Tire Chains

[bucknduck]

Picked up some tire chains today and just finished installing them. On.y problem is that they seemed to go on too easy. The tire size is 24x9x11 and the chain size says 9" on the bag. The style chain has brass colored chain in the center and each of the links going across are shaped like an X. Is it possible that I installed them wrong as I thought they would fit more snug and the guy at the store said that some people let some air out of the tires to get them on easier? Is there a trick to get them to fit tighter or are they supposed to have some play in the chain?sorry for posting this in the icefishing forum, just figured that more traffic here by people using chains this time of year.

[ibthetrout]

Just to be sure here, you let some air out of the tires put them on and then put air back in the tires....right? I have heard of guys using bungies on the outter chains to keep them nice and snug. Maybe that will help ya?

[William H Bonney]

I'll be watching this thread very INTENTLY!!:( I tried putting my chains on, couple of hours ago..:rolleyes: Same problem here,,, too loose. I went and got one of those "add a link" rings and a turnbuckle with a hook,, gonna try that in the morning. Letting the air out didn't help.

[plugger]

We take the tire and wheel off the quad, deflate the tire. Put the chain on as tight as possible the latch probably wont locked in the end link. Probably a couple links in. Spinn and bounce the tire on the floor and see if you can retighten the chains, then reinflate. We then take a peice of strong wire, we use higgh tensil fence wire, and wire the latches shut. If you have links sticking out the end we wire those on to the chain to keep them from flapping. Check for clearance on the front end if you have chains on the front. If you need more clearance turn the tires around so the valve stem is on the inside, ususally gives you more clearance. Put on like this we run quads all winter with no issues.

[bluedevil]

I just installed a set on mine today and they are TIGHT. Let just about all the air out of the tires and still had to use cinch straps to get them hooked. Pump'ed the tires back up and there is no way those are coming off.

I thought the same thing you did bucknduck, that I did not have the right ones but I checked the tires and the box to make sure and they were the right ones. I had 10" though. Somethings not right with yours, even with the tire pressure way down they should go on somewhat snug and then the increased air pressure should tighten them right up.

Hope you get it figured out. I will be trying mine out tomorrow on Higgins Lake and will let you know how they fair..:)

[bucknduck]

thanks for the replies. I'm going to try letting most of the air out to see if I cam get them tight. The style I have is called Cycle Country V Bar Chains. I like the idea of using extra wire or a limk to get the extra chain from dangling. Heading back out to the garage and will report back shortly.

[bucknduck]

Ready to Roll! I let almost all the air out and that allowed me to get it 2 more links tighter. I hope that anyone else having the same problem will follow the suggestions given and let air out when installing. Thank you again for your suggestions. I only have them on the back as I want to see if that will be enough for the 4x4, beside, I bought the last pair the shop had in stock. Tight Lines!!

[FishinJoe]

I suggest putting bungee cords on them too. That way when they do loosen up a little bit they stay tight.

[jacktownhooker]

dam joe home already ? lol ijust left lk at 1130 - cya

[boltaction]

Bucknduck, you should be good to go. I put them on my 2 wheel drive quad and get a lot more traction. Never had them come off even when spinning the tires.

[DetroitIron]

Just pickedup my set from Cabellas and installed on my Big Red last night. I let the air out also. Will be out on the lake today!!!

[William H Bonney]

Just pickedup my set from Cabellas and installed on my Big Red last night. I let the air out also. Will be out on the lake today!!!

Are they the Swisher brand?? If so, did you find the latching system and latching "handle" a bit frustrating??

[bluedevil]

Well how did they fair out there on the bay today bucknduck? I used mine out on Higgins today and I think they helped tremendously. Very pleased with them.

[William H Bonney]

I highly recommend buying a couple of turnbuckle's. 2 bucks apiece and are the cat's ass.

[DetroitIron]

Are they the Swisher brand?? If so, did you find the latching system and latching "handle" a bit frustrating??

I'll have to look to see if they are swisher brand, they came in a black plastic box. $49.99 from Cabellas, got the last pair for my tire size.

It was just a tad frustrating, I did let a bunch of air out of tires, and had to re-attach the latch a couple times to get as tight as possible. I also had to "duct tape" up the couple links that was hanging out on the right side, as those links kept hitting my rear brake adjustment on the Big Red.

Filled up the tires with air and tightened up things real nice. Hit the lake with my brother yesterday, and they worked beautifully - if I didn't have chains I would have been going no where real quick. Also got "bit" with them (remember, don't ever put your foot down on a 3-wheeler - it will be ran over real quick) and had my ankle tore up a bit.

[melnik]

It's a lot easier to put chains on if you jack up the quad. Also, I put heavy wire ties on my extra licks to keep tham from flopping around, never had one break. By the time I'm done, my chains are so tight you can not move them.

[bluedevil]

It's a lot easier to put chains on if you jack up the quad..
Good point! We did this also and it helped alot.