Are they necessary. What kind does everyone use. Is there a difference between chains for mud and chains for snow?
Tire chains for sept?
- Thread starter cntryep3614
- Start date
kiddwinner
Active Member
Ive only ever seen little chincy chains and big ol heavy duty chains. Do not skimp on this, if you need them youll be glad you have the good ones. Where are you going to hunt that you think youd need them?
South of Casper antelope unit 63 and west of Sheridan antelope unit 109. never been to Wyoming but I am guessing there will be a lot of 2 track driving. at least south of casper looking for a big goat. probably will put some miles in. do you think I should get them?
keep in mind this is a middle of sept hunt
keep in mind this is a middle of sept hunt
roknHS
Member
It's a crap shoot, if you roll snake eyes you need them, if you roll sevens..........you're golden.
Rain is snake eyes..............sun is sevens..........
Rain is snake eyes..............sun is sevens..........
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Kodiak32
Active Member
They can really save you a lot of trouble. I never leave home without them, ever. I would suggest picking up a set.
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
The Les Schwab tire shops on the west coast have a program where you can buy your chains and if they are unused the following spring (around April 1) you can return them. Pretty cool deal.
badgerbob
Active Member
I have a set of the Les Schwab chains. They are coated with a rubber or vinyl coating so they don't rust. They stay in the Jeep all the time. Haven't used them much but when needed I'm glad they are there. Back country traveling, they are a necessary piece of gear. My opinion, once you have keep them.
Hilltop
Veteran member
In 25 years of hunting Wyoming, I have never used chains in September. I always have fairly aggressive all terrain tires on my pickups though. If your running highway tires, they may not be a bad item to have along in the event you get some decent rain. I am not aware of any difference between mud/snow chains.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Make sure you have a shovel with you too. If you need your chains, chances are you'll need the shovel too.
laxwyo
Very Active Member
I've always needed a shovel more than chains and never in September although I got caught out on bitter creek road after heavy rain and barely got out of there without chains last week. That clay is terrible.
In my experience, if you need to chain up, it doesn't matter what tires you were running
In my experience, if you need to chain up, it doesn't matter what tires you were running
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Don K
Very Active Member
Not sure if you checked, but make sure your truck can have chains on. Some out there you can not put chains on or you will tear off brake lines. (FYI)
The year I had my september elk tag in Nevada it was near 100 degrees when we got to my area. Three days later it was snowing like it was december. I would certainly get the most heavy duty chains you can get. That is not an area to try to save money when it could be the difference of whether you get out or not.
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sneakypete
Veteran member
Another thumbs up for Les Schwab, I bought mine last year for my 2014 hd GMC. I have never used them, but they are with me along with a shovel and a Ford/ Dodge tow strap, lol.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
Your really going to be in trouble if that strap only works on Fords & Dodges, you won't be able to use it to get your own truck out!!! LOL The only thing I've ever had to pull out of the mud or snow was Chevys & GMCs and an occasional Dodge. Fords just don't get stuck!!!
sneakypete
Veteran member
CC, I have the strap in my truck to help others out of there trouble.! I've never seen a Dodger / Ford that could keep up with me pulling or staying out of the shop! Lol
Sawfish
Very Active Member
Try the chains that you plan to use on the tires that you plan to use before you leave on your trip. Changes in wheel and/or tire size as well as changes in suspension all will affect wheel chain fitment. If your wheel chains will not clear the wheel wells/fenders, they will be useless. I use one tire size smaller than maximum on my Jeep for chain clearance. I like to put chains on the front wheels, if the vehicle is 4 Wheel Drive. Make up a little repair kit of extra links, cold shuts, HD wire and zip ties (keeps excess chain from flopping). Once you get your wheel/tow chains all encrusted with dried mud, you can hang them over your trailer hitch, and drag them down a dirt road for easy cleaning. After chains are cleaned, I give them a quick bath in kerosene or mineral spirits, and hang them up to dry. Quality chains that are properly maintained will pretty much last you a lifetime. I have at least one set that is over 50 years old.
Murdy
Active Member
Pete, have you put those chains on your GMC? I have a 2012 Silverado, and the owner's manual says no chains, but after doing some research last year, I concluded GM was being overly cautious and I could get away with it. It's a subject that I've found it's hard to get a straight answer on. And do you put them on all 4 or rear only?
(I was thinking about lifting mine a couple inches for a little more room, but that wouldn't help the brake lines)
(I was thinking about lifting mine a couple inches for a little more room, but that wouldn't help the brake lines)
JPSeveland
Active Member
coloradoshedhead
Active Member
I have a 2011 Silverado and have put chains on successfully. Brake lines and all of the other suspension components can always be in the way if you don't know how to properly put chains on. Be sure to get the chains snug, drive a little bit, and be sure to tighten and retighten in needed. Also, be sure to tie up loose ends of the chains cause that is what will rip brake lines off.
If you're a newbie to tire chains don't go out to the field before trying to put them on a couple times. The worst part about putting chains on and not knowing what you are doing is when they are needed in the field means the conditions are not ideal, being the mud or snow you'd be trying to drive through.
If you're a newbie to tire chains don't go out to the field before trying to put them on a couple times. The worst part about putting chains on and not knowing what you are doing is when they are needed in the field means the conditions are not ideal, being the mud or snow you'd be trying to drive through.