Light Truck Tire Chain Question

[TheHammer]

I was amazed at the many types of light truck tire chains that are available. Looking for some advice - here's my situation.

I have a red shale driveway. It is straight, but very long (about 550 feet) and steep. In the six years I've lived in my house, I've learned to dread those wet snowfalls - as soon as you drive on the snow it packs right into ice. Last night was one of those snowfalls. I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with plow and recommended ballast. I am running Cooper ATR tires, and they perform very well in snow. I can go just about anywhere in the snow in them, just not up my steep, icy driveway.

I would imagine just about any style chains would make a world of difference, but, I'm leaning toward the heavy duty ladder V-BAR chains for that extra "bite". I'm probably over-analyzing, but any opinions?

 

[hazmat]

Do you really want to get out & put on chains to get up your driveway? I suppose they are not permitted on the streets.

Suggest you find some better tires - check out nokian light truck All Terrain Tires (while better than summer tires) are not in the same league as snow & ice tires.

 

[lhfarm]

I keep a couple of sets of these emergency strap on for cars under the seat in my Cherokee. I have the same type of drive. 1440' up, with two sharp turns so it is hard to maintain a run. They are quick to install - I've done so part way up the drive. They are cheap enough that you won't feel bad if they don't work out.

 

[TheHammer]

Hazmat,

Thanks for the reply.

No, I really would prefer to not go the tire chains route. You are correct, snow tires would be better, but I don't think it would solve my problem. If it snows while I am at work, I may have a foot of wet, heavy snow to deal with. When I said steep, I mean steep, and all up with no level spots until you reach the top.

Once I get the driveway plowed, I throw cinders down, and within a day or two all is well. It's just a matter of being able to get up to plow down. Like I said, it's only when we get a heavy, wet snow that I have problems - maybe 2 or 3 times a season. That's why I could live with having to deal with putting the chains on for only those occasions.

 

[jdbower]

I saw a Jeep drive by advertising OnSpot tire chains. I'm not convinced they're all that great, but they could be a good option for you. I've got Dunlop WinterSport M2 tires and I've been impressed at how grippy they are on ice and snow, but they're not exactly the best offroad tires

 

[Egon]

Go with the Vbar chains. Just remember they take a while to install and take off!

Off course when they are needed the time is well spent.

 

[tommu56]

TheHammer

look for cable chains by security chain we use them on the fire trucks and i bought sets for my wife's jeep and my truck.

I can drive on them in about 10 minuets

link
SCC Radial Chain

tom

 

[DieselPower]

I saw a Jeep drive by advertising OnSpot tire chains. I'm not convinced they're all that great, but they could be a good option for you. I've got Dunlop WinterSport M2 tires and I've been impressed at how grippy they are on ice and snow, but they're not exactly the best offroad tires

They work and work well. I have installed probably 70 to 80 pair of them over the years on school bus's, fire trucks and fuel trucks. Of the two major manufacturers, OnSpot and Insta-Chain my choice would be the Insta-Chain brand. Just a better all around product in my opinion. If properly installed and adjusted they are the ultimate tire chain hands down. Best of all you don't have to get out of the vehicle to install them like regular chains. Just flip the switch their on, flip the switch back and their off.

 

[jdbower]

They work and work well.

Good to know! They certainly fit the "easy to use" lazy-factor, I was going to ask about them when I get a new truck but now I don't have to

 

[TheHammer]

Yes, OnSpots are awesome. I see a lot of them on fire trucks and ambulances around here. I don't even want to know how much they cost, though!

I think I'm just going to invest in the Vbar chains. I think for my needs they will be the best compromise between price and performance. Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[chipsndust]

Hammer:
Maybe a dumb question, but have you put weight in the back of your pick-up? Especially with the weight of the plow on the front, the rear wheels will lose traction.
I'm clearing my driveway with front mounted blower on tractor now, but when I plowed with 4WD pick-up, even a couple hundred pounds made a big difference. Without weight in the back, any truck will have very poor traction.
Even though I don't use it for plowing, I have two 60lb sand bags and 100lb counterweight in the back. I take the weight out in the spring. It's handy having sand available if you need it. The weight should be over the rear axle, or between the tailgate and axle.

 

[TheHammer]

chipsndust,

Yes, I use cinderblocks for ballast. It is very important, especially going downhill with all the weight of the plow on the front. The rear end is really light without it.

Like I said earlier, most of the time it's not an issue. Only when the temps are hovering around freezing and the snow is real wet and sticky. It gets real slick.

I'm going to see if I can snap a picture or two to show what I'm dealing with.

 

[TheHammer]

Took a couple quick photos:

and....

 

[George2615]

Took a couple quick photos:

and....

How much rear ballast weight do your cinder blocks provide? I have an 07 Duramax EC 4x4 8' bed (haven't installed my plow yet) and without the plow I'm running 480lb of sand ballast (8-60lb bags). If I put the plow on I'll jump the ballast up to about 700-800 lb. My son's driveway is similar to yours and I cannot plow it going uphill, I have to drive through the snow to the top, turn around and plow downhill. This year Though I'm hauling my tractor to his house to plow him since I didn't put the plow on my latest truck.

 

[TheHammer]

How much rear ballast weight do your cinder blocks provide? I have an 07 Duramax EC 4x4 8' bed (haven't installed my plow yet) and without the plow I'm running 480lb of sand ballast (8-60lb bags). If I put the plow on I'll jump the ballast up to about 700-800 lb. My son's driveway is similar to yours and I cannot plow it going uphill, I have to drive through the snow to the top, turn around and plow downhill. This year Though I'm hauling my tractor to his house to plow him since I didn't put the plow on my latest truck.

The recommended ballast amount for my truck with that plow (Western 8' Pro-Plus) is 350 lbs. I use a dozen 12" cinderblocks - each weighs about 30lbs.

Have you plowed your son's place with your tractor before? I'd be curious to hear how the truck does plowing versus the tractor.