Tire Chains

New to wheel house ownership, so I’m thinking about buying a set of tire chains. What do you guys use or recommend? TIA

V Bar chains is what I use. Chain the rears only. They definitely make a difference. But if you get stuck with them you are really stuck. But they do make a world of difference if there is a lot of snow on top. I ordered mine online from some place in IA. Had them shipped and arrived in a few days.

I ran Diamond bars on the S x S last year, they did well.

https://www.tirechainsrus.com/

X2 on V-bar chains. They are the best, especially on ice.
If you are new to chains, lay them out flat, and make sure none of the rungs have gotten twisted. Spend the time to get them on tight. Use tensioners- they make some rubber rings with hooks, or you can use bungies.
If you do put them on the front, make sure you have clearance, with the wheels turned, and remember the suspension goes up and down. If you have oversized tires, don’t even try.
You will more than double pulling power, but you risk hitting something and damaging the truck. Brake lines are easy to rip out.
Truck manuals mostly say you are on your own if you try, and make no promises.

How do people feel about cam tensioners vs bungees?

Same situation as OP. Bought a wheelhouse this year. Also a full rookie to chains. 2019 4Runner TRD Off Road

Get some snow tires and hopefully keep the chains unused. Your time on winter roads will be far more pleasant too.

I run Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs so yes I hope to keep the chains in the truck not on the truck, but want to be prepared in case the need comes up. Used to fish with a friend that had to use them a few times while I was with and if you need them you need them. I think I am going to go with Security brand with the ladder style chains with a cam tensioner, I believe that is similar to what he used. Thanks for any input guys.

I run chains also, same tires on both rigs by the way.
Im a bungie guy but have not tried the cam tension chains.
With ladder style, look at the link size and spacing, larger links dont get lost in deep tire treads and closer spacing keeps more iron in contact with ice. I think im spaced 3 links on my ladders. got them from fleetfarm.

Couple things I do that may help you, maybe not…

-I will often unhook my house and beat a trail down making a larger loop when I turn back.
– walk your planned trail first to learn the snow conditions and depths, as they vary greatly especially on large wind blown lakes.
– I like to have my shack pointed in the direction I need to go when I leave, sometimes you have to play the wind also.
– spend some time practicing how you chain up the tires to gain proficiency.
– I size the chains to your tires by trimming chain length, leave 2 maybe 3 links longer than you need to fit.
– use wire or zip ties to fasten those 2 or 3 links so they dont whip around and break things.
– dont let your chains get twisted when removing and storing, I keep mine in a large old school wooden box and im careful when storing and removing.

Thanks for the advise Mark appreciate it

I don’t know if it would work on a truck, but putting chains on my atv is much easier if a jack up the rear. Put the chain over the top and spin the wheel as needed to make good connections. I find it better/faster than driving over chains.

Pretty much what Mark said. V bar chains. The cam is nice. I bought a set this year. I have practiced a few times installing them, haven’t tried them on ice yet with my new pickup, but I got buddies who go wherever they want with them. My tires were oddball size (20” rims) bought mine here https://www.tirechain.com/

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The cam tightener is not really a substitute for bungies. It makes it easier to get the chains on, but it is impossible in the field to get them tight enough. You are going to want bungies, springs, or the rubber donuts to take up the slack that works itself out as you drive. That is not a substitute for getting them as tight as you can before adding the tensioner, but in addition.
X2 on timing down or cutting off any excess links. They will find something to damage if you let them. A zip tie seems like a good idea, but they seem to break when cold, safer to use a bit of wire.

Security chains super Z.
I have used them on cars and trucks. It was at one time what the washington state troopers used. Had to buy my first pair going through a mountain pass.
Good luck for me with this type.

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I got my 1 ton diesel stuck with v bar chains once on LOW, it was not a fun retrieval. Once you spin it down a couple of inches its all over. I prefer not to use them anymore if possible.

Jason wrote:

I got my 1 ton diesel stuck with v bar chains once on LOW, it was not a fun retrieval. Once you spin it down a couple of inches its all over. I prefer not to use them anymore if possible.

If you have a heavy foot, once they start spinning it only takes a few seconds to dig a hole deep enough your axle’s resting on the ice.