Looking for snow chain recommendations

[JacksonH]

I have been running KO2 for about a year now and they have been amazing in the snow. I used to go to college in flagstaff and chains were never required but I now have a job up in Kings Canyon National Park in California. The park requires chains to be put on vehicles when it snows, but I do not own chains. Does anyone have any recommendations (tire size is 30X9.50R15)?

 

[bucky]

My local Walmart had both cables and chains. They had a good supply of truck tire sizes. I’ve never used cables but I have chains for all my trucks. I carry them in a canvas bag with gloves, a small tarp and plenty of bungees to make sure they are nice and tight. One of these years I plan on marking the bags to tell which set goes with it’s corresponding truck.

 

[bkeith72]

I've used the Z-Cables in the local SoCal mountains and in Mammoth (other side of Kings Canyon) with great success : https://peerlesschain.com/light-truck-tire-chain/super-z-lt

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Having used both types I'd go for cables. They're a lot easier to install and remove than chains are.

 

[jeepguy03]

Having used both types I'd go for cables. They're a lot easier to install and remove than chains are.

They are also lighter and seem to be less of a strain on the vehicle, and less vibration.

 

[Kid Mechanic]

I have been running KO2 for about a year now and they have been amazing in the snow. I used to go to college in flagstaff and chains were never required but I now have a job up in Kings Canyon National Park in California. The park requires chains to be put on vehicles when it snows, but I do not own chains. Does anyone have any recommendations (tire size is 30X9.50R15)?

Those BFG’s are very good in snow/slick conditions. The Z-chains mentioned work well until there is nothing but a sheet of ice, at that point chains with ice-breakers are the only thing that will keep you going. If the road is that steep and covered in nothing but ice, it might not be a good idea to be on that road.

You won’t even need to put on chains, just have them in vehicle, with those tires & 4 wheel drive. If the conditions are so bad that it’s an R-3 condition, the road would probably be shut down anyway.

The traffic will be going so slow that the biggest obstacle will be keeping distance from others when they start sliding. Learn when your vehicle wants to break free and how to brake properly when you start sliding. Know how to put on those cables before you need to use them and also learn their limits.

This was always a good spectator sport;

 

[ColoJeep]

In light duty use in moderate conditions cable " chains " are easy to install and beat nothing.
However in real, no BS conditions you need real V-bar tire chains. Yes they are more difficult install,
but the difference over cables are significant.
Good luck in your search JacksonH !

 

[foresterdj]

Before moving to MN I was a forester for 30 years in MT. In the winter, when you left the blacktop to head up a snow packed mountain road throwing on chains was a daily occurrence, and should not take only 10-15 minutes max., unless they are buried in your gear box since the last winter. They are really needed more for stop than for go. Breaking traction and sliding down hill with a steep drop has pucker factor you would not believe. Put them on the rear tires, if they can move you forward, the extra weight on the front drive can usually steer you. (Plus most modern vehicles do not leave enough room for chains on the front.)

I liked standard V-bar twist link ladder style chains, though have used square link also without V-bar. Cross links need to reach over tread and about halfway to the rim. trim side links so they hook in the third link on a new tire. That way they are long enough to generally get them hooked in the last link those times you did not choose to put them on until stuck (very bad idea). Also, when tire is worn down you will be no more than the fourth link. Side cam lock chains are stupid. Look good on roads where you really do not need chains but in tough going, digging and lurching, the tension and release will cause a cam to flip loose, then another, and next thing chain is off wrapped around axle.

Lay chains over the tires, curve of side link loops outward, open hook end to inside. On inside slip end link on hook and then the 3rd or 4th link where they will be tight. This traps excess links so they do not tear up brake lines, etc. On the outside first hook the desired 3rd or 4th link, THEN hook end link, latch the hook. again, this traps the excess links. Sometimes you might need to drive a hundred feet or so to retighten to the desired link. Tight as you can get, maybe with your leatherman to help your cold bare fingers get them latched is good enough. Properly hooked as described you do not need rubber bungies, I have certainly thousands of chained up miles under my belt to attest to this.

 

[reddvltj]

Something many people do not take into account when it comes to running chains on the highway (paved road) is that ladder (traditional cross link) style chains and cables can mess with ABS and traction control systems. The best pattern, chain to run is either a "Z" link or "Diamond" pattern.

Laclede makes an easy to install and quality chain that fits that bill nicely.

They have light duty and heavy duty for your tire size
HD, Alpine Super Sport
https://lacledechain.com/traction-s...suv-vehicles&step=2&v1=30&v2=9.50&v3=15&v4=LT

LD, Alpine Sport
https://lacledechain.com/traction-s...suv-vehicles&step=2&v1=30&v2=9.50&v3=15&v4=LT

 

[reddvltj]

Those BFG’s are very good in snow/slick conditions. The Z-chains mentioned work well until there is nothing but a sheet of ice, at that point chains with ice-breakers are the only thing that will keep you going. If the road is that steep and covered in nothing but ice, it might not be a good idea to be on that road.

You won’t even need to put on chains, just have them in vehicle, with those tires & 4 wheel drive. If the conditions are so bad that it’s an R-3 condition, the road would probably be shut down anyway.

The traffic will be going so slow that the biggest obstacle will be keeping distance from others when they start sliding. Learn when your vehicle wants to break free and how to brake properly when you start sliding. Know how to put on those cables before you need to use them and also learn their limits.

This was always a good spectator sport;

WOW!!!! That was fun to watch!! That last taco.. "oh I've got chains" Yeah too bad they're for4 sizes too small for those tires...