Alternatives to conventional chains

[Magnified]

Okay folks, I've had my fair share of traditional tire chains back when the dinosaurs ruled the earth. I've been looking at some of the alternatives and wondered if you have more information or experience that I could learn from. SnoBootz, SnowSocks, etc..., including the wire held traction adders (that I've heard horror stories about when they come apart). This is mainly directed at hill climbing dirt/rock in snow.

 

[04Ram2500Hemi]

If you really need chains, especially for snow and rocks, don’t even screw with anything but good quality tire chains.

 

[BULL]

If you're talking about a truck, get CHAINS!

If you're talking about a car, still get chains. I went through several versions of tire chains on my car back when I was skiing.

All of the cable based, weird stuff didn't work well, or at all. Chains allowed me to go up the Powder Mountain road with ease.

 

[Deano]

In the late 70s I had a set of plastic tire chains, the crossbars had metal studs in them. worked great. They resembled metal chains. Just did a brief internet search, lots of varieties but not what I had.
No idea if they are still made.

 

[Markp]

Next time your looking for tires look at the Goodyear wrangler duratraks they come pre drilled for studs. Just buy the studs and screw them in. As for chains I have never used them I got duratraks. You can get custom big studs that are like mini spikes

 

[Magnified]

Roger that. Thanks all for the contributions so far. We are pretty much on the same page.

 

[Markp]

 

[DaveB]

I used to snowmobile every weekend in the mountains...studded winters are the way to go for sure. (edit: NOT the studs shown above, LOL....normal DOT approved studs)

At one point many years ago I had a company truck that was 2wd. I used to take it sledding (tow trailer with two sleds on it) and I used real chains on the rear....I got around on the back roads almost as well as the 4x4 guys.

 

[Markp]

I used to snowmobile every weekend in the mountains...studded winters are the way to go for sure. (edit: NOT the studs shown above, LOL....normal DOT approved studs)

At one point many years ago I had a company truck that was 2wd. I used to take it sledding (tow trailer with two sleds on it) and I used real chains on the rear....I got around on the back roads almost as well as the 4x4 guys.

Yup studs are the way to go. The reason I showed him the big spike studs is I think he is using them for off road hill climbing

 

[Magnified]

Not off road, per se. There is a road there, but steep and getting worn on the edges. Buying 7+ acres in the rockies at 8100' or so (was shooting for 8800, but you take what you can get). Going to have to have the entire thing regraded and throw in a few culverts for drainage control. But, the rest of the roads on the place are basically just 70 year old bulldozer tracks and if we're going up those (which I probably will because I'm stupid like that) it could be pretty nasty. Think that might qualify as off road. Went up it in the summer with just 4WD and it was okay, get a few inches of refreeze on it and it will be fun and games.

 

[DGatzby]

Get a beat up four wheeler for use until the improvements make it more accessible. Doubles as the fun mobile to explore also. Congrats anywhere out there is good. I am confused and looking at about four different states generally myself.

 

[Magnified]

lol, funny you should say that. I was checking out a 1973 Ford Bronco for such duties. lol, if the world ends I can probably machine just about any part I'd need for it.

 

[SilverBillet]

Stock up on firewood, beans, bread, peanut butter, water and beer and don’t go down the hill when the driveway is that bad! Also, those dirt/gravel roads are going to have big ruts in them all the time. You’ll need a very good dependable 4x4 to get up and down in dry weather as well!

 

[Magnified]

This is near to where I spent the last 50 years on and off, so I think we'll be okay (familiar with basic conditions even with the weather changing). I'm afraid of one of two things: I'll hate it, because its not all I remember from my younger years (though I'm working on myself to prevent that) or I will love it and not want to leave to continue running the businesses and working to pay for it. Going to be snow there this weekend I believe. Going out tomorrow or next day.

 

[Hickster]

I was a more fore dite once and have not changed since.