Tire Chains

Chocolate Head

Chocolate Head

New member
I'll be heading to NC/NW KS in mid-December. One of my buddies brought up the idea of tire chains in case there is snow. We will be in a Chevy Silverado 2500 Diesel 4X4. The tires are not road tires, but they aren't monster truck tires either. Anybody care to share their thoughts about snow driving in KS and whether or not chains are necessary?
 
It never hurts to have them. Make sure that you have a tow rope and a chain. If you have good all-terrain tires you shouldn't really have any issues. I have driven all over Kansas (sand/gravel roads)in snow and ice storms in vehicles ranging from a CJ7 to a Mercury Mountaineer to a Dodge Durango. I have always had BF Goodrich All Terrain TA/KO's on my vehicles and have never had any issues with getting stuck. Just drive slow, stay on the crown of the road and don't push your luck with busting drifts. Chains and or tires won't help if you get high centered on a drift. Carry a shovel so you can scoop mud or snow and maybe some ice melt to throw down for traction. As far as weight I just usually used my gear that I was hauling for my weight. Take your time, don't push your luck and you should be just fine.
 
kiotehntr said:
It never hurts to have them. Make sure that you have a tow rope and a chain. If you have good all-terrain tires you shouldn't really have any issues. I have driven all over Kansas (sand/gravel roads)in snow and ice storms in vehicles ranging from a CJ7 to a Mercury Mountaineer to a Dodge Durango. I have always had BF Goodrich All Terrain TA/KO's on my vehicles and have never had any issues with getting stuck. Just drive slow, stay on the crown of the road and don't push your luck with busting drifts. Chains and or tires won't help if you get high centered on a drift. Carry a shovel so you can scoop mud or snow and maybe some ice melt to throw down for traction. As far as weight I just usually used my gear that I was hauling for my weight. Take your time, don't push your luck and you should be just fine.
Click to expand...

Yeah, what he said. :thumbsup: I have a duramax 4X4 too, and although I haven't made it out to Kansas, I've done plenty of hunting in Eastern Colorado. I haven't had to use my snow chains yet (knock on wood), but I keep them with me if there's a chance I'll need them. I also carry a shovel and chain. I picked my chains up from Cabela's. It was hard for me to find chains for a 33" tire, and they had them. Just remember, don't be stupid, and you'll be fine.
 
I've been stuck twice in my hunting career. I'm not sure tire chains would have helped either time. Once was in a snow drift and once was in a sand drift. On both occasions I had just rounded a curve and was stuck before I even knew there was trouble ahead.

I now pack a tow rope/chain, come-a-long, 2 shovels, and a small bottle jack. The sand drift was the worst I have ever been stuck. We had to jack up the back end and put logs underneath the rear tires in order to get the truck to budge...

It was actually not too difficult to get out of the sand drift though, because we were prepared. After getting stuck in the snow drift I had everything I needed to free my vehicle all packed up in a rubbermaid tub in the back.

I had to dig out of the snow drift with dog bowls because that's the only "tool" I brought with me! :laugh: I only made that mistake once! Now I am always prepared!:thumbsup:
 
I got chains several years ago after getting stuck in an ice storm. Very good for icy hills. Wouldn't worry too much about snow in Kansas aas long as you have a 4x4.

Lefty
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top