Best car & suv snow chains according to redditors

We found 92 Reddit comments discussing the best car & suv snow chains. We ranked the 44 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

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Top Reddit comments about Car, Light Truck & SUV Snow Chains:

u/Helen____Keller · 42 pointsr/pics

Nice pic. Traction boards and a shovel next time.

u/itchybitsyjockstrap · 19 pointsr/EngineeringPorn

They produce things like this, more expensive than a chuck of wood but same thing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BDWRECU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eNMCCb84433CP

u/YoudontknowSMIT · 12 pointsr/tahoe

I moved to Stateline, Nevada (Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe) from Pittsburgh (Irwin, by way of Dormont) back in 2011. Make sure to get a hug from everyone because you're not going to want to return. Lived at one of the higher elevations around, Top of Kingsbury Grade, and have yet to own a 4wd/AWD. That being said, you will need chains. I'd recommend something easy to put on, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Laclede-7021-540-07-Alpine-Premier-Passenger/dp/B00EZWWPJS. Avoid the chains that look like a ladder when laid flat, they are terrible.

Coming from the city I'd recommend South Lake/Stateline ( no income tax in Nevada!). Preferably some place within walking distance of Heavenly. If you will be renting a place try to find one with a snowblower, because you will need it!

Good luck. Oh and bring Yuengling! There's none out here.

u/maddiedog · 9 pointsr/overlanding

Ridgeline! Ignore any haters, I "overlanded" in my Honda Element and love the hell out of the Ridgeline. You'll get a lot of unnecessary hate in a Ridgeline, including from pavement princess Tacomas, Jeeps, etc. Remember, if you're having fun, that's all that counts. Plus, your ride is way more comfortable than theirs to daily drive.

I had General Grabber AT2s on my Element, they were awesome. I have BFG KO2s on my Tacoma now, they're just as awesome. Discount Tire runs good promos, I highly recommend waiting and going with them. Definitely don't go anywhere before tires though, you'll regret it.

If you can, fit 1" larger diameter tires and upgrade from there. I did a spacer lift on my Element and it was enough, just take it easy.

Above all else, don't get caught up in all the gear and hype, go out there with your standard camping gear and enjoy the journey. If it's for you and you like it, upgrade over time to better gear. I went on dozens of trips with my V-Strom or PCX, had a kid, then went on 4 trips with my Element. I had so much fun and sometimes miss that freedom, but it's hard now that kid #2 is here. I've since upgraded from the Element to a Tacoma and bought a ton of crap... But that crap is just that. I could fit everything I needed to "overland" in a backpack on my motorcycles, and that's all you really need.

Get out there, have fun, and let the gear and expenses come if you enjoy it. If you've got a hole burning in your wallet, based on your rig, I'd recommend some basic recovery gear. I have a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AV2HONS/ and they'll get you out of most trouble without a winch. Start easy with forest service roads, and go up from there.

u/photonoobie · 9 pointsr/XVcrosstrek

I drive the local beaches in my area (east coast US) often have have little problems. My '14 sits on 1" of lift and a set of BFG KO2, which are decidedly not well suited for the sand. The factory tires did just as well, if not better, as they have a much more compliant sidewall than the BFGs.

Most of the time, airing down is not necessary. One beach in particular can be very soft at times, so I usually run about 20psi there. I've found that wet sand can be as hard as pavement sometimes. Other times, it might as well be quicksand. Nonetheless, I rarely have an issue. I do carry a shovel and traction mats, just in case. I have used them a few times, but only because of my own poor decision-making when choosing a path.

Keep an eye on the tides if you'll be driving below the high tide mark just in case you do have a problem. You'll want to leave yourself enough time to get rescued should need be.

The CVT is fine in sand. You'll find that you need to use a bunch more throttle input in order to get moving and stay moving.

Turning off the traction control (as much as the button allows you) seems to help keep the car from killing any semblance of power when the wheels start to spin a little. If you do encounter wheelspin, remember to give the car enough time to sense the spin before letting off the throttle.
The system will kick in, make creaking and other strange noises, and apply less power to the wheel that's spinning, and continue on its' way.

Sometimes, the traction control light, hill assist light, and CVT temp lights will illuminate while driving on sand or other loose surfaces. This is [I think] caused by wheelspin events that last longer than normal, or when the steering wheel input doesn't match the direction of travel for longer than the car is expecting. It doesn't do any permanent damage, but the traction control system is completely disabled when those lights are on, to beware. The fix is usually to restart the car.

A couple of other [maybe not so] obvious items.

Rinse off sand and salt after you get off the beach.

Be mindful of your approach and departure angles. The XV bumpers are all plastic, and the rear specifically has a tendency to be pulled off if it tries to scoop up a bunch of sand.

Your factory tow hook isn't designed to take the stress of offroad recovery. It's designed to pull a car straight onto a flatbed towtruck. If you do need to use it to get unstuck, you'll need to do your best to pull straight forward or back. Any sideways pull has a tendency to bend the hook.

For Reference.

TL;DR Go For It.

u/olek2012 · 7 pointsr/4x4

https://www.amazon.com/Escaper-Traction-Off-Road-Extraction-20333/dp/B00AV2HONS

MAXSA Escaper Buddies are great, I cannot praise them enough. I’ve used them for two seasons now and they’re still good as new. The key is to be very careful not to spin your tires on them. If you spin tires then you melt the plastic and the little nubs flatten. You want to position them where your tires won’t spin at all. Plus if your tires are spinning, you need to adjust anyways because it means you still don’t have enough traction for forward motion.

These have saved me out of quite a few precarious situations. They have held up very well and just on my last trip we jacked up a YJ and used two of these board stacked on top of each other as a platform in the snow to jack from. They held up great and no signs of cracking or breaking!

u/TinyMetalTube · 6 pointsr/vandwellers
  1. Go someplace where it's not snowy.
  2. Good insulation, ventilation, and a heater.
  3. Sub-zero sleeping bag.
  4. Make sure you check the area around your intake(s) and exhaust(s) for snow accumulation. Blockage is bad.
  5. Have a good squeegee / ice scraper / snow brush. Ideally on a telescoping pole.
  6. Have a good collapsible shovel, for (1) digging yourself out of the snow/mud, (2) clearing large swaths of snow from atop and near the vehicle. Be sure not to scratch the paint.
  7. Have a set of what Bob calls Portable Tow Trucks for when you inevitably get stuck.
  8. Stay with someone / get a hotel / etc.
  9. Put some reflective tape on the rear of the vehicle, and possibly elsewhere, so you can be seen. Many of us have white vehicles, and those blend into the snow quite readily.
  10. Camp somewhere that has cell reception so you can always call for help if you need to.
u/powerdeamon · 5 pointsr/overlanding

FWIW I have the knock off maxxtraxx and they never have failed me. Technically I've never used them for me but they worked perfectly for the people I helped recover, including a weekender RV out of a soft sand and gravel patch in the high desert.

u/jes2 · 4 pointsr/volt

your post was caught in the spam filter. I approved it, but for future reference, submitting links without the tags might help. for example:

u/adventure_dog · 3 pointsr/BuyItForLife

I live in Colorado and have had the same pair of tire chains for my car since before the traction law became a thing.

self adjusting tire chains can also he found at walmart for the same price.

I've had them for 4 years now.

If you're using them to drive on black ice or anything thats not snow theyre going to get torn up and break. If you're driving faster than the recommended speed limit on the case then they're going to break. The suggested max speed limit with any chains is 25 - 35 mph.

Any chains will break and tear up your vehicle the only thing you can really do is make sure to drive on snow, keep within the speed limits and inspect them after use for links that are wearing thin.

Also the chain/traction law on I 70 in the Colorado mountains can be b.s. at times. They forget to change it during the day or it's not updated between midnight and 6 am.

u/BentBomber · 3 pointsr/overlanding

I guess they're actually $120 a pair, but free shipping with Prime. Maxsa is the brand. I've had mine for almost a year and have used them a few times with good results. Totally worth the $120.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AV2HONS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01

u/octopus_cuddler · 3 pointsr/2XLite

JUMPER CABLES. Seriously. I have used them SO many times (mostly for other people's cars).

At the moment, my current car kit is: spare tire, jack, tire iron, tow hook (all of which came with the car), jumper cables, yoga mat (you never know when or where you might need to lie down and look under your car), electronics charger, and a couple of bottles of water.
I'm about to move to a colder climate, so I'll be adding an ice scraper/snow brush, folding show shovel, safety/first aid kit, warm gloves, a blanket, some nonperishable food, and portable tow trucks. I may be a bit of an over-preparer.

u/SGT3386 · 3 pointsr/rav4club

Mentioning just for the sake of mentioning.

For AWD vehicles, you need a full set, else risk your drivetrain. I linked below the set I bought off Amazon. They are sold in pairs for about $80, and fits a decent range of sizes. Never owned chains in my life, and they were really easy to put on.

Peerless 0155505 Auto-Trac Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091RCINU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_28LyCb93T3HHB

u/stubbornmoose · 3 pointsr/overlanding

Used my maxsa to pull myself 60 yds out of rim deep mud. Awesome kit
MAXSA Escaper Buddy Traction Mat (Set of 2) for Off-Road Mud, Sand, & Snow Vehicle Extraction Orange 20333 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AV2HONS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0OlTzbV0RKMNP

u/fucky_fucky · 3 pointsr/Yosemite

I bought two sets of these for a trip last year. Might be cheaper than renting them. Used them twice; they're surprisingly well made and definitely got the job done.

u/Hellvis · 3 pointsr/VacationColorado

You'll need to have them on your vehicle if they enact the winter traction law. When the roads are dry, no problem, but if it gets bad having a set of chains makes a big difference.

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Chain-Company-SC1032-Traction/dp/B000VAKXVA/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1481570111&sr=1-2&keywords=tire+chains

Get a set sized to your tires and keep them handy. There are stations along the side of 70 to stop and chain up if necessary.

They're not stopping people to check, but if you're involved in an accident you'll get an extra ticket if you're not compliant.

u/My_Name_Is_Santa · 3 pointsr/Trucks

Get snow tires with studs and if you're not hauling anything major, take off 2 of your rear wheels. I also have a set of these for my Yukon from when I lived up north. Never got stuck once with them. Can't exceed 30 mph with them on, but really if you're putting on chains, you shouldn't be doing any more than 20. Go to their website to find which ones will fit your tire size.

u/SIGNUM1 · 2 pointsr/subaru

Hi there, I live in LA area as well and make a lot of trips to the mountains (bear/mammoth) during winter season and I have some recommendations. I just wanted to get this out of the way first: AWD is great but tires are the number 1 factor. AWD won't save you when your tires just flat out can't grip. I just went up to mammoth for MLK and bear the weekend after (both times were either dumping or just got dumped on) and with decent all season tires had absolutely no problem without chains. I'm talking ice, 4-5 inches of powder, etc. etc. just make sure to drive smart.

Now, IMO even if your tires and car are enough to meet the challenge it’s a good idea to have a set of chains handy (also you can get ticketed for not having them). I’d recommend something like these:
chains
Reason being they are easier to put on than something like these: glacier chains
Also, I’ve had tow guys tell me about how brake lines sometimes getting severed from the cable overhang.
I’d also get some tensioners to keep everything tight: tensioner

Good luck and hope you get this!

EDIT: Those links are not specific to your car/tire. I just wanted to give you an overview. The links on amazon will have sizing charts so just find one that fits your specific tire size.

> I am considering buying four sets of snow chains or cables

Assuming you meant 2 sets with a total of 4 chains (they come in pairs) I think that would be overkill. I'd check your manual but I'm pretty sure you only want to put chains on the front tires.

u/lordofthefeed · 2 pointsr/Westfalia

I'm a fan of these wine glasses (which come in red, white, and champagne!).

We also just got a set of rescue ramps (they might've been these), which we haven't tried out yet but are looking forward to!

Happy trails to you and your wife!

u/E4D · 2 pointsr/BurningMan

Product version of this trick

Trac-Grabber - The "Get Unstuck" Traction Solution for Trucks/SUV-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O5BVMJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iw7nzbXPCFA6X

u/tearjerkingpornoflic · 2 pointsr/4x4

Thanks for the reply, great info. One pair I was looking at was Vbar but I don't think heavy duty, so for only 50 bucks more I found these heavy duty ones. Just posting for anyone else that might be in the same boat. https://www.amazon.com/TireChain-com-33X12-5-16-5-Chains-Priced-Pair/dp/B07H1PSMZ7/. Guy on the facebook group for this hot springs that I am setting up to get to says in 52 years he has found 3 separate dead people frozen in their vehicles that have tried to go unprepared.

u/MP-The-Law · 2 pointsr/accord

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7YZV46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8YCEDbXCZKVXX

These, but only one on each front tire. I’m sure more than one would work though.

u/wpskier · 2 pointsr/VEDC
u/pointblankjustice · 2 pointsr/Portland

Definitely depends on a number of things, the biggest ones being the capabilities of your vehicle and the types of roads you expect to be traveling on.

AWD and 4WD are not invincible. Good traction tires (they do NOT need to be studded, studless snow tires are actually generally better than studded tires in most conditions) should be your first investment, because they make it markedly less likely that you'll need to be recovered in the first place.

Assuming you are just driving around on mostly paved roads or well-kept Forest Service roads, I'd be prepared with jumper cables, a spare tire with jack/tire iron/wheel chock (and some blocks of wood to shim in case you need extra height on your jack), tow straps, a come-along, possibly chains, a snow shovel (and snow gloves) and possibly traction mats of some sort (like these). Know where your tow points are on your vehicle, because if you get stuck and can't dig yourself out or use traction mats or your come-along to get yourself out, you will need someone to pull you out. If you have a vehicle where you can store gas externally (roof basket, pickup bed, etc) consider getting a 5-gal jerry can for spare fuel. Otherwise, I strongly advise never venturing into the backcountry without at least half a tank.

If you get deeper into wanting to overland/offroad, you'd want to look at improving your ground clearance and investing in a good winch. Ground clearance will definitely help with not getting stuck in the first place, and a winch will greatly improve your ability to self-recover. However, being new to this, I'd strongly encourage you to do this in a group with at least one other vehicle.

I could write a novel on what sort of survival gear to have with you. But figure at a bare minimum you'd want:

  • Blankets/sleeping bags

  • At least a gallon of water per person, augment with a water filter

  • Spare food/snacks

  • Firestarting equipment

  • Layered cold and wet weather gear

  • First aid/medical gear matched to your level of training

  • A good, bright headlamp or flashlight like those from reputable brands like Nitecore, Fenix, FourSevens, OLight, Black Diamond, Petzl, etc along with spare batteries

  • Hand saw and potentially an axe for clearing brush that might fall across a road and block your travel

  • If there are multiple vehicles in your group, consider adding a cheap CB radio to each vehicle or handheld UHF radios like cheap Baofengs or something

  • A PLB (personal locator beacon for life-threatening emergencies) or other satellite communicator (DeLorme InReach being the best, also the SPOT line of products). A true PLB like those from ACR are about $250 on Amazon and are only to be used in situations of grave danger, whereas a two-way communicator like the InReach can be useful if you get stuck somewhere without cell coverage and need recovery/support but you aren't actively dying.

u/IJUSTWANTTOUPBOAT · 2 pointsr/Trucks

As others have said it's your money; do as you wish.

All that said; how bad were you really stuck?

You can get recovery boards to leave in your toolbox

http://www.amazon.com/Innovations-20333-Escaper-Orange-Traction/dp/B00AV2HONS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410038008&sr=8-2&keywords=maxx+traxx

You can get winches and pull anchors for use when you don't have a tree to strap to and mount them on a receiver plat form so you can remove it when you need to;

http://www.amazon.com/WARN-86245-VR8000-000-Winch/dp/B004UJ3IAQ/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1410038095&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Warn+winch

http://www.amazon.com/PULL-PAL-WINCH-ANCHOR-11000-Heavy-Duty/dp/B004WFX8HQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1410038122&sr=1-1&keywords=Pull+pal

You can run an all terrain tire and you will get further than highway tread even on a 2wd truck- and your truck needs tires anyway why not go all terrain if you can find one that has decent road manners (I run firestone destination A/Ts and they have been just fine).

See the thing is- that entire list is all stuff that people hang off of 4x4s anyway!

So, buy recovery boards, buy a winch on a hitch mount, buy A/Ts and leave your stockers out in the garage. See if your truck still gets stuck. Still getting stuck? Upgrade to a 4x4. Sell your truck with the stockers on it, throw the A/Ts and recovery boards and winch on your new 4x4.

If you read off road magazines, most of them will tell you not to go off road by yourself in the first place. None of them will tell you to take a 2x4 off road, but none are going to tell you that a 4x4 simply will not get stuck.

u/dsch3ll · 2 pointsr/GoRVing

Not a 4x4. GMC 1500 Sierra. Truck got stuck, not the TT. The sand you see in the pic is nicely packed and easy driving. The sand I got stuck in was fine like flour and literally 16 inches deep. The front tires bogged down and built a barrier, which made me lose momentum. Then the rear started spinning. I was making slow progress with a shovel and traction boards. Then the ridgeline dude showed up. His power plus mine was all that was needed.

Traction control also was a problem. I forgot to turn it off. So when I started spinning the rear started bucking.

Deflating the tires would have helped but I have never had a problem at this location before (4 trips) so I just plowed through. Also, I’m a little wary of the low inflation trick. Just makes me uncomfortable.

I suggest some tools.
Shovel
Traction boards
Tow straps
Maybe tire tracks

u/SmokeOneBro · 2 pointsr/4x4

10,000lb recovery strap w/ tow hooks and hardware along with these:

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AV2HONS/ref=pd_aw_sbs_1?pi=SS115&simLd=1&dpPl=1&dpID=41r0N2OOheL
Edit: you may want a higher rating than 10,000 depending on your use!

u/tunersharkbitten · 1 pointr/Toyota

to my knowledge, that year it didnt. hence the reason i said pulse the throttle. little bursts of low gear input and it should give more grip than normal. then again, i got THESEfor a friend with an older non crawl tacoma. worked like a charm

u/driftingrover · 1 pointr/CampingandHiking

These for getting unstuck.

u/Brandocomando · 1 pointr/subaru

This is what I got: Security Chain Company SC1032 Radial Chain Cable Traction Tire Chain - Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VAKXVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_OLuMKkwuaHv4x

Even with my larger than stock tires they seemed to fit OK. they were a little tricky to get on but eventually got them on. Just make sure you check the tire size. They are really low profile.

u/nerex · 1 pointr/snowboarding

I just used these and they worked great...once i realized that the rubber chain tightener recommended by Amazon that I was using is NOT supposed to be used with the cable-chain type snow chains. There's a big warning on the instructions that I somehow missed when I first got them.

Ugg, this reminds me that i need to clean off my chains- I sprayed them down with with white lithium grease instead of WD-40 at the end of the season, thinking there would be no difference (I know), and now they're all sticky. I may just buy a new set and be done with it!

u/nixsee · 1 pointr/vandwellers

I've loved my copper at3s, but they're useless in snow. I've been having a lot of difficulty with them in western Canada lately. However I'll only be in snow for a couple more months, so I'll deal with them. I've now read a bunch of other awful snow reviews for them, but let me know how you find yours.

I also have chains, which you'll need with any tire when the snow gets too deep. I've been happy with mine - they go on quite easily. However a plastic piece broke recently so I just replaced it with some wire and other attachments that I got at home Depot. Hopefully it works well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003SK8DMQ

u/its · 1 pointr/Portland

These were the peerless Auto Trac chains. They are supposed to be a breeze to install, yet somehow they were installed wrong.
https://www.amazon.com/Peerless-0154005-Auto-Trac-Traction-Chain/dp/B0091RCHQ8

u/Standeck · 1 pointr/Wrangler

Good looking wheels! The sand mats are from Amazon and help to completely block any view out the rear window so I have a rear view camera with wireless 7" display screen that is searching for a good mounting solution.

u/dak1b2006 · 1 pointr/4Runner
u/ultrakill01 · 1 pointr/Montero

Maxtrax

Also D-Rings and a tow strap or snatch strap for somebody to pull you out.D-Ring Snatch Strap

u/Yourestupider · 1 pointr/VEDC

These are on the expensive side but are great to carry for all terrains

Here

u/illegible · 1 pointr/pics

hah, never mind... I figured it out

u/EatSleepJeep · 1 pointr/Wrangler

2 feet might be a bit deep for a stock JK. Once the snow is deeper than your axle tubes, you run the risk of getting high centered. Without lockers, you can be spinning if one front and one rear wheel is without traction. A limited slip will help you here, but it is not a locker. As you mentioned, lower air pressure is your friend, as are the general get unstuck stuff: Shovel, snow ladders, floormats in a pinch, etc.

u/palaxi · 1 pointr/ElectricSkateboarding

Evolve AT with an extra set of AT wheels? Since they use an innertube, you could stud one set of tires and make them snow tires.

You could probably even connect zipgrip to your backfire 2 wheels.

Edit: I'm just throwing possibly BS ideas your way and I have no idea if any of them will work.

u/[deleted] · 0 pointsr/IdiotsInCars

Its more than 2 seconds in snow for following distances,

https://www.drive-safely.net/s

This site recommends 6-10 secs

also they make some neat snow accessories for tires if chains are not allowed.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2016/01/snow-traction-when-you-need-it/index.htm

They make accessories to put on tires once stuck also.

https://www.amazon.com/Trac-Grabber-Traction-Alternative-Unstuck-Install/dp/B01BDWRECU

Also down shifting into a lower gear in automatics works wonders in for slowing down without braking hard.