Probably going up North end of October-ish later this year in Northern BC to go Steelhead fishing. I'm thinking I'm gonna get a set of chains "Just in case," and I'm curious if you guys have any specific brands or manufacturers of chains you could recommend to fit my stock size tires (31 x 10.5 x 15). Not looking to break the bank but I don't want ĊĊĊĊe either. These will probably see some use I'm guessing on the backroads and maybe the odd onroad appplication if we manage to go thorugh a big dump on our way up there. Any other tips are appreciatd.

 

Hmmm...what are tire chains? I'm trying to remember.... It was 90° here today. Tire chains are tough to think about today.

 

SCC Z-Chains are awesome:

 

I don't have any pertinent recommendations, but here's an online site:

http://www.tirechain.com/TRUCK-SUV-CHAINS.HTM

 

Here another question to ask.......Which is better the true chain or the "cable chain"?

 

Depends on what you plan to use the chains for. Cables are way easier to install and remove, a lot less weight and if you get something line the Z-Chains, with the zig-zag segments, you almost eliminate the gaps where you have bare tire exposed. If you are going to be using them a lot, then a good set of cross bar chains are unbeatable. The cables are much nicer to drive on, especially if it is just on compact snow and ice on pavement. With real chains, you can't drive as fast unless the snow is deep.

The Z-Chains I have unhook in 2 places in back and one place in front of the tire. I've installed them with tires sunk in to the axle in deep snow. Did not need to move the truck to get them on like you do w/ real chains.

 

should yo buy chains for all four tires or back two?

 

Again depends on your requirements. 1 pair for the rear wheels will generally meet chain required conditions in most states (R2 and R3 in Calif.). Get 2 pair if you plan on wheeling with the chains on or need to go in very bad conditions. I have 2 pair, only used 1 pair.

 

I saw a cool trick last winter, this guy had 2 wooden blocks that he placed in between the chains in the middle of the chain, drove the car till the car was resting on the blocks. The blocks lifted the car 1.5" the chains now were free to move he just wraped them around the tire click, click and he was done. Drove two feet picked up his blocks and was out of their. A cool trick if you need chains. 4X4 + snow = Fun.

 

roger thats a sweet picture

 

Cable chains are more tire-friendly, especially for car tires. The also don't tear up the roadways when they can cut down to pavement. They will go down the highway much bettter - good for road trips when they make you chain up, fine for trails but not very aggressive.

Real chain chains are more agressive - they will provide more traction. Harsher ride on-road and they do not like pavement. V-bar type chains are ultra-agressive, but can more easily damage a tire. Be darn sure they only get used when there is no chance of any pavement.

We always chained up the front first (on a 4x4) or sometimes one front(left) and one rear(right.) With the fronts chained, in 4wd you get the same driving traction as rear-only but you can steer much better. I only chained up all 4 once that I can remember and that was with a set of borrowed V-bars - AMAZING traction!

 

I also like my RUD GRIP 4x4 chains. Got 'em for all 4 tires.
http://www.rudchain.com/snow/grip4.htm

Pricey buggers though, and don't seem to be available for oversize tires.

Don't have to move the truck, *very* fast, easy installation.

Bill Burke write-up here:
http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm