are tire chains a good alternative in snow driving if you dont have 4 wheel drive?

Question

i have an '06 chevy silverado truck, standard 2 wheel drive. more of a residential truck. i just got it and i have heard that in the snow and ice up here on the country roads in west virginia it will need some help. simply asking if chains are a good option? are they hard to put on? any other options you guys might know of that may help? thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Lets see:

I live near the Sierra Nevadas - so been in serious snow... for vehicle traction

Best possible - 4-wheel drive w/chains
2nd is kind of a tie - 4-wheel drive w/snow tires or 2-wheel w/chains
3rd 2-wheel drive w/snow tires
worst is obviously 2-wheel w/regular tires...

I don't know how bad the snow gets where you are, but I'd always suggest carrying chains in winter no matter what.

As for putting chains on - its kind of a pain, but its not that hard if you've got two people... can be a ***** if you're alone - you pretty much need a marker of some kind to figure out how far to move your vehicle to position it... at least with the chains we used.

Just my .01

-dh

Answer 2

Alternative To Tire Chains

Answer 3

I find snow chains to be far more effective on the road, with the increased clearance and suspension travel of 4WD more useful in rough, off-road terrain. I've been able to drive a three-ton, rear-wheel-drive '73 Lincoln Continental in pretty adverse conditions with chains, while many overconfident four-by drivers were trying to get themselves unstuck from the side of the road. I'm not knocking 4WD/AWD, but it's not a magic bullet that renders you impervious to conditions (although, many people seem to think so). If you want definitive proof, go to any mountain pass where I live in Colorado, such as Wolf Creek Pass (or any high mountain pass in the country), during a serious snow event. The state troopers will be there, checking vehicles for snow chains, to the extent that they will watch you put them on. No chains, and you have to turn around. And they don't care one whit if your vehicle is four-wheel drive or not.

Answer 4

I moved to WV three years ago and have a 2 wheel drive explorer. I tried studded snow tires and I could not get out of my development which is in the mountains. I got tire chains and have not been stuck since. It takes me 5 min a tire to get them on. I won't travel without them during the winter.

Answer 5

Two styles. Chain and cable. Fairly easy to put on. Speed is limited though. Check out link and installation instructions on page.

Also try putting some sand bags in bed of truck for a little extra weight over rear wheels.

Answer 6

They aren't too difficult to put on, it just takes alot of patience. Aside from that, I am under the impression that chains have now been made illegal to put on tires, they'd tear up the concrete underneath the snow.

By the way, tire technology has come very far. You can buy studded snow tires for fairly cheap, and these things will take you anywhere. and they'll last longer than chains.

Answer 7

a tad time consuming to put on but, they grip like a monkey, make sure that you have enough wheel clearance between the tire, and the body, make sure they are on tight, never use on anything other than snow and ice (don't go on pavement at all).

Answer 8

chains Are a hassle but definitely worth it. You will also want to have some sandbags in back for weight and additional help if you get stuck. Also have canned goods and blankets just in case.

Answer 9

They work great but most places have outlawed them because they tear up the road. Make sure it is ok b4 you use. They are illegal where I live in MO

Answer 10

yes