Garbage Snow Chains

[moonbogg]

So I went to Big Bear this weekend and needed chains to get home. They sold them everywhere, so I went to a local store and verified the right size for my tires and bought a set.
For the next two hours, me and about 3 or 4 of my friends fought like hell to get the damn things on (in 10deg weather). It sucked. We figured my car was just too low and didn't give us enough room to work with and that's why we couldn't get the chain to wrap around the wheel. Eventually we took the damn wheel off the car to install the chain and we realized the chain was too small. We bought the right chain for the tires, but someone packaged a smaller size into the box at the factory (China somewhere). No refunds or exchanges on chains, no exceptions ever.
Fine. I need to get home so i'll go ahead and buy another set, but this time a different style of chains (Cable type, also made in China). This time they fit like a glove on the tires and I was all set, so we started driving home. We made it through the thickest part of the snow as we drove away from the cabin and made it to the main road, and one of the chains broke off and launched behind the car and landed on the road. I stopped and ran down the road and picked it up. The damn chain actually RIPPED APART. The cable just snapped! And so, with no choice, I limped on down the road with one chain, going about 15-20mph.
About a mile before the "chains required checkpoint" the other chain snapped and flew right off the tire. I laughed my ass off and drove through the checkpoint on my way down the hill and was relieved because after the checkpoint chains are no longer required. Fucking ridiculous. Never buying Chinese chains again. I'll spend 3 times as much for real ones next time.

 

[Scarpozzi]

That sucks. Convenience is a hell of a thing....you typically end up paying more for an inferior product.

If you live in an area that requires chains, you should buy a few quality sets and keep them in your trunk for those kinds of emergencies. I've considered getting a set for my vehicles in case we ever need them....though we only get a few storms per year.

 

[Soundmanred]

Now that road has more chains than Chinatown.

 

[Pardus]

The look like a good solution:

http://www.flextrax.com/

 

[Uppsala9496]

Now that road has more chains than Chinatown.

Hopefully they don't form a gang.

 

[Puppies04]

Now that road has more chains than Chinatown.

I see what you did there.

 

[jaedaliu]

I would say it's your fault for not being more prepared to go to big bear this past weekend.

But, you probably would have packed some cheap chinese made chains that would also have come off.

 

[Brovane]

A couple of years ago we went to Big Bear around Thanksgiving. However to guarantee we wouldn't need chains we went ahead and purchased a set at the Local Auto store before we left on the trip. Never needed chains during the trip. That sucks they put the wrong size chains in the package. Did you pay with Credit Card? I would seriously consider disputing the charge since the package labeling was in-correct.

 

[jagec]

The look like a good solution:

http://www.flextrax.com/

Even better solution:

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Next time you plan on driving anywhere where you think it might snow - Find yourself a Les Schwab. Returns are accepted and they sell some $80 chains that are fantastic and wont break.

Buying anything in snow country is a gamble on overpriced junk.

 

[Puppies04]

I'm confused, are we claiming that everything made in china is junk or that it is impossible to buy something made in the US that is just as cheaply made?

 

[tynopik]

No refunds or exchanges on chains, no exceptions ever.

That's not legal