Tire Chains/Cables

[CLopey]

Hey all,

Gonna be driving up to Big Bear Mountain in California and the forecast says a good amount of snow.
This will be my first time driving in snow/ice (I’m a Florida native) and I’m a tad bit worried.

Any recs on tire chains/cables?

My co-worker recommended the ones in the picture.

Thanks!

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[a6m5]

I used to put identical chains by SCC(probably same exact) on my Altima years ago & they were amazing, year after year. Very durable.

I have LT265/70R17 on my Ranger now, couldn't find cable chains so gotten Quick Grip also by SCC. Fortunately or unfortunately I've yet to try them out yet.

 

[Jon Olivier]

I've been using that style on my cars for many years, mostly driving up to Big Bear. I've never had a problem with them. Does your Ranger have 4WD, and Mud and Snow tires? The chain requirements up there right now are at R2, which means you won't need to use the chains if you're 4WD with Mud and Snow tires, but you will need to carry them.

 

[pismo1]

Get the cables.But before you go practice putting them on at home.It gets cold and your hands will get numb from the cold fast and putting them on with gloves is a pain.

 

[subquark]

Hey all,

Gonna be driving up to Big Bear Mountain in California and the forecast says a good amount of snow.
This will be my first time driving in snow/ice (I’m a Florida native) and I’m a tad bit worried.

Any recs on tire chains/cables?

My co-worker recommended the ones in the picture.

Thanks!

Those should work fine for you. Be sure to have some good, water resistant gloves, and if you don't have a kneeling pad, using your floor liner is a good way to stay dry.

Practice putting your chains on in nice weather and youll be good!

I use König XG-12 Pro, but yours will work too. Have fun! =)

$329 at Amazon! I paid $209 in October '22 ...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009PHQU8K

 

[brroberts]

I’ve had Thule’s in the past that go on fast and easy. The Konigs are the closest to that. I have them for the rear of my Ranger, and they to go on and off fast.

 

[Frenchy]

You can go with chains or cables if you want. Another good option is Auto Socks. They work well in Winter Conditions.

I would also recommend a good set of All-Seasons like the Michelin LTX M&S or the Firestone Destination LE3.

 

[Cmar]

Not really an issue over here except for one small part of mainland Australia in winter, or Tasmania, and then only if you want to go skiing. But I do own a set, they are invaluable if you are going to tackle the tropical rain forest tracks in the wet. But mine are the old ladder style pattern.

 

[twk]

You can go with chains or cables if you want. Another good option is Auto Socks. They work well in Winter Conditions.

Cool. I had to look that up. Socks for your vehicles.
https://autosock.us/pages/product-lines

 

[CLopey]

I've been using that style on my cars for many years, mostly driving up to Big Bear. I've never had a problem with them. Does your Ranger have 4WD, and Mud and Snow tires? The chain requirements up there right now are at R2, which means you won't need to use the chains if you're 4WD with Mud and Snow tires, but you will need to carry them.

No 4WD, just 2. I don’t do much off-roading so didn’t need a 4WD.
I have been wanting to get some new/better tires, but I haven’t worn out the ones that came with my truck yet as I don’t drive a lot. I believe they’re all-terrains. Even if I did have snow tires, I’d probably still want to use the chains/cables since it will be my first time driving in snow/ice.

Thanks a lot for your response!

 

[CLopey]

Get the cables.But before you go practice putting them on at home.It gets cold and your hands will get numb from the cold fast and putting them on with gloves is a pain.

Good advice!

 

[CLopey]

Those should work fine for you. Be sure to have some good, water resistant gloves, and if you don't have a kneeling pad, using your floor liner is a good way to stay dry.

Practice putting your chains on in nice weather and youll be good!

I use König XG-12 Pro, but yours will work too. Have fun! =)

$329 at Amazon! I paid $209 in October '22 ...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009PHQU8K

Good thinking! I have rubber floor mats, but I need to get some gloves.

 

[subquark]

Good thinking! I have rubber floor mats, but I need to get some gloves.

It's crazy how miserable your hands can feel when fidgeting with the chain. I just have some $7 rubberized gardening gloves. No insulation, just waterproof.

Unless you're really lucky, it's almost inevitable that you're nearly on your side sliding the chain behind the tire. Snow, ice, and slush tend to unravel a smooth install of your chains.

But it's not too bad and it usually takes a minute or less to get your chain on each tire and fastened properly.

Once on, most typically have an upper speed of 25 mph. Going faster is tough on the chain and could cause fender damage if a chain pops off.

I've only used chains on the Ranger three times, but growing up in Canada, I've ridden hundreds of times with chains on and never had any bad issues (chain breakage but no vehicle damage).

 

[CLopey]

I've been using that style on my cars for many years, mostly driving up to Big Bear. I've never had a problem with them. Does your Ranger have 4WD, and Mud and Snow tires? The chain requirements up there right now are at R2, which means you won't need to use the chains if you're 4WD with Mud and Snow tires, but you will need to carry them.

I misspoke. My tires do actually say M+S on them, surprisingly.
These are them, although these in the pc don’t say M+S.

 

[Jon Olivier]

I misspoke. My tires do actually say M+S on them, surprisingly.
These are them, although these in the pc don’t say M+S.

Nice! You'll still need chains on since no 4WD.
Enjoy your trip.

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