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33x12.50 Tire chains?

dhcomp

dhcomp

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Hey guys,

So i was cleaning the garage out, and ran across my tire chains. And it dawned on me i hadn't planned for chains on my newly mounted 33x12.50's:doah:

I know its been brought up, but couldn't' find a good post about it.

In CA you are "required" to carry chains in the winter in the mountains, and i always like to follow that rule. Yes, if i actually need chains on a 33x12/50 BFG AT on a 3/4ton 4x4 suburban on the road, i shouldn't be driving.....but i guess i want to be prepared if SHTF. 33's seem to be a little larger tire than most places stock chains for. What is my best (cheapest) option cost wise? Would it be worth getting cables for something like this? I HATE the idea of cables rather than chains, but might be worth going as they actually wouldn't tear up my fenders. But then again, i think if i ever need chains, i'm going to need CHAINS. God i'm a headcase, haha.

Any other insight? Do i just throw in a set of chains that don't fit, and plan to never use them?

Anyone have 235/85's on their truck and need chains?

Thanks!
 
Take a look at chains for a skid steer loader. They usually have a 33" ish tire on them.

I haven't ever had any luck finding chains for larger tires without looking at equipment chains.
 
Hm, ok. I found a set of cables on craigslist that was just posted, maybe i can get a decent deal on them.
 
I got my chains for 33-12.50's at a big-name auto parts store (I don't remember which one). They stocked them normally. They're made by Laclede.
 
Have you tried the fitting chains you have? They may fit fine. 235 x 85x16 is around 31-32 inches tall and 10 inches wide. Pretty close to a 12.50 by 33. If they are a little short you can always add a link or two to the length.
 
I always thought it was snow tires and 4x4 or chains required. Travelled over a lot of passes in Ca in the winter and have never been asked if I had chains. Just get waved through when they see my truck. The pass will be closed before they make a 4x4 chain up.
 
My "V" bar chains on a 36 x 12.5 TSL. Most truck shops can make these to fit any tire...although they're not as cheap as store bought ready made chains. Second to none for winter traction though.

Stepsideproject015.jpg


Rene
 
As noted, there are multiple stages of chain requirements.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/departments/mtce/tireschains.htm

R1: Either chains or M+S tires.

R2: Chains are required except for 4WD's with M+S... so you just breeze through the check.

R3: Everybody needs chains. This is when you need studded tires and such, when your family jewels are freezing off, but the Tahoe locals are still wearing T-shirts and shorts. Normal people don't go out, never mind drive, in these conditions.

By the time you're *required* to have chains, lowlanders shouldn't be driving. You could get a set just to be sure, but don't stress about it.

And yeah, I'm a lowlander ... I had an ex-husband (well, my first ex-wife's first ex-husband) in Tahoe.

-- A
 
dremu said:
As noted, there are multiple stages of chain requirements.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/departments/mtce/tireschains.htm

R1: Either chains or M+S tires.

R2: Chains are required except for 4WD's with M+S... so you just breeze through the check.

R3: Everybody needs chains. This is when you need studded tires and such, when your family jewels are freezing off, but the Tahoe locals are still wearing T-shirts and shorts. Normal people don't go out, never mind drive, in these conditions.

By the time you're *required* to have chains, lowlanders shouldn't be driving. You could get a set just to be sure, but don't stress about it.

And yeah, I'm a lowlander ... I had an ex-husband (well, my first ex-wife's first ex-husband) in Tahoe.

-- A
Click to expand...

Yah, R3 is what I wanted to be prepared for. But really.....in CA, i've NEVER seen r3 controls. They shut the roads down because ppl here cant' drive worth a ****.
 
have you considered just lengthening the ones you've got? i had a set of v-bar style chains for my 35's, then when I switched to 38's I went to the local auto parts store and picked up some chain-repair components and added those to my existing ones. works great!
 
Ended up with a set of Cables that are spec'd to fit my tire. Got them cheap new on craigslist.

Went to try them on, drove the wheel up on a block so i could move them around. The damn things don't have their little cinch down connector, AND they BARELY fit. I can muscle them onto the largest adjustment, but thats about. DAMN. Maybe when the tires are colder they will fit a little bit better.

Anyways, good reminder to test fit before needed, and also so you REMEMBER what a PITA chains are if you had to put them on. I'll carry them with the "i hope i never need these" mentailty. And if there is BAD freeze some time, ill put them on. I'm sure they will help on ice.
 
That's why you always see some opportunist parked at the chain checkpoints with a cardboard sign offering to sell chain installation for tourists while they sit in their heated vehicles.
 
longbedder said:
That's why you always see some opportunist parked at the chain checkpoints with a cardboard sign offering to sell chain installation for tourists while they sit in their heated vehicles.
Click to expand...


And you know what? If I EVER drive a 2wd through chain controls, i may take this guy up on his offer. Probably worth the cost :D


Kinda bummed to have to pull off and lock my hubs this year, first year with a manual hub 4x4. Gotta make sure and stop for coffee or something before chain controls and lock in early.

I was really getting used to driving by, popping the xfer case in 4x, and laughing at all the poor 2wd guys. Especially the ones putting chains on the wrong wheels. :haha:
 
I am looking to get some chains for my suburban (on 35's) once it gets running. I will most likely have the local Les Schwab make them for me. My friends who drive truck and work in the woods have schwab make them chains for the heavy equipment and big trucks.

For light duty, get the easy on cable types that you do not have to roll onto. Probably not great for big trucks but they work pretty good on my camry. We often have to chain the camry up just to make it up our driveway, even with studded tires. Pain in the ass to do it daily (or so), but i have gotten really good at doing it and it takes me only a minute or so.

I leave my hubs locked in winter, so no having to get out and lock up.
 
mikey: you can buy v-bar chains through les schwab - it's where i got mine originally meant for 35" tires. probably cheaper in a pre-made form than in a custom jobber...
 
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