SNOW CHAINS - USELESS IN OFFROADING?

[Sub]

I GOT THE EMAIL FROM MY BUDDY IN CHICAGO WHO SOLD ME THE TRUCK THAT HE HAS SET OF SNOW CHAINS LEFT AND OFFERED ME THE DEAL - ARE THEY ANY GOOD TO HAVE FOR OFFROADING ON WINTER OR ITS MORE LESS ROAD ASSET ON ICY DAYS?

[JL]

Chains are one of those topics where there isn't any one definitive answer so there's going to be lots of debate on the merits of chains... Personally I have never used them and never really wished I had them but that doesn't mean they're not helpful in some situations.



I'd first start with a nice tire and see how that works out for you, if you're not happy then maybe go to the chains? Whenever possible I'd avoid using the chains and only strap them on when they're needed VS driving with them all the time, just because the chains do introduce some additional risk and it may not always be possible to use chains within their intended parameters when driving offroad. Just thinking about getting your tires spinning too fast, catching on some hidden obstacle, other unforeseen hazards... No need to worry about those things (to the same degree at least) when you're just on a nice tire.



Again this just boils down to a matter of opinion, but I doubt you'll ever need them since as I say I've done a bit of winter wheeling and never really wished for them. Your typical mud tire actually does really well in the snow so I'd be thinking of going that route, air pressure is really important on the snow so make sure you air down... should be good to go after that! Anything impassable at that point... time to rethink the route methinks!



Still with that said you never know what you might find on the trail and it's always better to be over prepared than under... I wouldn't plan on using them all day long but might be nice to have for that situation where you really DO need that extra traction for whatever reason. No definitive answer I am afraid!

[Hesh]

I would *not* use chains for offroading.



Chains are popular on mountain roads during crap weather, but most cities wont allow them unless the city has been 'shut down' as a result of inclement weather.



With the capabilities of the Hummer only further complemented with a good set of tires, I'd say chains are almost excessive, and if anything, if I were to make certain modifications to adapt to winter ice/snow, it would be in the form of studding a studdable set of winter tires, but even then youre limited to their use for strictly the winter months, as many cities require you to remove them outside of winter months.

[Sub]

i would be only conserned of the tire thread damage as there is possibility of rippin rubber material , in my opinion