Best recommended Tire Chains for TT & TV

[LittleBill]

Have been following different threads about traveling out West which we hope maybe next year a wander that way. I understand that most of the Western States call for carrying chains when crossing the mountains.

I don't have any at this time, but plan on buying some for my TV and 5er. What I am looking for is what brand/style do you carry and/or recommend that are easily put on in an emergency, are top quality and are ones that would not necessarily break the bank.

Thanks and safe travels -

[TitanMike]

For my TV I have a set of these;



Good forward traction and lateral stability.

For trailer i have a set of cable chains. Trailer only gets chains when descending from mountains and they act act as drag chains so trailer stays behind rather than trying to race ahead.

Be advised, Whitestar chains aren't cheap. ~$80+ But cheap chains are the last thing you want if you get caught in snow.

[bob213]

If you have 4 wheel drive do you put chains on the front?

[Tabasco_Joe]

Originally Posted by bob213

If you have 4 wheel drive do you put chains on the front?

Start with rear. In really bad conditions second set on front.
But if it's that bad you shouldn't be towing.

I have "ambulance" chains for rear and lighter chains such as those TitanMike shows for front. Ambulance chains have small bars welded onto the chain links in the center of the tread.

[elchilero53]

Originally Posted by bob213

If you have 4 wheel drive do you put chains on the front?

Check your owner's manual for proper tire chain placement. It will tell you what to do (including in the trailering/towing section). On 4WD vehicles when in 4WD you typically chain the front wheels of the TV (something about damaging the transfer case). It differs from maker to maker.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by bob213

If you have 4 wheel drive do you put chains on the front?

Generally not. If one needs to chain all four wheels on a 4WD vehicle you should have avoided going into the snow in the first place

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Generally not. If one needs to chain all four wheels on a 4WD vehicle you should have avoided going into the snow in the first place

During hunting season back roads i always chain up all 4 . beats having to chain up after getting stuck . as far as hwy 4 wheel drive with good tires do not require chains when chain laws in effect .

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by LittleBill

Have been following different threads about traveling out West which we hope maybe next year a wander that way. I understand that most of the Western States call for carrying chains when crossing the mountains.

I don't have any at this time, but plan on buying some for my TV and 5er. What I am looking for is what brand/style do you carry and/or recommend that are easily put on in an emergency, are top quality and are ones that would not necessarily break the bank.

Thanks and safe travels -

Chain laws are in effect during certain months . in Colorado i believe Nov through may . but could be wrong as you don't need chains for 4x4 with good tires . IF towing then chains would be prudent during a snow storm where roads are packed . you don't need to carry chains if your not commercial but do need to have them if a storm is going on . best thing would be to wait out the storm a day or 2 and roads will be clear

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by MR.M

Chain laws are in effect during certain months . in Colorado i believe Nov through may . but could be wrong as you don't need chains for 4x4 with good tires . IF towing then chains would be prudent during a snow storm where roads are packed . you don't need to carry chains if your not commercial but do need to have them if a storm is going on . best thing would be to wait out the storm a day or 2 and roads will be clear

In our state you don't need to have chains if your 4X4 has M&S or A/S tires (in good shape) installed. If you are towing it won't matter. Be prepared to chain up.


BTW, more than just carrying chains it's a good idea to have a tarp, some suitable gloves, weather proof clothes, and hat. Nobody ever gets to chain up in warm, dry, areas unless at home in your garage/barn.

[Dirt Sifter]

Mr M and Titan Mike are pretty close with the tire chains not required on 4x4 in snow, but some states require the tires have the snow flake or mountain snow logos on the tire to allow passage without chaining up - and in most cases you must have tire chains available in the vehicle at any rate. Titan Mike's chains hold up real well over longer distances as with all chains at slower speeds. Too much speed and they all come apart and start tearing things up. Be safe.