Whips and snow chains
Oso, Sun Oct 30 2011, 09:02AM

Check out this design. Not cheap, but then neither is sliding off the road.

[Click Here]

Install video:

[Click Here]


(whips are optional)

Re: Whips and snow chains
Ernest T. Bass, Sun Oct 30 2011, 09:11AM

nice, kinda like Spiders.

Re: Whips and snow chains
Oso, Sun Oct 30 2011, 09:17AM

The Thules are expensive but a tad cheaper than the Spiders. Another advantage is that they fold up.

[Click Here]

Both are great for quick install/removal.

Re: Whips and snow chains
bills grandson, Sun Oct 30 2011, 10:20AM

I have never seen anything that will out perform regular old tire chains. With crossbars if you can find them. ZOtherwise the beefiest chains you can get.
Trouble is today many cars are not designed to take chains.
Something to keep in mind when buying a car if you plan on driving it in the snow.
These look very lightweight

Re: Whips and snow chains
Oso, Sun Oct 30 2011, 01:29PM

Overall, this style with hardened-smaller links has proved to be the best bet. Quieter running than the ladder-link style.


Cable chains... great for leaving either at the side of the road or wrapped around an axle. They meet the letter of the law but offer little traction or safety.


An inexpensive bottle jack is a simple way to lift the car to ensure a snug fit.

Re: Whips and snow chains
Lumbe® Jill, Sun Oct 30 2011, 01:44PM

Snug fit is the key to a longer wear and quieter, damage free ride. But I prefer 4WD. I have chains, but if I need to use them, that's my cue that I shouldn't be driving!

Re: Whips and snow chains
Craig (KJ6BCM), Sun Oct 30 2011, 02:15PM

Those are cool chains Oso. I agree with R however, if I need chains on my 4WD, then I shouldn't be driving anyway

Re: Whips and snow chains
Ernest T. Bass, Sun Oct 30 2011, 04:32PM


Very true R!

Re: Whips and snow chains
Oso, Sun Oct 30 2011, 04:49PM

A sure sign it's officially winter? When you hear a chain ripping the metal off a wheel arch over the sound of blasting rap "music" from a car's stereo system.

Re: Whips and snow chains
Geezer, Sun Oct 30 2011, 04:52PM

I'm a Mountain Woman...

RULE #1. need chains inside the valley? Then don't drive...main reason, there WI:L be folks out there with NO chains, and they will be aiming for you!

RULE #2. Do NOT leave the mountain if it is R3, in fact, don't leave the house!

Re: Whips and snow chains
Around The Lake, Sun Oct 30 2011, 04:58PM


If I did that I would not have a job.

Re: Whips and snow chains
Oso, Sun Oct 30 2011, 05:09PM

And most four season tires -- aren't very good in snow. The M&S rating can be meaningless and abused. Review winter tires and get the right ones for your vehicle.

Not an endorsement -- just some simple facts.

[Click Here]

Look for the snowflake logo!

These folks make some great winter tires, both studded and not.

[Click Here]


Re: Whips and snow chains
©ammy, Sun Oct 30 2011, 05:31PM


If you turn the stereo up loud enough so that you don't hear the chains destroying your wheel wells, then it must not be happening!

Re: Whips and snow chains
Oso, Sun Oct 30 2011, 05:51PM

Next to the morons that can't hear a chain shredding their own car, the next best thing are traction control devices on the wrong drive wheels! And some of them were installed by the "pros" working the hill doing installs. Another thrill is the macho trucks with their mud tires sliding about. Fat tires and snow equals sled ride.

Minor note -- some vehicles such as the BMW X5 have trouble with chains. They confuse their computers into reporting "low air pressure."

Re: Whips and snow chains
Cornbread, Mon Oct 31 2011, 06:06AM


Exactly. I'm with you on that. I have a 4x4 and I have never had to put chains on either.

Re: Whips and snow chains
Oso, Mon Oct 31 2011, 07:31AM

Black ice -- the great equalizer.