When I suggested to another member in another thread to consider tire chains as a possible traction aid, I was told they can cause quite a bit of damage to the trail. This isn't the first time I've heard this, but the world seems to be divided into two camps of thought: those that claim chains destroy trails, and those whom believe chains actually prevent trail damage by reducing tire spin as a result of improved traction. I've never used chains, but in all likelihood will buy a set of four for use in snow as well as off road situations. I see this as the ideal alternative to loud, fast wearing, bla bla, et cetera, bla Swamper TSLs.
What do you guys think - driven carefully, with conservative application of the skinny pedal, will chains mangle the trail? Let's assume the use of double/ triple diamond pattern rather than a ladder type chain.

Look at what chains do to pavement and then imagine that on a trail. A lot of states have completely banned them largely due to the excessive wear they cause on concrete and asphalt. Also, have fun when the chain breaks on a rock and goes through someones windshield or window.

Well I totally disagree. Tire chains in the right conditions, are easier on the trail. In deep mud, where speed would normally be the only way to chew through, chains let you go through with less momentum (sometimes). If the trail is icy, or you have 3 feet of snow, tell me how chains can affect the trail? And if you're shucking chains through people's windwhields, you either have them installed incorrectly, or you have no idea how to drive with them on. Either way, you shouldn't be using them. And using them on concrete and asphalt is just plain silly anyways... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

We use chains up here all winter long, and I challenge you to find more trail damage behind a chained up rig than one that's only shod in rubber. They're not the "be-all-end-all" for every situation, but used properly, they do have a definite place in my trail gear box.

PHIL

I should probably clarify by adding that the chains will be mostly for use off road, on snow free trails - mud, dirt, some rocks, sand. Mixed conditions.

I guess, first of all I have yet to see a fourwheeler with chains, EVER. I have seen hunters with lesser equipped rigs using them in mud and snow with some sucess, but this was shallow stuff, where digging to the bottom was safe. For deep snow, they would just get you stuck. Not sure about mud, then again never seen them used. Best off with an agressive Mud terrain tire, and air down. I lived at over 11,000ft until February one year, and followed behind snow cats. I would guess that alot of damage would be done to trails, with the limited contact patch, and agressive digging. Cant emagine what transition from mud to rock would be like <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> I would also guess it might be hard on the drivetrane. Bring em to Colorado, and we can experiment, with winter just ending in July, we should be able to find PLENTY of snow <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

i have never seen or heard of chains being used in mud or dirt.

never. i really don't think down here in the south they would help you.
http://www.delta4x4club.com/trailreports/july11_2004/patrick/patrick1.htm

http://www.duhonsmudhole.com/galleries.htm

http://members.cox.net/duhons/

http://members.cox.net/duhons2/

and look at this vid

http://homepage.mac.com/ltalessi/FileSharing73.html he has 39 LAV tires.

Paul

Chains work well in snow and hard-pack, but it would seem that in deep mud you probably wouldn't think to put them on until you were in so deep you couldn't put them on without first draining the swamp.

Most folks just don't think that far in advance - or they give it the ol' "watch this"..... too late then. If you use them in mud, better have a tarp or bucket to put them in before you take them off for the highway ride home - or you'll have a nasty interior. 'course you could always hook 'em to the rear axle and let 'em drag on the highway to keep the static 'lectricity goblins away. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Frank

I've never personally know anyone who's used chains offroad, but they're used on heavy logging equipment to improve traction - and skidders are already running gonzo tires!
Here's an intersting article on the use of tire chains in the mud: http://www.rockcrawler.com/departments/landcruiser/qna/qna020198a.htm

We haven't used chains since the late 70's up here, there are other ways when it comes to snow and they are a actually more effective than chains. A properly studded and siped tire does virtualy the same thing without the bumps and damage.

I agree, but you also live in an area where snow and ice are common. In parts of the US studs are not allowed. Chains are used by some as an inexpensive temporary traction aid that can be moved from vehicle to vehicle and easily removed when road conditions return to normal - usually only a matter of hours or a few days at most. In some areas, folks keep winter tires (some with studs) on a spare set of wheels and run them all winter, regardless of conditions, but most do not and many rely on chains for emergency use.

As usual, local conditions generate solutions that are ideal for an area, but may not be practical for others even though the solution works better - necessity being the mother of invention.

Frank