires, whatever means sh*t in my pants nothing on ice. Chains, cables, or studs combined with the weight of our rigs makes them reasonably controllable ice breakers. Ice is way different than snow.

The cables went on the rears as soon as I could find a safe spot. Much more relaxing after that. Because they are easily installed, there is now no hesitation about putting them on if I feel they are needed.

The other reason for cables is the front 285/70-17's. Chains would definitely not clear.

Flux · 12-27-2016, 08:32 PM

The RUDS I have are fairly simple to put on. You don't have to roll onto them, they have a cable with a catch on the back side and then are tightened around the front and tensioned. Hardest part is untangling them. You should drive 30 feet and retension them.

I put my F250 into a telephone pole in Mammoth. Basically made a little side hill turn and just slid. Nothing i could do and yep, 4x4 with good tires is useless. Just depends on the storm up there, but the roads often freeze before getting covered and it's sketchy!!

dhally · 12-28-2016, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1der

...Because they are easily installed, there is now no hesitation about putting them on if I feel they are needed.

+1

The quick type cable chains are also easier to store onboard, and can be tensioned tighter than chain chains. I get them at Les Schwab, so they are warrantied when they break...

I try to put them on going UP the hill, since I'm tired after skiing but downhill in the afternoon is when it gets dicey.