Ford Truck and snow Chains

mdndeer · Sep 25, 2017

I went and bought a new Ford F-250 and when I bought it I had to sign a document about not putting tire chains on it (20" tires).
I can't believe that people are not putting chains on so I am wondering what you guys are doing. I looked at the wheel well and the fronts could possibly have issues if you're turning hard but the back looks like there is clearance.

Anyway what are you running(brand/type) and is it on front/back or both.

Have a 4th season tag and want to be prepared

Appreciate the help

MDNDEER

DW · Sep 25, 2017

It's usually the electronic bs and the brake system more than the bumper or fender well. Look behind the wheel.

#livelikezac

deadibob · Sep 25, 2017

Front axle clearance can be an issue sometimes. If you know what you are doing and build a set or have them built to fit properly, you shouldn't have an issue.

mtmuley · Sep 25, 2017

With a Ford, you'll need chains. mtmuley

mdndeer · Sep 25, 2017

Assume a Chevy guy. I was told its more about the tires.

Appreciate the comment.

I don't make my own chains wondering if certain brand chain work better or can be adjusted better. I did hear about the brake line issue and am concerned.

Thanks Again

MDNDEER

Deerdon · Sep 25, 2017

It has much to do about the brake line and ABS stuff. I had the same warning with mine....just make sure you have no tag links on the inside, keep 'em tight and you should be fine. Been running chains (when needed) on mine with no problems.

mtmuley · Sep 25, 2017

I have an F250 diesel and a GMC 2500 gasser. Night and day difference between them, especially in snow and ice. Put the best tires you can on your truck (I reccomend the Cooper ST Maxx). I try to avoid using chains. Sometimes it just gets you in more trouble. mtmuley

DeerHunter53 · Sep 26, 2017

When I have to use chains I use the small cable ones and only when there is no pavement showing.
I use them up in the mountains for extra traction but I haven't had to use them but once or twice for really deep snow.
They say it will screw truck up but it hasn't done anything to mine so far.
We are leaving for Idaho next week and we are expecting snow where we go so I am throwing the chains in just in case.

Soj51hopeful · Sep 26, 2017

Is it just because of the 20" wheels? I have a relatively new 3/4 ton ford work truck I regularly need to chain up all 4. Makes all the difference in the world. I've never had any problems, but it has standard size wheels and tires.

BIGJOHNT · Sep 26, 2017

Your suppose to get out of your truck when the snow gets deep. Go to the trailer and pull your wheeler off that is chained up and g

r if its that deep get on your tracked vehicle or snowmobile. I guess I don't abuse my trucks like I use to. That means I always have a ride home. Just my two cents

LouieT · Sep 26, 2017

My F150 says to run type S chains. They are smaller profile for clearance issues with front suspension etc.

DW · Sep 26, 2017

>Is it just because of the
>20" wheels?

No. As posted above it has to do with the abs and various electronic sensors on the inside of the wheel. Wire up any loose ends and make sure they dont contact any of that chit.

#livelikezac

Millsworks · Sep 26, 2017

If you just run em on the rear you won't likely have any trouble. Just make em fit tight and check them regularly while you're running them.

elks96 · Sep 26, 2017

As mentioned it is all about electronics, abs sensors etc. I would highly recommend getting the best dang tires you can get. Go straight to a super swamper, pitbull etc. Even if you just buy them and run them for the week of your season then resale. Tires are 10 times more important that chains. With a little driving skill and the right tires you should have very little issue. Use the chains as a back up to only get out. If you have to use chains to get in, how are you getting out if it gets worse?

If you go in now to a good 4x4 off road shop in your area, they can order you a good chain and then should be able to custom fit it to your vehicle. Like others have said, they need to fit really tight, have no slack and be short on the side walls to avoid messing up things, but long enough to stay on...

For a cheap mud tire that will only see occasional use check out tread wright. look like a 35 12.5R20 for under $200 each. I use these tires under my daily driver and under my jeep. Have used them for year and they have great traction and a good price. You could likely reseal these tires after season for $120 each on CL.

ICMDEER · Sep 26, 2017

Not sure where you guys are or what kind of snow you are in, but I can assure you that traction is much better with chains than just with tires here in Wyoming. I'm no expert, but I think it's a lot more important to have chains on the front than on the back. Many times, I just put them on the front tires.

I use an older truck (2001)for hunting for this reason and more. I had to make all kinds of adjustments to my newer truck. The engineers just have no way of understanding what I use it for in rural Wyoming. The transmission cooler hanging down in front of the front axle would not have lasted a week. And all those bells dinging constantly. Am I really so stupid I need a bell or buzzer for everything?? Got all of those turned off, but it took a lot of effort.

The new trucks are made for urban use. Too bad. My next truck is going to be 40 years old and hopefully it'll be my last.

Be safe and have fun.

Soj51hopeful · Sep 26, 2017

Ya same here with this sierra cement snow I drive in. Good aggressive tires are great but nothing beats chains. The front tires where stearing and most of your breaking occurs is best to have chained, but all 4 chained is unmatched. At least here in my conditions.

elks96 · Sep 26, 2017

>Not sure where you guys are
>or what kind of snow
>you are in, but I
>can assure you that traction
>is much better with chains
>than just with tires here
>in Wyoming. I'm no
>expert, but I think it's
>a lot more important to
>have chains on the front
>than on the back.
>Many times, I just put
>them on the front tires.
>
>
>I use an older truck (2001)for
>hunting for this reason and
>more. I had to
>make all kinds of adjustments
>to my newer truck.
>The engineers just have no
>way of understanding what I
>use it for in rural
>Wyoming. The transmission cooler
>hanging down in front of
>the front axle would not
>have lasted a week.
>And all those bells dinging
>constantly. Am I really
>so stupid I need a
>bell or buzzer for everything??
> Got all of those
>turned off, but it took
>a lot of effort.
>
>The new trucks are made for
>urban use. Too bad.
> My next truck is
>going to be 40 years
>old and hopefully it'll be
>my last.
>
>Be safe and have fun.

I spend all winter in WY hunting coyotes. Never even carry chains. Good aggressive tires and knowing you rig will do amazing thing. Even on my 2015 Ram, I get a ton of places. Now I cheat and have an 72 blazer and an 85 jeep. I usually go most places in 2 wheel drive where others are chained up. I remember one time on the base of Gerri's when I pulled up to a truck chained on all 4s blocking the road. He asked if I could
Pull him out and said sure.... should have seen the look on his face when I got out to lock my hubs...

I still say that very aggressive tire and skill do amazing things and I have only once ever needed chains in all my years hunting NW Colorado and WY.

You are also correct never bother with chaining the back unless you have already chained the front.

DW · Sep 26, 2017

I pull guys out on the regular who weren't chained up all the way around where I elk hunt. Usually after I call em a dumbass for tryin to come up here without chains!

#livelikezac

deadibob · Sep 26, 2017

After two winters of hauling water and oil out near the book cliffs, I have the equivalent of a Masters Degree in chaining up. Chaining and unchaining a tractor trailer or bobtail with a pup 5-8 times a night with logging chains got old real fast. Those were the bad nights. On good nights the asphalt was snowed or iced over so we didn't have to unchain when we got on the pavement and could keep them on all night.

The worst was the spring thaw because you were usually knee deep in mud and that really sucks for chaining big trucks. If a driver needed to get pulled out of being stuck, it was all good as long as he was chained up. If a driver got stuck and needed pulled out because he was too lazy to chain up, it was his azz.

My favorite part of the job was sitting on top of the oil tanks at night with a fox pro and spotlight ;-)