Snow chains for steep driveway

[Yak Shaving]

Background: We've got a long, steep, paved driveway - about a half-mile and 25% grade at it's steepest. The steepest parts are wooded and occur through a switch back, so anything greater than a dusting of snow makes it just about impossible to drive up or down. When there's snow / ice, we park near the bottom and hike it. It's a rigorous hike any time of the year, but when there's snow it's a workout with lots of slipping, sliding, elbow busting,... you get the idea. Once the drive is cleared we still get a lot of patchy hard-pack and ice that takes a day or two clear up with scraping and salting which means a day or two of hiking.

So, I'd like to chain up my TJ for the winter and use it as a shuttle vehicle. I'll go with all four wheels. Clearances are fine. Speed will be slow - less than 10mph. Distance - less than a half-mile one way. Conditions will include fresh snow, hard pack, and patchy ice. This will not be used on public roads during this time, only shuttling up and down between our regular vehicles and the house. We can deal with marking up the surface a bit, but I don't want gouge it. I'd like to stay under $200 for two pairs.

Where I'm at now is deciding between ladder and diamond pattern. V-bars are tempting, but I think I've moved away from those based on greater risk of gouging. Most of what I've read suggests that diamond pattern are better in all aspects for roadway driving, however my hesitation is that most of the diamond pattern chains I've seen are smaller in gauge and actual profile Wouldn't this provide for less bite? Many also have vertical sections perpendicular to the cross chains - in the same direction of travel. I suppose this is what provides the side stability that is characteristic to this style but it seems vertical would be more prone to slippage than chains perpendicular to the direction of travel. In my mind, larger gauge/profile ladder chains would seem to act like paddles, similar to sand tires. I'm not concerned with ride quality given the short distance.

What are your thoughts on chains for my particular short-distance, steep snow and ice application? Thanks!

 

[Pepsiboy]

Yak,

What size tires will be on the vehicle getting the chains?? I would suggest what I call a 2 ladder with reinforcement bars. That means for every 2 side links there is a cross link. Also, there is small bar welded into each link of the cross link that comes in contact with the pavement. I would also keep them as tight as possible on the tires. I have found that this has worked the best for me when I lived in Minnesota, as well as over 35 years of driving big trucks in the lower 48 and 5 Provinces of Canada.

Let me know what size tires you have and I will try to suggest where would you might be able to get them.

Dave

 

[Yak Shaving]

Thanks, 31X10.50

 

[radioman]

honestly, with chains - its works at its best when path is not paved or road is covered with snow pack. Since I am not there, I wonder if a snowmobile or a rtv with tracks would be a better option.

 

[George2615]

Take your pick.

31-10.50-15LT Tire Chains

 

[sal64]

PTO Powered Sand Spreaders, Salt Spreaders

 

[oosik]

You know, what sal64 says is along the path I'm thinking. I've got a long driveway, with a spot where the water flows out of a field and freezes across the driveway and me & my TJ Jeep do just fine. I have my tires siped, which helps a whole lot. If the icy spot gets real bad I spread a bag of coarse sand on it and go like smoke 'n oakum.

 

[Pepsiboy]

Thanks, 31X10.50

Yak,
I think I would STILL suggest the 2 link with reinforcements. You could try at your Kubota dealer, OR for a lower price check with your local auto parts store. Worst case, check with a big truck dealer (Freightliner, etc.) For the traction you will need, I think you will have the best traction and smoothest ride with the 2 link. :2cents:

Dave

 

[thatguy]

with your drive being paved you probably dont want the reinforced 'bar' chains.. they will really dig in and tear up the driveway

brian

 

[Yak Shaving]

honestly, with chains - its works at its best when path is not paved or road is covered with snow pack. Since I am not there, I wonder if a snowmobile or a rtv with tracks would be a better option.

This has been in the back of my mind. The jeep is ideal though, if feasible, because it will be parked outdoors at the bottom during the day / continuing weather.

Sal64, I hear ya. A PTO spreader would be a sweet tool to get things in shape a little quicker

honestly, with chains - its works at its best when path is not paved or road is covered with snow pack. Since I am not there, I wonder if a snowmobile or a rtv with tracks would be a better option.

Makes sense. I suppose the most troublesome trips are the fresh or snow packed ones. First descent in the morning before clearing or the climb back up after daytime snowfall.

Yak,
I think I would STILL suggest the 2 link with reinforcements. You could try at your Kubota dealer, OR for a lower price check with your local auto parts store. Worst case, check with a big truck dealer (Freightliner, etc.) For the traction you will need, I think you will have the best traction and smoothest ride with the 2 link.
Dave

Good thought. I've got a set of 2-links for BX and they are effective. I'm not turning up much in the way of 2-link chains for 31's.... I'll check local spots this weekend.

This just occurred to me. Maybe ladders in the back and diamond on the steering wheels for a mix of both?

Things typically get cleared up better than this, but some perspective on the switchback - looking up: