Ham-Bone

rekievit i would go will snow tires for what you r doing other than chains because chains would be a hassel more than anything if your taking them on and off. im not sure about where you live but im pretty sure there illegal do have on any vehicle that is doing any really amount of driving on the road like a car or truck or tractor trailer because it would wear the payment down faster .. there okay for tractors tho because they don't do as much driving on the road.

8thgenf150fan

Snow tires help a little on my 2wd F150 but not much. I bought the Bronco partly because I was tired of getting stuck in my own driveway never mind on the road. However, I should of just gotten chains. True, you can't go over 40 mph. But if you are going over 40 mph when there is half a foot of snow on the road then you are driving recklessly.

rekievit

Thanks for all the input guys. I agree that I wouldn't want to use the chains on the paved roads. I was thinking more of getting a set to put in my truck in case I get stuck on the dirt roads.
I do have ATs on my truck and don't run into any problems on the paved roads where the plows go, as long as my 4wd is working.
I think I will shop around for a cheap set of chains and pick some up if i find a good price. Of course were getting closer to the end of winter than the beginning now...

mitchalvin

Usually this time of year most places start placing the snow chains on sale, if you get a set make sure that they are a heavier truck chain as opposed to a car chain. The truck chains typically use larger crosslinks I have a set of car chains that will almost tuck into the tread voids of my tires and not touch the road surface.

stealth

i went into the winter with my army drive mentality, chains just in case...didnt need them but its true studs for ice chains for snow. i have a 3wd crew cab and did fine with dropping to drive low and taking it nice and easy.

yanny

Here is an answer to your original question. I have a set of Peerless Auto Trac chains for my truck. I only use them while driving through really deep snow when I'm trying to get to my favorite hunting spots or ice fishing spots. They take about 15 minutes to install. Once they are on you can go almost anywhere.

With no leveling kit or upgraded tires I was able to pull a 14' camper 5 miles further up the lake than anybody else dared to go the first time I used chains. The snow was packed really hard and well over a foot deep. We stayed on the ice for three days and didn't see another vehicle. Guys would pull up on snow mobiles and say WTF!!! How did you guys get out here. They couldn't believe we made it that far, especially when towing an old camper. (camper was on custom skis I made for more clearance). Didn't feel I was abusing the truck, I stuck it in low and kept the rpms around 3000. The truck was almost unstoppable. The odd time I would loose enough speed that I would stop, back-up, and get my speed back up. I've been told never to spin the chains when you are stopped as the chattering is really hard on the drive drain. Couldn't have been more impressed.

I put them on this November when I was hunting to get to my best spots. One day I thought I might be a little far from help and decided not to push my luck. When I hit reverse I had a perfect imprint of my front bumper in the lightly packed snow. Tried to get out but was pushing snow with the door, decided that was far enough and I was pushing my luck.

The next day I was heading out to take down some blinds and trail cameras. I forgot to throw the truck back into 4x4. I noticed I was having trouble staying in my rutts from the week prior. I ended up sliding down a side hill. I was getting a little excited and thought I was in trouble and didn't take time to think about the situation. I kept sliding further down the hill and decided to try and get the truck pointed up the hill. I dug right down to the soft soil under the snow and began throwing it all over the place. Just when I thought I was truley screwed I realized I was in 2 wheel drive still. I clicked it into 4x4 and climbed up the snow covered hill with very little effort. I couldn't believe I had gotten as far as I did in 2 wheel drive. I honestly don't think I could have made it that far in 4x4 without the chains.

I honestly feel chains have no equal for traction in deep snow. If you get a set don't get to brave or think you are invincable. If you ever have a break down, chances are nobody is going to be able to get to you to help!

We are going on the same fishing trip in a couple months and my tires are done. I have a 3" leveling kit and 1.5 inch blocks for the rear. I'm considering 275/70/18's for looks and a little extra clearance (don't want to go any wider). Problem is my chains won't fit without some alterations. I'm definitely leaning to altering the chains after seeing what they can offer.