Chains for 2008 F350 - Diesel Forum

rickhorn · 10-13-2009, 04:07 PM

Hi all,
Being from the sun belt, I'm ignorant about chains. According to the guy at tirechains.com, I need the heavy duty chains. According to the owner's manual, I can only use class S chains.
I'm also pulling a trailer, a 4 horse with living quarters.

Any advice?

NickKent · 10-13-2009, 08:13 PM

Where are you planning on using these chains? If you are going off road with ice I would recommend the V-bar chains. If you are going to be on paved roads like mountain passes etc I would go with a less aggressive chain to make the ride a little more comfrotable. Also, you will want to get at least one set of chains for the horse trailer too. Just regular chains for the trailer.

rickhorn · 10-13-2009, 08:40 PM

I'll be mainly using them on the freeway mountain passes, but sometimes to rural alpaca farms.
I'm not concerned about ride, I just don't want to slide off the road.
Recommendations for the trailer chains would also be helpful

gmoore · 10-13-2009, 10:49 PM

For the trailer, use cable chains or cable side runs with chain in the center. This is due to most rv/horse trailers having clearance issues.

The chains on the trailer are "drag" chains. Used to keep the trailer behind the truck while braking.

I use commercial grade chains on my F350 while towing my fithwheel, due to tire weight against the chain links. Lighter chains will break under stress/weight alot easier.

Most mountain passes, on the west coast, require vehicles grossing over 10k to chain up when the signs go up for "Traction tires require". When towing, patrols look to see if the trailer has drag chains installed.

Last year, I bought chains for the trailer from Les Schwabs, just incase they were needed. Made two trips over snow covered passes, without having to install. Les Schwabs will accept unused chains back for full refund after April 1st. Got my money back.

Good luck

LMJD · 10-14-2009, 11:53 AM

Like Gmoore says, only cable chains can be used on most horse tlrs, including mine. And like Nick says, V type are the normal type for anything as long as there's fender well clearance. They're the industry standard for highway use in snow, ice or whatever. They're heavier and harder to put on than cables when your hands are about frozen off but they provide way better traction.

carringb · 10-14-2009, 12:21 PM

I would suggest the HD quick fit chains at Les Schwab. They are S-clearance rated, and heavy enough for truck or trailer. Even if the CA stores don't stock them, they can order you a set to come on the next tire truck.

BlueMuleTrucking · 10-20-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickhorn

Hi all,
Being from the sun belt, I'm ignorant about chains. According to the guy at tirechains.com, I need the heavy duty chains. According to the owner's manual, I can only use class S chains.
I'm also pulling a trailer, a 4 horse with living quarters.

Any advice?

Stop letting the dog drive.

Pretty much the rest said to do. I've thankfully never needed chains I didn't have to hit a button to use but once, and it was a horrible experience.

gundogg · 01-25-2010, 06:05 PM

alright, what did you end up with? I was told for the 2008 we should run SAE S clearance chains, so that is what I ordered from tirechain.com. They were the only S clearance chain (diamond). I bought them for the CC short bed 6.4. These are rediculously small chains at 3.8mm. I dont think there is any way these would hold up under our trucks. anyone have any experience or other ideas for a S clearance chain. Tire size of 275/65 R20. I will be pulling my four place snowmobile trailer on highway... Probably wont even need them, but i'm required to have them for one axle and the trailer (electric brake trailer.)

thanks