buying tire chains?

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ColoradoMike

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Buyer Beware: If anyone is planning to buy tire chains, do not purchase chains from TireChains.com. They are an incompetent and ignorant “middle man”.

It seems that they only stock a limited number of chain sizes and they send you an inappropriately sized chain and then tell you to cut them to fit (both width and length). Hats can be a one-size-fits-all but tire chains should not be.

I recently bought two sets of chains for my truck and when they arrived they were two sizes too big. I contacted the company and emailed them photos of the improper fit. (As a CO resident and a commercial truck driver, I know how chains should properly fit without risking damage to the vehicle.) I received a response that it is acceptable for the chains to be wide enough to nearly touch the rim on both sides of the tire and that it is common for every chain to be too long and I just have to trim to fit; so they would not offer a refund. The company then proceeded to delete my photos and so when I called to dispute their decision i was asked to re-send my photos. I contacted a local chain and tire specialist that agreed that the chains were too large and that the stock number of my shipped chains validated that as they referenced a much larger tire. The company refused to take them back and I was forced to file a complaint with PayPal.

Its like going to a restaurant and receiving an under-cooked hamburger and having the waiter tell you that "a well done burger should be ******, if you want it cooked more you have to cook it yourself”.
 

TRCM

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Most rams you aren't suppose to put chains on anyways.
 

nukegm

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colorado mike

thanks for the info. i recently bought a set from them for my old dodge 2500. they are still in the bag. i will test fit this weekend....and, yes, rams and dodges need chains at 9300 feet when it snows feet at a time.....plus, my driveway gives people bad dreams. cheers comrade!
 

Mpgrimm2

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I have a set of SCC 'Z' Cable Chains for my truck. Bought off Amazon. They fit great, are easy to put on, and clear the running gear. I used their fitment guide to get the proper size. I have had these on all my vehicles and could not be happier. They even come with a bag to keep them in.

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LumberJakl

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Thanks for the info, I was looking to buy a set for my 37x12.50x17's from that site, but now I will look somewhere else (maybe local)
 

Farmer Fran

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Thanks for the info...

Man I am glad it doesn't snow here :)
 

BrianandChrissy

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Smh.......:YAWN:

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Gump

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Yeah don't use chains, just have a tow truck come get you or sit and wait for better weather. Maybe get an uber or lyft... God forbid you act like a resourceful man and throw the iron. It's sad we are promoting a generation that's turned away from using tools that have been around for a hundred years. I use them on pick ups and big rigs often during these months. Has to be done to get where you're going sometimes.

As you know chains should be as tight as possible so as not to spin inside them or have them fall off and get tangled around ****.

Glad you posted about that company. I've visited their site before looking for chains for work rigs.
 
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jasonw

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I have a set of SCC 'Z' Cable Chains for my truck. Bought off Amazon. They fit great, are easy to put on, and clear the running gear. I used their fitment guide to get the proper size. I have had these on all my vehicles and could not be happier. They even come with a bag to keep them in.

Based on your advice and many others, I purchased a set of these last month before my wife and I made a trek to a cabin in the Black Hills (SZ468, for 275/65-20). Turns out we didn't need them, but better safe than sorry.

Thank you, ColoradoMike, for your advice regarding that site/company.
 

reindeerman

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Most Rams say not to use tire chains
Lawyers. It's in the owners manual.

My manual says this
"TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains, or other traction aids that meet SAE
Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 model trucks, or
other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications"

S class chains come in several configurations most are the Z cable and there are also radial cable and radial with real chain links

I have found that if you have chains with you, you're less likely to need them
 

Neumie

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Thanks

Most Rams say not to use tire chains


My manual says this
"TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains, or other traction aids that meet SAE
Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 model trucks, or
other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications"

S class chains come in several configurations most are the Z cable and there are also radial cable and radial with real chain links

I have found that if you have chains with you, you're less likely to need them

Thanks for the contributions to the topic, I find that the piece of mind the right tool brings to a problem is a good thing.
 

BrianandChrissy

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Most Rams say not to use tire chains


My manual says this
"TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains, or other traction aids that meet SAE
Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 model trucks, or
other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications"

S class chains come in several configurations most are the Z cable and there are also radial cable and radial with real chain links

I have found that if you have chains with you, you're less likely to need them
Thank you reindeerman...as usual, scubabill is wrong and talking out of his ass........smh

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TRCM

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Most Rams say not to use tire chains


My manual says this
"TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains, or other traction aids that meet SAE
Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 model trucks, or
other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications"

S class chains come in several configurations most are the Z cable and there are also radial cable and radial with real chain links

I have found that if you have chains with you, you're less likely to need them





Well, if yer gonna post it ...post ALL of it !!! Not just what you want to say.

Pay special attention to the last paragraph.............

Copied out of my owners manual (yes, there are 3 pages of warning about chains):

TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 model trucks, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications.
NOTE: Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle as recommended by the chain manufacturer.

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,observe the following precautions:
• Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
• Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after driving about 0.5 mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.

Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain manufacturer
if different than the speed recommended by the manufacturer.

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.

NOTE:
• On 4x2 and 4x4 1500 model trucks, the use of class “S” snow chains is permitted on the rear wheels only of
trucks equipped with P265/70R17 tires.

• On 4x2 2500 model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted on the rear wheels only of trucks
equipped with LT245/70R17 or LT265/70R17 tires.

• On 4x4 2500 model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted on the rear wheels only of trucks
equipped with LT245/70R17, LT265/70R17, or LT285/70R17 tires.

• On 4x2 and 4x4 3500 SRW (Single Rear Wheel) model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted
on the rear wheels only of trucks equipped with LT265/70R17 tires.

• On 4x2 and 4x4 3500 DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted
on the front and rear wheels of trucks equipped with LT235/80R17 tires.

CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on the front wheels of any model except for 3500 DRW (Dual Rear Wheel)
trucks equipped with LT235/80R17 tires. There may not be adequate clearance for the chains and you are
risking structural or body damage to your vehicle. Do not use tire chains on the rear wheels of 1500 model
trucks equipped with LT275/70R17, P275/60R20, or 285/45R22 tires. There may not be adequate clearance
for the chains and you are risking structural or body damage to your vehicle.


That last paragraph basically says, if you have those tires sizes listed, don't use chains.....
 
Last edited:

reindeerman

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Well, if yer gonna post it ...post ALL of it !!! Not just what you want to say.

Pay special attention to the last paragraph.............

Copied out of my owners manual (yes, there are 3 pages of warning about chains):

TIRE CHAINS
Use “Class S” chains, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type “S” specifications.
Use “Class U” chains on 2500/3500 model trucks, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type “U” specifications.
NOTE: Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle as recommended by the chain manufacturer.

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle, tires or chains,observe the following precautions:
• Because of limited chain clearance between tires and other suspension components, it is important
that only chains in good condition are used. Broken chains can cause serious vehicle damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise occurs that could suggest chain breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further use.
• Install chains as tightly as possible and then retighten after driving about 0.5 mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not install tire chains on front wheels of 4x2 vehicles.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.

Observe the tire chain manufacturer’s instructions on method of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for usage. Always use the lower suggested operating speed of the chain manufacturer
if different than the speed recommended by the manufacturer.

These cautions apply to all chain traction devices, including link and cable (radial) chains.

NOTE:
• On 4x2 and 4x4 1500 model trucks, the use of class “S” snow chains is permitted on the rear wheels only of
trucks equipped with P265/70R17 tires.

• On 4x2 2500 model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted on the rear wheels only of trucks
equipped with LT245/70R17 or LT265/70R17 tires.

• On 4x4 2500 model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted on the rear wheels only of trucks
equipped with LT245/70R17, LT265/70R17, or LT285/70R17 tires.

• On 4x2 and 4x4 3500 SRW (Single Rear Wheel) model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted
on the rear wheels only of trucks equipped with LT265/70R17 tires.

• On 4x2 and 4x4 3500 DRW (Dual Rear Wheel) model trucks, the use of class “U” snow chains is permitted
on the front and rear wheels of trucks equipped with LT235/80R17 tires.

CAUTION!
Do not use tire chains on the front wheels of any model except for 3500 DRW (Dual Rear Wheel)
trucks equipped with LT235/80R17 tires. There may not be adequate clearance for the chains and you are
risking structural or body damage to your vehicle. Do not use tire chains on the rear wheels of 1500 model
trucks equipped with LT275/70R17, P275/60R20, or 285/45R22 tires. There may not be adequate clearance
for the chains and you are risking structural or body damage to your vehicle.


That last paragraph basically says, if you have those tires sizes listed, don't use chains.....

So what your saying is I was right and chains are permitted?
 

TRCM

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So what your saying is I was right and chains are permitted?

Never said they weren't....but they are not permitted on just any Ram.....lots of restrictions......

for most of us, the restrictions mean no chains............
 

Ram444

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I bought a set for a Ford F-150 back in 1993 and their still in the bag in my out building.
 

Ratket

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I just read this.. Dear god.
If you do not know about chains or and how they work- Go to your trusted repair shop- Get their advise - Get ur chains go back have them put ur truck on a lift - Fit the chains and visually inspect it while it's in the air for clearence issues- Speaking for the rest of us that know how to use chains- Please stop quoting the owners manual- That is meant for the flat landers who don't take the above advise I just gave. Yes I have seen ******* put chains on the front tires of a rear wheel drive truck- I have seen cars do 50 mph on dry pay meant with chains.. They put that stuff in the owners manual because people don't think and when it causes thousands of dollars in body damage - Ram doesn't want the customer coming back and looking to ram to pony up the expense of their negligence. On a half ton cables should be fine- 3/4ton and up I recommend actual chains- If u are semi competent - Get the right size chains- Jack ur truck up and check fitment in ur driveway long before u take a trip in incliment weather. Or don't and enjoy trying to get them on for the first time in a blizzard when it's below 30 and ur wife is in the car already pissed off ur late as it is getting to where u are going.
 
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