New tire chains

[chevy292]

Hi everyone,
I have a set of new tire chains on the way! Should be here Tuesday. I have never installed a set of chains on a tire this large before. I understand the basic idea of how they are installed, any good tips to make it nice and easy?

Also, I asked the company if I needed to use a tensioner to keep them tight and they said I don't. Why is this? I thought that they kept the cross chains from slapping the ground. Advice either way would be great.

-Joshua

 

[beenthere]

If the chains fit the tire, there is no need for tensioners. It is when the chains are too big for the tire, that they slap around.

The chains should come with directions.
If not, lay them out so they lay flat, and with no twists in the side chains. Can tell by looking at the side links at the ends if some twisting has ocurred.
Decide which will be the inside chain and the outside. Lay the chain over the tire and try to hook the inside side chain first, then pull the outside together to get it fastened. This may require moving the tire forward or reverse, or what I find is it is easiest to just jack the tire up so the chain moves under and around.

Read up on some of the many threads on TBN about chains, that include pics that will be a big help.

A pic of your chains laid out will be helpful to give you more guidance and what to do next.

 

[Markcuda]

Here is a lot of information on tire chain installations.
Garden Tractor, Snow Blower, ATV Tire Chains Installation Instructions

 

[RoyJackson]

This year was the first time in my 61 years I installed tire chains.
Other then untangling them and the weight, wasn't a bad job at all. There's several videos on Youtube and a very nice one on www.tirechains.com. There's also printable instructions on tirechains.com if you want to refer to them during the installation.
I did the rig to the wheel, then back over them to pull them around the tire thing. BTW, not to disagree with Beenthere's instructions, but the chains from tirechains.com do have a specific "inside" and "outside" chain.
Although I got them tight enough so they don't flop around, I still used bungees as tensioners.

Now, I've got a bad hand from a stroke and two herniated disks. If I can hack installing chains, anybody can.

 

[leveled]

I install with a floor jack easier to get tight. I lay chain across the top then connect at the bottom from behind the tire.

 

[chevy292]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I still have my backhoe on for weight so I'll be able to use that to lift the tires off the ground. I realize it is late in the season to be buying chains, but boy oh boy did I have a hard time finding a company that had the right size in stock.

I was originally looking to get a set of basic 4 link chains....couldn't find them anywhere....so I ended up ordering a set of duo grip chains. For those that have used them, how do you like them?

 

[Sumpter]

I got those on my R4's. The only issue I have is that the chain falls between the lugs and from the many threads on here about this it is a common thing that happens.

 

[whistlepig]

Not too late for chains. The reason I bought my chains was because of a heavy snow in mid February this year.

 

[Johnbro]

Not too late for chains. The reason I bought my chains was because of a heavy snow in mid February this year.

?? do you have a time machine or are you just real certain this will happen??

 

[Sumpter]

I'd say a crystal ball. Do you know the next lottery numbers ?