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Chains, Cables or nothing at all

N

nikadog

1959 Thiokol 4VL
I have a stock 2007 GMC Sierra 3/4 ton 4x4. Recently I got stuck in about 12 inches of snow. I was pulling a equipment trailer with a snow cat on it. Here is my question. I put cables on the rear tires. The manufacturer doesn't recommend chains. I'm not sure why. The cables were SCC, super Z LT. My tires are the stock 245 LT x 16's. I used the cables for the first time. I broke 2 to 3 cross cables on each side. the cables came off several times. These cables are 1/8 inch thick. The cable tighteners were too big for this set of cables. The tightener would keep the cables tight. I keep wire in my tool bag. I used wire to tie down the broken cross cables and tighten the cables up. The question is there some heavy duty cables I can buy for off road use? Should I air down the rear tires? I afraid to because I'm pulling a trailer. Any suggestions would be appreciated.:hammer:
 
I have cables for the front on my F350 due to clearance issues and some heavy duty vbar chains for the rears that I only use when our road gets really bad.

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The ride with the vbars is really rough if there is no ice to cushion the chains.

I used to have some of the Diamond quick fit chains on my F250
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They were a nice combination of comfort and traction - kind of a middle ground between cables and chains.

If you are going to be in really bad conditions then I would recommend the heaviest chains you can get.

I think the newer vehicles have some issues with chains due to all the sensors. My 97 F350 sets off an ABS warning light when I ride with the vbar chains - it's just too bumpy for it - or there is some sensor that doesn't like the jarring. I know my 2008 Durango owners manual says not to use chains too - kind of an impractical recommendation for a 4x4 vehicle though.
 
nikadog said:
I have a stock 2007 GMC Sierra 3/4 ton 4x4. Recently I got stuck in about 12 inches of snow. I was pulling a equipment trailer with a snow cat on it. Here is my question. I put cables on the rear tires. The manufacturer doesn't recommend chains. I'm not sure why. The cables were SCC, super Z LT. My tires are the stock 245 LT x 16's. I used the cables for the first time. I broke 2 to 3 cross cables on each side. the cables came off several times. These cables are 1/8 inch thick. The cable tighteners were too big for this set of cables. The tightener would keep the cables tight. I keep wire in my tool bag. I used wire to tie down the broken cross cables and tighten the cables up. The question is there some heavy duty cables I can buy for off road use? Should I air down the rear tires? I afraid to because I'm pulling a trailer. Any suggestions would be appreciated.:hammer:
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Get rid of the cable chains . They are a waste of time for what you are doing . Go buy a good set of ice chains for the rear tires and have a good time . Thats all I run on my rig . That will give to the best traction you can get . The cables only work on very flat , hard surfaced roads , if at all :sad:
 
thanks guys for the suggestions. So I can use chains but its the vibration that the sensors don't like? I have plenty of clearance in the rear and front for chains. I loved the cross or diamond chains on my old truck but was afraid of using them because of all the bells and whistles these new trucks have. What about airing down the back tires. I heard of people pulling fifth wheels airing down to 26 psi when they go on the sand at Pismo Beach, CA.? Would it work the same in snow?
 
nikadog said:
thanks guys for the suggestions. So I can use chains but its the vibration that the sensors don't like? I have plenty of clearance in the rear and front for chains. I loved the cross or diamond chains on my old truck but was afraid of using them because of all the bells and whistles these new trucks have. What about airing down the back tires. I heard of people pulling fifth wheels airing down to 26 psi when they go on the sand at Pismo Beach, CA.? Would it work the same in snow?
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I'm really just guessing about the vibration on the sensors. There may be some other factors too. More wires and crap everywhere these days - they could get caught in the chains.

Yes, airing down does work on snow. I'm not so sure it helps that much on ice though.
 
nikadog said:
Would it work the same in snow?
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I doubt you would gain enough to make it worth while by lowering air pressure .

The vibration would be mimimal if you have enough cross links on the chains . I custom built my set . They are actually semi truck chain material . Super heavy duty . I have never broke a link or had any problems .
 
first off this is a good example why i don't drive one of them new limp wristed trucks. It may not have cup holdes but my 82 6.2 diesel is just fine for me.back to tire chains one of the reasons that chains may not be recomended is the traction control system that uses the abs, also if you invest in chains some good like laclead the cheep chains will lest tear up sheet metal when the cross link breaks final note is rememder to pump brakes when stopping if your wheels lock between cros links you will skid.
chais are a fact of life where i live here in alaska there is no subistitute for the traction and control you can gain from then but you also must slow down and not exceeed 30mph or you micht as well throw 100 dollar bills on the tires.
 
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