Thanks for the link hondarider400at. Interesting concept and they look like they might be fairly effective in mud. I read through the pros/cons, however, and one of the cons is that the links get brittle in freezing temps. I doubt whether they would hold up for several miles at a time in the conditions that I would need them. Pretty pricey, too (about the cost of 2 1/2 sets of conventional tire chains. Anyone have any experience with these?

 

I had to chain mine up first season just to get the horse trailer out of hunting camp, woke up to a foot of snow and a lot of that greasy mud. Can't really answer your question though, sorry, I have a 4" lift on mine and aftermarket wheels and tires. No clearance issues as long as I keep the chains on tight. Do you, or any of your friends, have any old chains you could hang off the tire to get an idea of the clearance?

 

Yeah, we hunted first season too and had some fun in the mud that Sunday and Monday. I do have a set of chains for my current truck but I haven't received the new Ford yet to compare. Just thought I would get some chains ordered before the winter rush but need to be sure that I can use them on the new truck without any clearance issues.

 

In Colorado too, I bought a set at Wally World last year during the blizzard, fairly good quality. Just make sure you get good tensioners!

 

So mkinttrim, you have used tire chains without any clearance problems?

 

I had to use tire chains up at my cabin in MT for snow, i have heard of people using them for mud too. The truck threw one of the chains and cracked my fender flare, nothing major. My old man was driving at the time and none of us had a lot of experience with chains. We were educated by the local natives up yonder as to what kind of chains to get. I bought the cheapest set i could find and they behaved like it. They got us back to the cabin through 4 1/2 feet of snow with a little bit of fannaglin but they worked. Anyway, we Floridians were told to get some of these.
http://www.qualitychaincorp.com/detail.phtml?sku=V296QC

and to also get the double link spacing on these

as far as clearance not a problem with mine but she sits on 35 inch tires with a 6" lift but u shouldnt have a problem with clearance as long as u keep them tight which they have rubber bands to do that, so u should be good.

 

Here's the specs from my 06 manual I'd expect the 08 specs to be similar.

"The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note: Do not place chains on the following tires sizes: P265/60R18,
P275/65R18, LT275/65R18, P275/55R20, and P275/45R22.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains."

 

Thanks George - that about sums it up. With stock suspension and LT275/65R18's, NO TIRE CHAINS. Darn. Guess I'll have to change something - wheels, tires or suspension - before next hunting season.

That was a big help, everyone. Thanks again.

 

I do have a leveling kit on my truck so theres no problem. I believe if you put them on nice and tight, and RETIGHTEN them after a mile or so you'll be fine.

 

I am looking into these Go Claws pretty seriously. They looks great and look to be a little less hazardous to your truck in the event of a mishap. Only drawback is continous use in SUBzero temps. I will never see anything that cold here in WA.

I guess all you need for these is 7/8" clearance. I cant imagine my truck having less of a clearance. I'll check it out and post it up.

http://www.flextrax.com/fitV2.php

videos
http://www.flextrax.com/videos.html

 

I can vouch for the nasty mud in Colorado. It surely is almost more clay than dirt. This was the best picture I could find of the tires on the vehicle I drove on the nasty clay roads in Colorado during a several day long rainstorm.



Somewhere between a half inch to a full inch between the tread blocks, and I turned them into the aforementioned glazed donuts. Thank goodness for eight wheel drive though! And thank goodness for the firehoses at the wash station.