Snow Chains on 37s

[Bamnq6]

Good morning all,

I'm headed up into the So Cal mountains around Christmas and need to have a set of chains in the truck (it's a legal requirement here in CA). Past years I've swapped back to the OE wheels and tires and carried a set of cables... but I'd gonna pull the trigger on a set of chains for my 37s this season.

I'm leaning to Ladder style chains, likely with cams. I don't see a reason for V-bars...

Any thoughts? Brand recommendations? Cams / No Cams?

I know clearances will be tight, so I'll need to watch my turning radius.

37x12.5 Ladder Chains
37x12.5 Diamond Chains

I appreciate your help-

 

[tron67j]

My cousin is out there, and it generally goes from R2 to closed. I think you can drive in R2 without chains with a full 4WD (not the if it slips it grips type of 4WD) and dedicated snow tires. He rarely will chain up (not sure what he has but think I have heard Peerless in conversations) but has very aggressive snows on and generally stays home if it is going to be that bad. Your best bet is to try some different styles of chains, hopefully automatic tensioning, and see what fits and doesn't tear your vehicle apart. Don't get a set that you hope to never have to use due to clearance issues and then have to install them.

Hopefully there are some knowledge experts here who can help more. Good luck, and be safe!

 

[Dean2]

I presume you only need chains for the rear to meet the legislation. First question is, do you have any other use for the chains except to meet the Legal requirements? If not, buy the cheapest set possible and never use them.

I live in Alberta, bad to really bad roads are a 7 month a year reality. I have not used chains on my PU on a paved or gravel road in 50 years and I have been out on some truly atrocious roads. You are limited to 20-25 MPH with chains. Using just the tires on the rig, I have never been unable to navigate as long as I slowed down enough. I have used chains on my 4x4 quad and my off road rigs a lot due to mud, deep snow and ice but that is a whole other kettle of fish.

If I ever got to the point where chains were the only way forward on pavement, I would turn around or stay somewhere till it got better because you have no control over the other guys on the road.

 

[4xdad]

I agree if the road is so bad that you need to chain up stay home. Now chains for wheeling thought on that is use them to get out of trouble not into it.

 

[DILLIGAF]

They should mandate Eaton lockers

 

[4xdad]

Lockers on the highway yikes. Carnage will ensue.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Lockers on the highway yikes. Carnage will ensue.

 

[Gamedog]

I'm a little late to the party here but thought I'd still share... I live in Colorado and we also have a chain law here. I have these chains and they've gotten me through some hairy situations while hunting on backroads in deep snow. Yeah they're a bit pricey but you cant put a price on something you will rely on when you need it.

 

[SouthernBornRebel]

I say IF you have to have chains on 37" tires, you have the Wrong tires...js

 

[Baggio95]

I understand wanting to have a good set of chains. Yes, best to have good tires (I definitely air down in deeper snow) and avoid bad conditions when you can, but that isn't always possible. I just got stuck at 10,000 feet a couple weeks ago when a storm came in and I headed off the mountain about 30 minutes too late. Long story short, road went to mud and then snow. Went back the next day on snowmobiles and chained up all 4 wheels (I'm sure some "experts" will chime in on this). When conditions are bad and you don't have much choice, that's when chains do their job.

I used ladder chains on the rears (Peerless from Walmart) with 2 sets of good spider tensioners and some self tensioning chains up front. Descending all the switchbacks in the snow after that was no problem (5-10 mph in 4lo and truck in 2nd gear, yes, it's a G56 manual).

I've used cam chains on my 4wd tractor but haven't on my truck. The cams help take up the tension for sure on my big tractor tires for sure. Chains can definitely help get you out of tricky situations. If I was replacing my chains, I'd probably buy whichever style was cheapest. Chaining up with big chains definitely takes a little time and they are heavy. The auto-tensioning chains are much lighter and easier to install, but they will break first.

Best of luck with your choice.

 

[redvettx2]

Buddy lives up at Big Bear. Couple years ago it was dumping hard up top and pulls up in his lifted Ram and CHIPS is like you need chains. Got em. "Required on all for wheels" Got em. Chained up and got close to his house. CHIP's was laughing. "You know how many truck on 37's have chains for all 4. 1 in 100".

 

[4xdad]

I was thinking about getting chains for my pw. Chained up 35s on a locked pw should be good in the snow. But if the snow is that deep I would stay home