recommend the best snow chains

[brainhulk]

easy to put on, won't damage the car, won't fall off if going within recommended speeds

I am going to mammoth in 2 weeks and the forecast said it might be snowing, so I wanna be prepared. I have some bfg mt's i was thinking of slapping on my Rav4 awd but someone here said they are only good in deep snow.

 

[NutBucket]

As long as you have decent tread on your all-seasons the chances of you being required to install chains is pretty slim. CHP basically makes no distinction between true snow tires and M+S tires so with AWD they'll close the road before they make you put on chains.

That said, the Super Z and Super Z6 are probably the easiest to install since you don't have to drive over the cables to get them on. http://www.scc-chain.com/tire-chain-finder/traction-product-choices/

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Do you have any Les Schwab dealers in your area?

Nubucket is right, get the ones you don't need to lay out and drive over. Cable chains that can be draped over the tire and then strapped down.

Should run about $70 - $90 - and check your owners manual to ensure chains are allowed to be fitted to the car.

Pack a flashlight, latex gloves to keep your hands dry when removing them, and a small tarp to keep your knees dry.

*May want to practice putting one on and taking it off a few times if you've never done this before. It's only harder in the slush on the side of the freeway at 28 degrees and in total darkness.

 

[NutBucket]

Les Schwab doesn't exist in SoCal. The cables found in our local stores stink. Unfortunately the fitment for our GMC doesn't work well for the the two types I recommended. Oh well, they're a "last resort" measure anyway.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Thread
Thread

 

[brainhulk]

i put chains on before in college on a minivan. I bought the chains from autozone, no gloves and the ones you had to roll over. It was not a pleasant experience and I think my hands got frozen. The van was still sliding coming down the mountain, lol.

I will look into the ones you guys mentioned.

 

[NutBucket]

Yeah, cables are better than nothing but suck compared to actual chains.

 

[Eos]

Your situation sounds like a good candidate for the AutoSock. Make sure they're legal in CA first.

 

[brainhulk]

I got the super z6

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HZFDPU/re...0_M3T1_SC_dp_1

 

[SanDiegoHighway]

abSOlutely "test fit" them cables ya got beFORE headin out on yer trip brainhulk

ya don't wanta git to where ya NEED em to find out they don't fit

 

[EagleKeeper]

abSOlutely "test fit" them cables ya got beFORE headin out on yer trip brainhulk

ya don't wanta git to where ya NEED em to find out they don't fit

Also

Put them on in the dark with only a flashlight.
Practice until no issues when using gloves

If you need to put them on under bad weather, it is best to have the practice under your fingers first.

 

[brainhulk]

Also

Put them on in the dark with only a flashlight.
Practice until no issues when using gloves

If you need to put them on under bad weather, it is best to have the practice under your fingers first.

i'll do that this weekend. Trip is next week. Excited i'll be boarding in fresh powder. woohoo

 

[Rifter]

The best are the diamond pattern real chain ones with little V shaped pieces of metal weled on for added grip. These are generally called icebreakers around here.

I generally have mine made by a local tire shop that my company uses(i work for a towing company)I find having them custom made is not that much more expensive than off the shelf chains and the fit is immensly better as they are fit to your exact tire so worth the money.

 

[kornphlake]

I'm not saying the chains will be junk, but how many millimeters of snow does El Cajon, CA get every decade? It's like saying the best made board shorts are sold from a shop in Siberia.

Edit: LOL, looks like I was spam baited. The guy who apparently self promoted his "chain" shop in San Diego was banned and his post was removed.