Light Truck Tire Chain Question

[TheHammer]

I was amazed at the many types of light truck tire chains that are available. Looking for some advice - here's my situation.

I have a red shale driveway. It is straight, but very long (about 550 feet) and steep. In the six years I've lived in my house, I've learned to dread those wet snowfalls - as soon as you drive on the snow it packs right into ice. Last night was one of those snowfalls. I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with plow and recommended ballast. I am running Cooper ATR tires, and they perform very well in snow. I can go just about anywhere in the snow in them, just not up my steep, icy driveway.

I would imagine just about any style chains would make a world of difference, but, I'm leaning toward the heavy duty ladder V-BAR chains for that extra "bite". I'm probably over-analyzing, but any opinions?

 

[hazmat]

Do you really want to get out & put on chains to get up your driveway? I suppose they are not permitted on the streets.

Suggest you find some better tires - check out nokian light truck All Terrain Tires (while better than summer tires) are not in the same league as snow & ice tires.

 

[lhfarm]

I keep a couple of sets of these emergency strap on for cars under the seat in my Cherokee. I have the same type of drive. 1440' up, with two sharp turns so it is hard to maintain a run. They are quick to install - I've done so part way up the drive. They are cheap enough that you won't feel bad if they don't work out.

 

[TheHammer]

Hazmat,

Thanks for the reply.

No, I really would prefer to not go the tire chains route. You are correct, snow tires would be better, but I don't think it would solve my problem. If it snows while I am at work, I may have a foot of wet, heavy snow to deal with. When I said steep, I mean steep, and all up with no level spots until you reach the top.

Once I get the driveway plowed, I throw cinders down, and within a day or two all is well. It's just a matter of being able to get up to plow down. Like I said, it's only when we get a heavy, wet snow that I have problems - maybe 2 or 3 times a season. That's why I could live with having to deal with putting the chains on for only those occasions.

 

[jdbower]

I saw a Jeep drive by advertising OnSpot tire chains. I'm not convinced they're all that great, but they could be a good option for you. I've got Dunlop WinterSport M2 tires and I've been impressed at how grippy they are on ice and snow, but they're not exactly the best offroad tires

 

[Egon]

Go with the Vbar chains. Just remember they take a while to install and take off!

Off course when they are needed the time is well spent.

 

[tommu56]

TheHammer

look for cable chains by security chain we use them on the fire trucks and i bought sets for my wife's jeep and my truck.

I can drive on them in about 10 minuets

link
SCC Radial Chain

tom

 

[DieselPower]

I saw a Jeep drive by advertising OnSpot tire chains. I'm not convinced they're all that great, but they could be a good option for you. I've got Dunlop WinterSport M2 tires and I've been impressed at how grippy they are on ice and snow, but they're not exactly the best offroad tires

They work and work well. I have installed probably 70 to 80 pair of them over the years on school bus's, fire trucks and fuel trucks. Of the two major manufacturers, OnSpot and Insta-Chain my choice would be the Insta-Chain brand. Just a better all around product in my opinion. If properly installed and adjusted they are the ultimate tire chain hands down. Best of all you don't have to get out of the vehicle to install them like regular chains. Just flip the switch their on, flip the switch back and their off.

 

[jdbower]

They work and work well.

Good to know! They certainly fit the "easy to use" lazy-factor, I was going to ask about them when I get a new truck but now I don't have to

 

[TheHammer]

Yes, OnSpots are awesome. I see a lot of them on fire trucks and ambulances around here. I don't even want to know how much they cost, though!

I think I'm just going to invest in the Vbar chains. I think for my needs they will be the best compromise between price and performance. Thanks everyone for your advice!