Tell me which winter chains to buy.

[Maui]

None!

Sponsored

 

[paneubert]

Amazon Warehouse (the Amazon for returned or slightly blemished/refurbished items) had a smoking deal on these ones.

"Security Chain Company QG2229CAM Quik Grip Light Truck CAM"

Decided the risk that they did not have enough clearance for me to turn my wheels without destroying my wheel wells was worth the cheap cost (more than 50% off retail). They are the correct model for my tire size, but that doesn't mean they will clear my wheel wells. Haha.

First set came in the mail and looked totally brand new in packaging (heavy canvas bag closed with a big zip-tie). Second set came loose in a "re-used"cardboard box, but had all the parts including the CAM wrench and ripped canvas bag.

We shall see if they fit with the clearance needed on the XL stock Continental Procontact tx 225/65R17 tires. Not like I even have my truck yet......haha. Might be Winter before I can even test fit them.

I see some people saying they have 255/65R17 tires with no rubbing......so there is that....

 

[C Hammer]

Did you get a chance to try the cable chains? I have the same tires on my 22 xlt and was wondering

thanks

 

[C from SF]

Did you get a chance to try the cable chains? I have the same tires on my 22 xlt and was wondering

thanks

I have not.

Basically, I have them for emergency and I follow the local road conditions to avoid driving when chains or alternatives are required (CalTrans Qiuckmap app for California). Since the section of road that impacts me is only 7 miles, I also bought snow socks - for the front tires only. Faster, easier and safer on tires when the road is only partially covered with ice.

See this review. If I was on a budget, I'd probably only get 2 pair of snow socks and skip the cables.

 

[C Hammer]

I have not.

Basically, I have them for emergency and I follow the local road conditions to avoid driving when chains or alternatives are required (CalTrans Qiuckmap app for California). Since the section of road that impacts me is only 7 miles, I also bought snow socks - for the front tires only. Faster, easier and safer on tires when the road is only partially covered with ice.

See this review. If I was on a budget, I'd probably only get 2 pair of snow socks and skip the cables.

Thanks for the info, socks look interesting. Was planning on going skiing and wanted to take some along just in case.
I have a set of two cable chains for my wife’s Forester that I believe will fit my Mavericks front wheels

 

[2seater]

I'm guessing it comes down to this fairly reasonable explanation.

"If you're driving an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, typically your chains will go on the front tires to boost traction when steering".

It has been many moons since I used chains but on both my old Willys 4wd wagon and my Isuzu Trooper II, the above advice was abundantly true. These were not the modern low profile and cable style but were both with standard chains of forty years ago as well as ice chains with the bent ice claws welded to the cross links. Best "go power" was chains on the rear, but cornering was an adventure as the rear would want to go straight and would push wide in a corner. Chains on the front were great for directional control as well as braking, but did lack the sheer go power. Of course, the best was chains on all four, but if you did get it stuck when all chained up, like on a frozen lake, be prepared to pay for a tow, or winch or springtime.

 

[Shakesbear]

So what you all are saying is that I should mount chains on the front driver and rear passenger tires. Got it!

That would seem totally logical on the AWD

 

[Timothyd]

Here is what it says in the owners manual.

USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Do not exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h). Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death.
WARNING: Do not use snow chains
on snow-free roads.
WARNING: Only fit snow chains to
specified tires.
WARNING: If your vehicle is fitted
with wheel trims, remove them before
fitting snow chains.
WARNING: Aggressive driving in
any road conditions can cause you to
lose control of your vehicle increasing
the risk of severe personal injury or
property damage. The traction control
activating is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury
and death. If you experience a severe
road event, slow down.

Not all S-class snow chains or cables
meet these restrictions. Chains of this
size restriction will include a tensioning
device.
• Purchase chains or cables from a
manufacturer that clearly labels body
to tire dimension restrictions. The snow
chains or cables must be mounted in
pairs on the rear tires only.
• When driving with snow chains do not
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) or the
maximum speed recommended by the
chain manufacturer, whichever is less.
• Install cables securely, verifying that
the cables do not touch any wiring or
brake lines.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables
rub or bang against the vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables to prevent
vehicle damage.
• Remove the tire chains when they are
no longer needed. Do not use tire
chains on dry roads.
If you have any questions regarding snow
chains or cables, please contact your
authorized dealer.

Ahhh, they mentioned death. Challenge accepted.

 

[paneubert]

For those keeping score, I did end up with 2 sets of chains (the "Security Chain Company QG2229CAM Quik Grip Light Truck CAM") ones I mentioned in an earlier post. But I then bought larger Falken 3 peak rated tires (245/65R17 107H SL FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL) and tossed those on there......so I dont think I could put the chains on even if I wanted to. They would rip the ever loving hell out of the wheel wells if I did.

So....if anyone wants to buy some beefy chains that fit on the stock XL tires, let me know! Seattle area.

 

[BlueRaven]

Figure the best time to buy some winter tire chains is not in the Winter when they are in high demand. Someone point me at some quality chains that will fit on the stock XL Maverick tires. AWD if that matters. Pacific Northwest if it matters. Won't need them for months at a time, but may need them for days/a week at a time when we have our once or twice per year "SnowMageddon/SnowPocalypse". Not worth buying snow tires or studded tires.

get snow tires, end of story. i have never once needed chains or cables.

 

[Castaway]

get snow tires, end of story. i have never once needed chains or cables.

What did they cost you in mileage?

 

[BlueRaven]

What did they cost you in mileage?

no clue, but on every other car that i have run with snow tires its the same mileage. i swapped to snows as soon as i got the mav. i get over 25mpg with the ecoboost. i wish it got better but its a brick, so it is what it is.

 

[mykream]

I am guessing nobody realizes that if the back end of your fwd vehicle gets away from you, there is no stopping it.. Hence why they say put them on the back tires. General fwd knowledge is you put your better/less worn tires in the rear and your more worn out tires in the front for this purpose. Same would go for the AWD. Since it isn't always AWD and mostly fwd.. you would put them on the rear.

Sponsored