When you're putting on your rubber tighteners, start at the bottom. It's a lot easier to stand up and then pull it upward to hook them rather than pulling them down. You have the advantage of using your leg strength and it's a much more natural position to pull up/lift so to speak. I cut those extra links of chain off when I'm fitting my chains to the vehicle. When fitting them or learning how to put them on for the first time, it's best done in summer or spring, before you actually need your chains. Then you have a bit of experience/confidence and it goes smoothly when you need them. Knowing the draping method is good because if you get unexpectedly stuck that's the only way you're going to get them on and get out since you can't drive onto them. I hate to say it but.. this is "Old Guy" advice from Montana. 😅
@@406MountainBoys Agreed. The great ice border, otherwise known as "winter" tends to weed most people out after a couple years. I've seen it happen so many times. They always start with great enthusiasm.. heh heh.. 🥶
@406MountainBoys It's not gonna stay that way dont kid yourself. The gigs up in MT. Everyone wants to be a poser in MT now. Four gas cans and powder coated hi lift jacks on every jeep. These people moving here don't know what being good Montanan is. Sad to see the Flathead over ran the way it has been.
I've been installing chains every day for the past 4 weeks and I like the drape on method, great tutorial for anyone that hasn't done this before, or a great refresher if you haven't installed chains for a while, you have hit on all the important points, great tutorial! I always carry a rolled up piece of old carpet in the cab to lay on for connecting the inside links, just a thought
Forgot to mention that I make my seasonal employees practice this on a nice day so they get familiar with it before they have to do it for real in the woods. A little practice and preparation goes a long way.
1. Long DayGlo ribbon on cam lock tool. 2. Bright paint on latching ends, yellow for inside and orange for outs. 2. Small bucket for each chain. 3. Extra bungees and some baling wire. 4. Something to kneel on so pants stay dry.
When you're putting on your rubber tighteners, start at the bottom. It's a lot easier to stand up and then pull it upward to hook them rather than pulling them down. You have the advantage of using your leg strength and it's a much more natural position to pull up/lift so to speak. I cut those extra links of chain off when I'm fitting my chains to the vehicle. When fitting them or learning how to put them on for the first time, it's best done in summer or spring, before you actually need your chains. Then you have a bit of experience/confidence and it goes smoothly when you need them. Knowing the draping method is good because if you get unexpectedly stuck that's the only way you're going to get them on and get out since you can't drive onto them. I hate to say it but.. this is "Old Guy" advice from Montana. 😅
The video explanation is very good. I bought this renhotecic brand Tire chain not long ago. It is easy to install and has a good anti-skid effect. If you have troubles with your car, you can try it.
I always chain up my front wheels first and rarely chain up the rear un less I can't go anymore or get stuck with them on the front because they do the most good on the front wheels and it helps with steering when the front wheels are pulling u in the direction you are trying to turn
Most of the time I worry more about the rear end kicking out and taking me off. Clearances on newer vehicles may make it impossible to chain up the front. Point well taken though and my dad was always a big proponent of chaining up the front for that reason. In my own experience though 75% of what I chain up for the rear does fine. When in doubt chain up all four, better safe than sorry.
If you want some expensive repairs by all means chain the front. If you have ever serviced bearings and hubs on the lead team you will realize how fragile it is! For braking and steering throw one front chain. With a set on back. Unless you have lockers or limited slip the wheel without chain will slip and not destroy other components.
@curlyyoder I have never broke any thing in my life with tire chains on the front wheels. And yes I own a shop I have rebuilt lots of front axle components and they are not that weak.
I dont think that there is anything wrong with chaining up your rear tires but I like the front tires chained up for steering. I hear what u say about hills, I just creep along
Great video mate. No nonsense, straight to the point. The new style chains are a lot easier to put on, tension and take off. If you're using chains often, it's worth picking up a set. The diamond pattern gives you a little more sideways grip too. Got a quick question for you, over summer I picked up a Hilux Surf (you guys call them 4Runners). The user manual says to only put chains on the rear wheels. I test fitted a set of chains on the front and the upper control arm clearance is a bit tight but it's not hitting and I can't see anything else that's in danger of getting caught up in the chains. Is there another reason I'm missing that I shouldn't put them on the front? Just asking since you're a Toyota guy too.
Thanks for the comment. I agree that they might be easier but this set of chains has been going for 20+ years without breaking. Not sure the diamond style you're referring to are as robust and will last as long, the ones I've seen so far don't look as tough. When I need my chains I don't want to wonder if they'll fail and leave me in a predicament.
I never did see you wire the loose, hanging links on the insides of the tires after hooking them, to keep them from whipping around and doing potential damage. Very important!
Always start with the front wheels they help the most I never put them on the rear wheel unless shit is really bad and I'm stuck with them on the front already
Yeah, usually (but not always) obvious what I'm about to get into and at that point just chain up all four. Then if you're F'd, you're truly and proper F'd
" Tighter is better" I've seen comments that state that when using chains on mud bottom slush conditions & mud in general in summer off roading conditions, looser is better as they tend to be more " self cleaning ". Snow / icy conditions; tighter Mud/ bush debris; looser Thoughts ?
My opinion is that chains should always be as tight as possible, if you throw one there's potential for damage and opens the door to all kinds of unpleasantness. The tread of your tire probably has more to do with how well the mud will clear out. if there's enough clay in the mud and the road turns to gumbo it's a balancing act of enough speed to clear the tread but staying in control.
Be careful. My chains were tight (but not tight enough) and above 20 mph they flexed out and caught my mud flaps and tore them up really good. If you have tons of clearance you might be fine. My clearance is decent (stock Tundra) but still had problems.
Ever Put Chains on a very Aggressive ATV Tire. HHAAHAAHA I do all four on mine for snow plowing.Had to add Spacers to the Front for Clearance. Remove the Valve Core, put on Chains, Air up Tires to about 20 Psi. Nice & tight.
dude just drape it then drive forward until the hooks are half way up the tire then you can hook them up without having to kneel down just squat a bit I can chain up in a white tuxedo and not get dirty
When you're putting on your rubber tighteners, start at the bottom. It's a lot easier to stand up and then pull it upward to hook them rather than pulling them down. You have the advantage of using your leg strength and it's a much more natural position to pull up/lift so to speak. I cut those extra links of chain off when I'm fitting my chains to the vehicle. When fitting them or learning how to put them on for the first time, it's best done in summer or spring, before you actually need your chains. Then you have a bit of experience/confidence and it goes smoothly when you need them. Knowing the draping method is good because if you get unexpectedly stuck that's the only way you're going to get them on and get out since you can't drive onto them. I hate to say it but.. this is "Old Guy" advice from Montana. 😅
Yep! Nothing there I disagree with.
Good to see another 406-er on YT. We're kinda rare. 👍
Let's hope it stays that way!
@@406MountainBoys Agreed. The great ice border, otherwise known as "winter" tends to weed most people out after a couple years. I've seen it happen so many times. They always start with great enthusiasm.. heh heh.. 🥶
@406MountainBoys It's not gonna stay that way dont kid yourself. The gigs up in MT. Everyone wants to be a poser in MT now. Four gas cans and powder coated hi lift jacks on every jeep. These people moving here don't know what being good Montanan is. Sad to see the Flathead over ran the way it has been.
Thank you for not having background music. Easy to understand and to hear and I appreciate that.
This wasn't my best example but I tend to go a little crazy getting good audio.
I've been installing chains every day for the past 4 weeks and I like the drape on method, great tutorial for anyone that hasn't done this before, or a great refresher if you haven't installed chains for a while, you have hit on all the important points, great tutorial!
I always carry a rolled up piece of old carpet in the cab to lay on for connecting the inside links, just a thought
yeah I have a small beat up tarp for that purpose too, of course I didn't use it when I did the video.
Your video was very helpful and instructional. I have more confidence that I can install chains on my truck tires, in the snow now. Thank you!
Glad you found it useful. If it saves one person from getting stuck or getting out of a predicament in the woods it was worth it.
Forgot to mention that I make my seasonal employees practice this on a nice day so they get familiar with it before they have to do it for real in the woods. A little practice and preparation goes a long way.
1. Long DayGlo ribbon on cam lock tool.
2. Bright paint on latching ends, yellow for inside and orange for outs.
2. Small bucket for each chain.
3. Extra bungees and some baling wire.
4. Something to kneel on so pants stay dry.
I like the paint idea!
Great video, I just moved to Montana and really needed to figure this out. Thanks for easy explanation.
you bet!
When you're putting on your rubber tighteners, start at the bottom. It's a lot easier to stand up and then pull it upward to hook them rather than pulling them down. You have the advantage of using your leg strength and it's a much more natural position to pull up/lift so to speak. I cut those extra links of chain off when I'm fitting my chains to the vehicle. When fitting them or learning how to put them on for the first time, it's best done in summer or spring, before you actually need your chains. Then you have a bit of experience/confidence and it goes smoothly when you need them. Knowing the draping method is good because if you get unexpectedly stuck that's the only way you're going to get them on and get out since you can't drive onto them. I hate to say it but.. this is "Old Guy" advice from Montana. 😅
The video explanation is very good. I bought this renhotecic brand Tire chain not long ago. It is easy to install and has a good anti-skid effect. If you have troubles with your car, you can try it.
Great to hear!
I always chain up my front wheels first and rarely chain up the rear un less I can't go anymore or get stuck with them on the front because they do the most good on the front wheels and it helps with steering when the front wheels are pulling u in the direction you are trying to turn
Most of the time I worry more about the rear end kicking out and taking me off. Clearances on newer vehicles may make it impossible to chain up the front. Point well taken though and my dad was always a big proponent of chaining up the front for that reason. In my own experience though 75% of what I chain up for the rear does fine. When in doubt chain up all four, better safe than sorry.
If you want some expensive repairs by all means chain the front. If you have ever serviced bearings and hubs on the lead team you will realize how fragile it is! For braking and steering throw one front chain. With a set on back. Unless you have lockers or limited slip the wheel without chain will slip and not destroy other components.
@curlyyoder I have never broke any thing in my life with tire chains on the front wheels. And yes I own a shop I have rebuilt lots of front axle components and they are not that weak.
Good training thanks.
You're welcome!
Great vid. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Carry a small tarp to throw on the ground when chaining up or changing a tire. Better than wallowing in the mud and snow. My$.2.
yep, forgot to show that tip.
I dont think that there is anything wrong with chaining up your rear tires but I like the front tires chained up for steering. I hear what u say about hills, I just creep along
And with a new pickup the ONLY choice I have is chaining up the rear, not sure if I'm going to be a fan of that or not.
Roll on method is more efficient as you can prepare 2 at the same time.
Agreed, sometimes it doesn't work out like that though if you're stuck.
@@406MountainBoys Understood....makes sense
Thank you. Good information.
You're welcome
Great video mate. No nonsense, straight to the point. The new style chains are a lot easier to put on, tension and take off. If you're using chains often, it's worth picking up a set. The diamond pattern gives you a little more sideways grip too.
Got a quick question for you, over summer I picked up a Hilux Surf (you guys call them 4Runners). The user manual says to only put chains on the rear wheels. I test fitted a set of chains on the front and the upper control arm clearance is a bit tight but it's not hitting and I can't see anything else that's in danger of getting caught up in the chains. Is there another reason I'm missing that I shouldn't put them on the front? Just asking since you're a Toyota guy too.
Thanks for the comment. I agree that they might be easier but this set of chains has been going for 20+ years without breaking. Not sure the diamond style you're referring to are as robust and will last as long, the ones I've seen so far don't look as tough. When I need my chains I don't want to wonder if they'll fail and leave me in a predicament.
I never did see you wire the loose, hanging links on the insides of the tires after hooking them, to keep them from whipping around and doing potential damage. Very important!
I usually only go to the maybe the second link on the inside of the tire that way I don't have to worry about that and take up the slack in the front.
Do i need to install all 4 wheel or just rear wheels? Thanks
That's up to you, the conditions, and what your vehicle will take.
Always start with the front wheels they help the most I never put them on the rear wheel unless shit is really bad and I'm stuck with them on the front already
Yeah, usually (but not always) obvious what I'm about to get into and at that point just chain up all four. Then if you're F'd, you're truly and proper F'd
Very useful thank you
you bet!
Thanks. That was clear.
Glad to hear it!
Manual for my AlTerrain pickup says chains on front wheels only but doesn’t say why.
Probably has to do with clearances, gearing or traction control.
" Tighter is better" I've seen comments that state that when using chains on mud bottom slush conditions & mud in general in summer off roading conditions, looser is better as they tend to be more " self cleaning ".
Snow / icy conditions; tighter
Mud/ bush debris; looser
Thoughts ?
My opinion is that chains should always be as tight as possible, if you throw one there's potential for damage and opens the door to all kinds of unpleasantness. The tread of your tire probably has more to do with how well the mud will clear out. if there's enough clay in the mud and the road turns to gumbo it's a balancing act of enough speed to clear the tread but staying in control.
@@406MountainBoys Thank you for your learned reply! Cheers...
Be careful. My chains were tight (but not tight enough) and above 20 mph they flexed out and caught my mud flaps and tore them up really good. If you have tons of clearance you might be fine. My clearance is decent (stock Tundra) but still had problems.
@@tonypaterson4785 Did you drive for a short distance to ensure they were seated & checked & adjusted any slack?
Ever Put Chains on a very Aggressive ATV Tire. HHAAHAAHA
I do all four on mine for snow plowing.Had to add Spacers to the Front for Clearance.
Remove the Valve Core, put on Chains, Air up Tires to about 20 Psi. Nice & tight.
At that point get a set of tracks. probably wouldn't have enough clearance on the front for the plow though.
@@406MountainBoys Chains are a Fraction of the cost of Tracks, An no clearance..
The correct way to chain up a 4wd vehicle the chains go on the front wheels!! Not the rear! You want the front axle to pull you!
And you don't want the rear end kicking out on you going downhill.
When in doubt, chain up all 4.
dude just drape it then drive forward until the hooks are half way up the tire then you can hook them up without having to kneel down just squat a bit I can chain up in a white tuxedo and not get dirty
That works.