My friends and I are planning a camping/snowboarding trip in a few weeks and I was wondering if snow chains are worth the money. Do they really help that much? If they do, does anyone know a good place to get them? Any information you guys can offer would be great, I am way out of my element here.

 

The only time I've needed chains was when I was up hunting. Going up over the passes by the ski lodges, I've only used 4 wheel drive. But I also live by the philosophy that if you don't have something, your going to need that something. Chains are a purchase that will last you a lifetime (or at least as long as you own the rig). Just get a good set of chains, not cable chains. Up here in the PNW, I buy chains from a tire store called Les Schwabs.

 

i like to have chains when going snowboarding, as matty said, just in case

sometimes where we go, there are '4X4 / chains only' days when conditions warrant, with state troopers at the entry to the roads

i'll purchase mine when we get up to the mountains this winter at the local auto store since i have a new pickup...remember to get them for all 4 tires if you are using 4wd

 

Absolutely they help.

 

Only used them once, but carry them always... can be a lifesaver. I would recommend cables if you dont plan on using them all the time, since you can drive faster with them.

 

my buddy has these http://www.f150store.com/Shop/ViewPr...&PlateTypeID=1 they work great

 

Thanks alot fellas I really appreciate the help.

 

no problem and the ones tht i said fold up nice and neat not cumbersome like chains are and you can apply them too when you are already stuck you dont have to place them down then roll over them just a little fyi

 

So are you guys using "chains" or cables. The manual says to use cables on my 06, but on all my pre-04 trucks I used chains. I carry chains just in case. Nothing worse that getting somewhere, and can't quite make it there without them. Or worse yet, can't get out without them.

 

A good rule of thumb is, chanes work best in deep snow, don't use them unless you need them, if you have them on never drive on bare road and only drive 20 MPH or less.

 

I just got a set of these in yesterday. I take some weekend trips to the mountains from time to time and figure they'd be a handy thing to keep in the tool box. Haven't tried them out yet but putting them on seems fairly easy.

http://www.tirechain.com/square_alloy_cross_chain.htm