Tire chains?

[Cliffh]

Living in northern Texas there isn't a lot of ice on the roads, but every now and then there can be a lot.  Since my previous residences have been in the Napa Valley (CA) and low elevations in the AZ mountains, I don't have any experience with tire chains.  A couple years ago there was a pretty bad icing of the roads here and driving a pickup without chains or proper tires was "fun".

I'm really not into that much "fun" now-a-days, so I'm starting to look for a full set of chains for my 2WD 3/4 ton.  Looking at http://www.tirechain.com/245-75R-16LT.htm has my eyes crossing - way too many choices.  My wallet says to just go for the cheapest set, my head's saying that may not be the best choice.

I'd only be driving about 15 miles to work & home.  One route is straighter but with steep hills, the other route has less steep hills but a lot of curves; probably only have to use the chains one or two days a year.

Any suggestions?

[Ben]

First off (I just went through this with my new truck) check your manual to see what chains you can use and if you can use them on both axles or not. Many newer vehicles have limited clearance and require "S" type chains.

Examples:

My 2014 4Runner can take larger chains, but only in the back as per the manual (clearance issues up front and guys have lost their brake lines). That said, I bought the diamond pattern "S" chains for it from tirechains.com and they're great. Super easy to put on.

On my 2016 F-150, I had to sign a "tire chain disclaimer" regarding voiding the warranty if I use chains. After much research,  I found apparently dealers make everyone sign that, but it only, as per the manual, applies to certain size tires. My tires can use the "S" chains, and I bought the same ones  I have for my 4Runner for the truck (after semi-fitting the 4Runner chains (4Runner has wider tires) on the truck and checking clearance (there was lots on the back tires)).

Tirechains.com has a pretty good table for what chain designs work best in what conditions. Some guys here were talking about autosocks, which are supposed to be good on ice.

[Cliffh]

I don't think clearance is going to be a problem on a 1990 GMC 2500, I can pretty much crawl around the tire while it's mounted on the truck.  I'll check the manuals though, just in case.

I'll have to look at that site better - I didn't even see their recommendation chart.  Although my eyes are still crossing looking at it.

[Ben]

Also on the cheap chains, some of them are made for nothing more than fulfilling chain restriction requirements in Western states, which you may be aware of having lived in CA. Lots of chain control areas require you to have chains in the vehicle, but by the time conditions have gotten to where you need chains, the passes are already shut down. So lots of the cheaper chains are just for "show and tell" with the highway patrol.

[zxcvbob]

I used to live just north of Dallas (in "The Colony") and had to drive to Addison every day for work, in an old Chevy C20 pickup that was covered with rust and looked like it was falling apart.  When there was ice on the roads, the people there got crazy; everybody forgot how to drive.  But they gave me plenty of room for some reason.  (which I didn't need, but I did appreciate)

Anyway, I live in Minnesota now, and Wife made me get rid of that truck (by then the floorboards were rusted completely out and you could see the road go by) and I stupidly bought another 2WD.  I thought the limited slip differential would be almost as good as 4WD in ice and snow. (it's not)  Next time I buy tires, I'm planning on getting tires with the "Mountain Snowflake" symbol.  (BF Goodrich T/A Traction, to be exact)  That means they are rated for severe snow service.  They shouldn't ever need chains.

[mgdavis]

I'll second tirechain.com.

I like the diamond chains. I haven't been forced to chain up before, but the diamonds went on nicely in the driveway during a practice session.They also seem sturdier than most cables.

[MechAg94]

You could just move to the Southern half of Texas.  Then the only chains will be for towing or a chain fall.  Of course, A/C and window screens become a critical life necessities. 

[Cliffh]

SWMBO & I spent a few weeks in southern TX - no thanks.  It's humid enough here, down that way I'd drown trying to breathe.

Should I consider a set for the front tires or just use 'em on the rear?

[Hawkmoon]

Next time I buy tires, I'm planning on getting tires with the "Mountain Snowflake" symbol.  (BF Goodrich T/A Traction, to be exact)  That means they are rated for severe snow service.  They shouldn't ever need chains.

Snow tires are good in snow. For actual ice, you need either studs or chains.

[charby]

Snow tires are good in snow. For actual ice, you need either studs or chains.

X2

[Frank Castle]

Good tires and fill the bed with weight. I had 20 sandbags in bed of 2 wheel drive truck, during my first winter in Alaska.

[Tuco]

Snow tires are good in snow. For actual ice, you need either studs or chains.

Aggressive siping on ice, while nowhere nearly effective as studs or chains, can keep one between the ditches in areas where chains and studs are outlawed.