Tire Chains?

[sojourner65]

Don\'t know if this is the right forum but I\'ve been told I am required (strongly suggested?) that I should have chains for my truck, even in the bow season? If I don\'t have to spend the money I\'d rather not.

 

[americanbwana]

I have a set for all of my trucks. I\'ve never used them during Archery season, but came dang close a time or two.

One good early season wet snow storm can turn a road into nasty gumbo mud.

Also, check your owners manual. Some newer trucks and tire combinations prevent using chains due to the positioning of the brake lines.

A good set of Mud tires, aired down (You will need a compressor to bring pressure back up to road levels) would probably be good enough.

On the other hand $100 for a set of chains is cheaper than trying to get someone to tow you out of the ditch.

I bought my set from Tirechains.com

Here is a link to an article I did a few years ago concerning the subject. Vehicle Checklist For The Novice
AB

 

[Buglemaster]

We have only needed chains on one rare occasion while hunting in the sept bow season. But.....when we needed then, we REALLY needed them! We were trying to drag a camp trailer up a steep an unfamiliar road when a freek sleet mixed with rain storm hit. That trail got so slick so fast that we ended up getting turned enough in the road to chain the rear end of the trailed to a tree, unhook from the trailer & drive to Steamboat to get a set of tire chains. It was a miracle that little trailer didn\'t end up in the bottom of that canyon upside down! One other time up on the flat tops came close to needing them, but it let up with only about 7\" of snow on a pretty decent road & we had no problems in 4 wheel drive...with good tires....If your going late in the season & going real high, it might be worth bringing a set. Those storms generally are short lived & the snow is nearly gone in a couple days in September.

 

[sojourner65]

Thanks guys, probably get a set of emergency chains now. I will be getting new tires this summer also. Have to remember to pack my compressor too!

 

[WW]

I always have tire chains, tow chain, jumper cables, shovel, axe, saw, and a handyman jack in my truck at all times.

 

[Tdiesel]

I always have tire chains, tow chain, jumper cables, shovel, axe, saw, and a handyman jack in my truck at all times.

Ya what he said

 

[OldMan]

I don\'t own any chains, but I try very hard to not put myself in a position to need them.

Having been a hardcore 4wheeler most of my adults life who\'s active in 4wl clubs. We like to think we never get in situations we can\'t get out of.

Sort of the same thinking I have about hunting the mountains with no map, compass, or GPS.

Do as I say, not as I do.

 

[cnelk]

I always have tire chains, tow chain, jumper cables, shovel, axe, saw, and a handyman jack in my truck at all times.

X3 - but not a handyman

 

[americanbwana]

x4

 

[WW]

I always have tire chains, tow chain, jumper cables, shovel, axe, saw, and a handyman jack in my truck at all times.

X3 - but not a handyman

Brad: I was driving down a perfectly dry road once when I slipped off into a deep rut and got hi centered. There was no way a regular jack would have gotten me out of there. But the handyman sure did.

On the first elk hunt I was ever on, we broke camp and started out after a very successful hunt. The road was slick and muddy. The trailer we were pulling slid off the road and was hanging over a cliff with nothing holding it but the ball hitch on the truck. We were able to winch the truck and trailer up out of there one food at a time with the handyman.

Would I ever go in the mountains without one? Hell No!