Tire Chains.

Does anyone have experience using tire chains? I know most guys who venture to the boat ramp in January have 4 wheel drive. I’m wondering if tire chains would work for my situation….

I have a full size Chevy – 1991 ¾ ton, V-8, long box, standard cab, 4-speed manual tranny. First gear is a granny gear. This truck is basically a one wheel wonder when there is any ice on the ramp. I have 600 pounds of sand bags right over the axle. I know it would be nearly impossible to pull a boat out on ice. Got stuck a few times trying.

Thinking of picking up a set of tire chains. Would put them on before launching. (of course, not while I’m sitting on the ramp!!) You know, on those mornings when it’s in the 20’s and guys are spinning wheels. Will a good set of chains do the trick? What about those days when you have to pull the trailer tire up and over an ice lip?

I’m curious because I do a lot of winter fishing but it’s something you never see, guys using chains. Hey Steve at Evert’s. What is your take on chains. Would you rather see me put them on at the top of the hill and come down and not get stuck? Or have you pull me off the ramp when I do? Do chains damage your road or ramps?

Thanks,

J.

I spent a lot of time yanking tire chains on and pulling them off in California when I skied. About a 1000 years ago. They work great but are hard on clear roads. If you spin your tires at all, they stand a chance of snapping and flying off. Damaging to your truck and to the people around you.

They would certainly be an advantage on an icy ramp, though, if the owners were okay with it. Just practice putting them on and taking them off a few times before you try to do it with a load. They’re tricky to operate and the first few times they always wind up being “too small” for the tires. The secret is to roll onto them and not try to yank them over your tires.

Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, Teach a man to fish and you’ll never see him again.

I know tire chains work great in snow but I’m not sure about ice. I think they might not grip as well as you hope for.

Ive seen a guy with a 2wd pickup pull a guy with a 4wd pickup, up a hill in slick icy conditions….. traction is the name of the game with ice… and chains will bite into and through it…… your truck with the weight in back and chains should be hard to stop…….

the only thing better is a 4wd with chains on all 4… or a tracked vehicle!

I remember back in the day before my old man had a 4×4 he used chains….the old Ford would go thru anything. If you can find them, there are chains,,,,,,have a set for my yamaha 4 wheelie….that have extra points coming off…..cant describe, because not elloquent enuff with works……..but not just chain, they have chains and points….perhaps others could describe in more detail. These suckers would work on ice….If need be, I could take a couple quick digi pics…..