[Skrongbed]

Which ones did you order? I am kinda leaning towards cables now since they seem like a low profile chain alternative and more durable than the snow sock...

Quality chain Corp qv751. I think I got them at a les schwab. They’re more geared for occasional use which is perfect for me. Not sure if they fit stock zr2 tires but they have my 265/70/17 listed on the box.


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[Brandon04GT]

Oh I see. They seem almost identical to these: https://www.amazon.com/Security-Cha...DPU/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=tire+cables&qid=1609655312&s=automotive&sr=1-3

For $80 some dollars, I might just order these and call it a day. One pair should be fine I'm guessing

 

[Skrongbed]

Oh I see. They seem almost identical to these: https://www.amazon.com/Security-Cha...DPU/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=tire+cables&qid=1609655312&s=automotive&sr=1-3

For $80 some dollars, I might just order these and call it a day. One pair should be fine I'm guessing

I actually had that brand chains when I had stock tires. Only used them twice but no complaints.


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[Brandon04GT]

I actually had that brand chains when I had stock tires. Only used them twice but no complaints.


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Gotcha. My stock tires are 265/65/17 and I am eventually planning to upsize to 265/70/17 so too bad it seems that both these sizes use different part #’s for the chains. But I guess I can always sell them once I eventually get my new tires.

 

[WV NATIVE]

I would honestly recommend the cable type. They’re lighter, easier to put on, and take up less space.

This is very true. My chains are very durable but they are anything but lightweight or compact.

 

[Scooter123]

Brandon

I have a cabin near Big Bear and here is the deal. The CHP will post warnings on Hwys. 38 and 330 well in advance of the area and will have a Chippy posted to turn you around if you don't have chains. There are two types of turn arounds.

The first is for accumulated snow after a small snowfall or after its been plowed in some areas. Then, for all cars except 4WD vehicles, chains will be required. These passenger type cars must have chains or they will be turned around by the CHP. The area is usually a large turnout so you have ample space to install them.

The second is more serious, and its when we get a couple feet of snow and the roads have not yet been plowed and/or there is serious ice. In this instance, all vehicles must have chains. Period. 4WD does nothing for ice, and only chains provide enough traction. Now, I carry a couple 5 gal buckets for chains and throw them in my bed, and often the Highway Patrol just says, "You've got chains, right?" And I say "Yes," and off I go. So far, in five years, I've never put them on, but practiced once.

This is going to sound counter-intuitive for a Colorado 4WD forum, but here I go--we have a small Subaru, tiny little roller skate type car with tiny little chains that can fit in a shoe box that are super easy to install, and I find it easier to get to portions of the road with that stupid car than I do with my truck. Passenger cars, especially smaller passenger cars, are easier to install chains on that larger trucks with big tire. With my tire size, I need two large 5 gal buckets for the chains, a tool kit to install them, gloves and some overalls.

By the way, at these turnouts where the CHP is at, or slightly before them, there will be a whole host of enterprising young men willing to install your chains for you for $100.

Finally, there is an Auto-Zone on both the 38 (West Redlands) and 310 (San Berdu) which carry vast numbers of chains which will fit your truck. I don't find that there will be much of selection--they will have a set which will fit your tire size with very little choice between brands.

 

[Brandon04GT]

Scooter123, thanks a lot for the info. Nice to also get input from someone familiar with the Big Bear area. I went to Big Bear three times last year but never in the snow.

I'm gonna be ordering the cables I linked to on Amazon, and will practice putting them on. I'm expecting that there shouldn't be any clearance issues, but we'll see.

Just a couple of questions...

1. Should one set (1 pair) be enough to meet the chain requirement (if necessary)? Or would I have to buy two pairs for all 4 wheels?

2. When it comes to driving with or without chains in snow conditions in Big Bear or any other place, should I put my car in 4 auto or 4hi? From my understanding and research, 4auto is generally discouraged because it can wear out the clutch packs in the transfer case if not totally needed, BUT does allow the front and rear wheels to spin at different speeds if need be.

To my understanding, in 4high, even without any of my lockers engaged, one of the front wheels and one of the rear wheels will be locked together which will not be good during binding or sharp turns??


Thanks a lot

 

[White016]

Well New York Makes there law so clear. Another reason why everyone leaves my state.

Snow emergency route

Do you have to have a lawyer install the chains too? jebus. I'm not sure which is worse, your state or mine!

 

[gherbert]

Do you have to have a lawyer install the chains too? jebus. I'm not sure which is worse, your state or mine!

At times I wonder that same question... I am starting to think that they are twins, just separated after birth.

 

[Scooter123]

Depends. I’ve been up there in an ice and snow blizzard and quite frankly did not feel safe in 4WD with chains on all four wheels. There were all sorts of cars and trucks getting stuck on Hwy 38. Just a mess. No thank you, I headed back to Forest Falls and spent the night there.

Right Now, everything is plowed and we’ve had some plus 40 degree temps so the pavement is clean and clear, aside from some isolated ice patches and last weeks mud slide. I’d carry chains, drive slow and careful, and not bother putting them on. Be prepared with water, a warm blanket flares flashlight gloves and the like. Both roads are narrow twisty mountain roads and the CHP will not suffer fools.

If you have a late model LT+, then AUTO is what I would put it in. Otherwise 2WD, unless you see snow and ice, then 4WD high. The CHP has a web site and check chain requirements there.

Rain and snow is forecast this week. Check out Mountain View Web Cam by googling “Forest Falls camera” and there are live views of Hwy 38. There may be others for Hwy 330, I’m not sure. That live view allows you to see exactly what the highway looks like.

 

[Skrongbed]

Depends. I’ve been up there in an ice and snow blizzard and quite frankly did not feel safe in 4WD with chains on all four wheels. There were all sorts of cars and trucks getting stuck on Hwy 38. Just a mess. No thank you, I headed back to Forest Falls and spent the night there.

Right Now, everything is plowed and we’ve had some plus 40 degree temps so the pavement is clean and clear, aside from some isolated ice patches and last weeks mud slide. I’d carry chains, drive slow and careful, and not bother putting them on. Be prepared with water, a warm blanket flares flashlight gloves and the like. Both roads are narrow twisty mountain roads and the CHP will not suffer fools.

If you have a late model LT+, then AUTO is what I would put it in. Otherwise 2WD, unless you see snow and ice, then 4WD high. The CHP has a web site and check chain requirements there.

Rain and snow is forecast this week. Check out Mountain View Web Cam by googling “Forest Falls camera” and there are live views of Hwy 38. There may be others for Hwy 330, I’m not sure. That live view allows you to see exactly what the highway looks like.

Where are you seeing rain and snow for this week? I’m heading up tomorrow and most likely later this week but I’m not seeing anything on my weather apps.


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[rolando]

I’ve been up in big bear when they required everyone to have chains, no exceptions. They were turning people back if they didn’t have them. With that being said, I would honestly recommend the cable type. They’re lighter, easier to put on, and take up less space. My family drove about 3 hours through a blizzard in a front wheel drive Honda Odyssey with cable chains. Had such a good experience with them that I bought the same kinda for my Colorado. I’ll be carrying them with me on all my big bear trips this year.


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On a side note to the OP, make sure you still have good tread depth on your Duratracs. Any A/T tire starts to decline considerably in snow performance once they get below half tread. I see so many trucks/SUVs running around in the winter with marginal tread.

 

[Brandon04GT]

Thanks for the responses and good call on checking thread depth. I have about 8200 miles on my ZR2 so far and the tires still look good. I also just called the local CHP office and they confirmed only one set (1 pair) of chains are required. I'm just going to buy the ones on Amazon, try them on for fitment, and call it a day. Hopefully I won't have to use them. I wouldn't be totally surprised if it isn't even actively snowing on the weekend that I go...

 

[RollyPollieBenito]

I have a set of Z-cable for the surburban and will get a set of Z-Cale for the Canyon once I am set on permanent tire size.

 

[ZackJ805]

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread, it helped me with purchasing a set of chains for my Z71 Colorado. Like others mention, the Owner's Manual explicitly states not to install chains, but I grew up in chain country and I just couldn't see how they would do the harm they stated could happen and after trying some out I agree that it's likely just a liability cover your tail type of statement. I went with a relatively cheap set from Amazon, kinda seemed like a gimicky set up, but they seem okay enough and the reviews were mostly positive so I'm sure they'll work, at least to carry and have ready. Pics attached to see some set up and link to Amazon showing the ones I purchased below.

Some on Amazon warned that the size chart on Amazon didn't match up to the manufacturers so I took their advice and used the manufacturer's website to look up my tire size; 265/60/18
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TDIL5G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[gherbert]

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread, it helped me with purchasing a set of chains for my Z71 Colorado. Like others mention, the Owner's Manual explicitly states not to install chains, but I grew up in chain country and I just couldn't see how they would do the harm they stated could happen and after trying some out I agree that it's likely just a liability cover your tail type of statement. I went with a relatively cheap set from Amazon, kinda seemed like a gimicky set up, but they seem okay enough and the reviews were mostly positive so I'm sure they'll work, at least to carry and have ready. Pics attached to see some set up and link to Amazon showing the ones I purchased below.

Some on Amazon warned that the size chart on Amazon didn't match up to the manufacturers so I took their advice and used the manufacturer's website to look up my tire size; 265/60/18
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TDIL5G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


View attachment 420978 View attachment 420979 View attachment 420980

Only time I ever had chained on a vehicle and used them was on my postal truck.
It would of looked something like this:

The ambulance I used some had the drop down chains. I never used them.
Looked like this from behind when not in use:

 

[GH1618]

I just bought a pair of Pewag chains, because I need to carry chains to be legal in the winter in the place I normally drive (Pacific NW). I bought Pewag because they are made in USA. They have to be shipped from PA (TireChain.com). I think this brand is mainly sold to professional truckers. Not cheap.

 

[C21964]

We have a couple of sets of Konig chains. Like them better than the old style chains. They have a really good bite section in the center that is pretty aggressive. Easy on and off and self tensioning, eTrailer is a good source. Had some cable type years ago for my wife's BMW due to tight clearance but they did not work all that well, and I believe the cable type do not qualify as legal where chains are required in many states. 30-35 mph max with any chain I know of BTW.

 

[C21964]

Brandon

.......................................................................................................................

By the way, at these turnouts where the CHP is at, or slightly before them, there will be a whole host of enterprising young men willing to install your chains for you for $100.

..............................................

Inflation strikes again, chain monkeys used to charge $20. Lift tickets have also gone from $45/day to $150-$250 so guess the ratio is about right. Good grief.

Chain monkeys, apes, installers - then and now

Call them what you will — chain monkeys, apes or installers — they work hard for their money. It’s wet, cold “miserable” work, but it’s quick cash when the weather cooperates, according to those who have tackled the job. Once upon a time, when snow fell and made it unsafe for

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