I searched and didn't finf the info I was looking for.

So, this is my first winter in Colorado and I've decided that I need some snow chains for extra traction on and off the road after almost sliding into a ravine this afternoon on a very snowy BLM road. I scared the ˟˟˟˟ outta my girlfriend and myself.
I'd like some that are pretty tough and don't cost an arm and a leg (if that combo is possible....)

Any favorites?

Thanks~ Gary

 

I used studded chains on my old Runners and P/U for both on and off road. Great as long as you're not in a hurry. Try this site:
http://www.scc-chain.com/Pages%20Traction/traction.html
If you have clearance issues, you may have to go with cables instead of chains. At the above site, they have a page that will walk you thru their products for whatever kind of vehicle application you have (your signature doesn't indicate what kind of ride you have). NOTHING works on ice like chains or studded tires-4WD and 2WD are both pretty useless if they can't get traction. If you can, try to put your chains on the front tires for maximum directional control.

 

I run a set of Z-chains (cables) that work quite well. The cables zig-zag back and forth over the tread to give good traction and they are super easy to install. First (and only time) I used them, I put them on buried to the hub in snow. Did not have to move the truck at all to get them on:



I wasn't stuck at the time but ended up having to pull two other trucks (one pictured and both at the same time!) up a steep, icy hill.

 

Thanks guys, the Z's seem to be what I'm looking for? Is there a preferred online retailer? JC Whitney does not have the size I need....

 

I got mine at a local auto parts store. Had a buddy with the same size tires that found the right set to fit the 33x10.50 tires we both ran. Note, that the fitment charts they have are off a bit, I think we ended up with one size smaller or larger than listed. They ran under $80 for the set.

 

I have a set of old school bus chains that were cut down to fit a truck I had over 20 years ago (set of 4 came with the truck). When I sold the truck, I kept the chains. Even "worn out" bus chains have plenty of meat left to use 4 wheeling (the links are huge). I did drive 150 miles on the street/hiway with all 4 chained (snow and ice storm) pulling my 18' trailer. My fingerprints are still embedded in the steering wheel.

 

I would not run chains on the front tires. To many suspention and steering components for them to get hung up on. My owners manual also states not to use them on the front.

 

http://4x4abc.com/ML320/ml_chains.html

and:

http://4x4abc.com/jeep101/chains.html

and:

http://4x4abc.com/ML320/ml_chainss.html

 

I sold a close friend my 1989 Yota 2wd a few years back. It was a base model with a 22R and a 4 speed that had just got a fresh paint job! He bought some cheap snow chains at Kmart or Wal Mart or some cheap place like that. Well he called me one morning last winter and wanted to head out and get breakfast with him, I thought to myself we should take my 4x4 since it was snowing pretty good and there was already 4" on the ground. I looked out at my truck and he was in my drive way on his cell phone! I ran my idea past him and he pointed out the tire chains so we were off! Well we made it to breakfast just fine which surprised me because when I owned the truck it didn’t move in the snow, I had BF Goodrich Commercial TA 6 ply tires all the way around that were not snow rated but with the chains they were great! Anyway we pulled out onto the high way in front of a state snowplow! He sped up and the plow truck was barreling down behind us, at that time one of the chains let go on the driver’s side, but it was still attached to the wheel!!!!!! We couldn’t pull over because of all the snow along the side berm and the fact that the other lane was not plowed and the freaking snow plow was right on our ass! Meanwhile the chain was whipping the bed at 50 mph! We finally yanked the truck off the road onto the next exit and jumped out to see what happened., It looks like some one beat the bed with a ball-pene hammer, stripped ALL the paint off and extended the wheel well! The moral of the story is MAKE sure that they are attached properly and don’t buy cheap chains or you will need a new bed and paint job!

 

Here's a good article by Bill Burke:

http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm

 

50 MPH!! :pat:
If I'm not mistaken, max recommended speed with chains is something 30 mph, and with cables its higher.

 

I know but when your in a Toyota 2wd going down a large hill on a snow covered highway with a HUGW state snow plow truck behind you, you may go a little over that Im just glad it wasnt my truck anymore, it really looks bad!