Recommend Snow Chains

[CompleteTruckNewbie]

In Colorado you are required to carry traction devices (chains or socks) in certain areas, even if conditions at the time don't require you to use them. I almost never use them (I had an SUV for 24 years and used chains maybe twice, my Subaru Sedan is 11 years old and the chain packaging has never been open).

Do you have recommendation for chains that are both one expensive but will do the job done if I do have to equip some?

My truck is 4x4, do I need chains on all 4 wheels?

Sponsored

 

[JohnTrigger]

Ford in your owner’s manual says just put chains on your rear wheels only

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...A&div=f&vFilteringEnabled=False&buildtype=web

I bought from here as I didn’t think I’d need them that often:
https://autosock.us/

 

[mkinttrim]

I use to live in Colorado, had a cpl 28" and 34" dumps. I always chained up the front steer axle only and was plowing the snow with my grill it was so deep. Got around fine, just had to stop a few times to clean out the grill to prevent over heating. I used Vbar chains and stopped a time or two to tighten and adjust. Have always chained the steer axle, rear is fine if you dont want to turn IMO. Now I live in Alaska and have never used them.

 

[CompleteTruckNewbie]

I read the user's manual and it says to put snow chains on the back only?

It also only lists tire sizes starting in 265 but my tires are 275/65R18
I bought the truck used, does it mean the owner added bigger tires?

It also says no self-tightening chains.

I think these will fit 0233805:
https://www.amazon.com/Peerless-0232805-Auto-Trac-Traction-Chain/dp/B0091RCM5Y

 

[Nightranger4x4]

I don't think you'd need them, if your truck is a 4x4. From the CDOT website:

Traction Law

During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway. During a Traction Law, all motorists are required to have:

1. AWD/4WD vehicles with tires designated as mud and snow (M+S icon) and 3/16" tread depth OR
2. AWD/4WD vehicles with winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16" tread depth OR
3. AWD/4WD vehicles with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer and 3/16" tread depth OR
4. Chains or an approved alternative traction device

Approved Alternative Traction Devices

Traction Law Updates
In 2019, Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 19-1207 into law, updating the Traction Law.

What’s Changed?

• From Sept. 1 to May 31, the Traction Law is always active on I-70 from Dotsero to Morrison.
• The minimum tread depth for tires on all vehicles increased to 3/16”.

These updates are meant to alleviate delays and crashes along this corridor during the peak winter driving season. Electronic signs will notify the public when there are additional closures or restrictions along I-70 in addition to the Traction Law.

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law

During severe winter storms, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law. This is the final safety measure before the highway is closed.

When the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is in effect, every vehicle must have chains or an approved alternative traction device.

Fines

• Motorists driving with inadequate equipment when a Traction Law or Chain Law is in effect could be fined more than $130.
• If a motorist blocks the roadway because they have inadequate equipment when a Traction Law or Chain Law is in effect, he/she could be fined more than $650.

 

[jakearb]

In Colorado you are required to carry traction devices (chains or socks) in certain areas, even if conditions at the time don't require you to use them. I almost never use them (I had an SUV for 24 years and used chains maybe twice, my Subaru Sedan is 11 years old and the chain packaging has never been open).

Do you have recommendation for chains that are both one expensive but will do the job done if I do have to equip some?

My truck is 4x4, do I need chains on all 4 wheels?

In Colorado, driving a passenger vehicle you are not required to have chains on a 4x4 vehicle assuming you're running all season tires with at least 3/16" tread.
I've lived here long enough and the law is a complete joke. "all season" tires are 99% of tires made and plenty of people crash every time it snows because they are not properly equipped.
The chain law only applies to commercial vehciles when it comes to actually using chains.

 

[SonarChief]

In Colorado, driving a passenger vehicle you are not required to have chains on a 4x4 vehicle assuming you're running all season tires with at least 3/16" tread.
I've lived here long enough and the law is a complete joke. "all season" tires are 99% of tires made and plenty of people crash every time it snows because they are not properly equipped.
The chain law only applies to commercial vehciles when it comes to actually using chains.

Perhaps the real joke is needing a law to tell you if you don’t have the correctly equipped vehicle and experience to drive in snow, you should stay off the roads!

 

[CompleteTruckNewbie]

Yes the truck meets the traction law with its regular tires, not the chain law. The few times I used chains on my other vehicle was when we unexpectedly had to put some on coming home from somewhere and the weather had turned.

 

[Davexxxx]

I got tired of messing with Zbars (the several retightenings that were required) on my tractor and tried a set of cable chains.

So much easier. Once n done and lots easier to install. If I had to buy chains for the truck and or trailer, these would be them.

SCC brand, Super Z6, is the model.

Pros,

Much lighter, smaller physical package for storage.
Much easier to install and no adjustments needed.
Much easier on pavement and lots better ride.

Cons,

Lots more traction than not but Zbars are hard to beat, if in the serious stuff.
Probably not as durable.

Caveat,

I've not used these at speed. No idea how they would perform on our trucks but if your reason for having them, is to satisfy a law, that you may, or may need, cheaper, lighter and easier, has value.

 

[2515050]

Whichever option you go with, just make sure that you have clearance for the chains between the front upper control arm and the inner tire sidewall. This is likely part of the reason Ford only recommends using chains on the rear axle. Generally cable chains require less clearance but I've heard of some applications where even they won't fit.

 

[CompleteTruckNewbie]

I've been curious about tire socks, my son said he loves his and gets better traction that chains. I suspect they don't last as long, but I think I'm going to get those and there should be no clearance issue with that.

 

[2515050]

That definitely solves the clearance issue and they'll be nice and lightweight. No experience with them personally, I wonder how the traction with socks compares to a dedicated winter tire?

 

[CompleteTruckNewbie]

Socks are approved as chain replacements in all states. Some studies claim you get better traction. I'm sure it depends somewhat on conditions.

Sponsored