Truck campers

Can anyone give any guidance towards truck chains they have had good results with. Not sure they wll get used that much except for emergencys like getting stuck or big storm. Truck is 2wd with 265/75 R16 tires....I am assuming that you would get chains for all four tires regardless? Never used them so I really have no clue. Also has anyone tried the straps that you put on one at a time through the 6-8 openings? Seem like they would be a lot easier to put on, but maybe not so great to drive any amount of time on?

I sent you a PM on the heater. E-trailer has a lot of options for tire chains. Just put in your tire size. If I were you I would purchase a real set of chains (interlocking chain links) and not a cable chain. BUT, they have some nice cable chain options there to.

I'd second the recomendation to stick with real link chains.  I use mine a lot and the heaviest stock is the most durable, plus they're easier to repair than cable chains.  Spend a couple hours learning the details of putting them on in a warm dry place rather than lying cursing in some freezing slush.  They need to be pretty snug and I cut off any extra links (save for repairs) on the inside to avoid noise & brake line damage.  An old ensolite pad and coveralls or at least a designated old greasy shell parka are really useful if you're wearing ski clothes.  I just hang the chain center TDC on the tire; then hooking the inside is the hard part.  Normally takes me about five minutes per tire.

Chaining all four wheels might help for traveling after an ice storm, but I only chain the drive wheels.  For the vehicle & size you describe, expect to pay $100+ for a quality pair.  The Eatonville NAPA had them on sale last summer...

The only reason to use the marginally effective cable chains is if you will be spending any time on pavement.  They're hardly worth the effort if you're really looking for traction.  I've totally given up on them.  Link chains are the way to go and Gary's suggestion of removing superfluous links is a good one (on my chore list for this weekend).

Could anyone link a version of these better chain models - not sure what Iam looking at when searching. Thanks

Hi Mike --

Here's a link to the type of chain we run. 

tirechain.com/cams.htm

We've run them heavy and hard on everything from bare pavement to deep snow.  To prevent the tag ends from flying around, I put the last link on the hook first, then pick up as many  links as I can / need.  If they're fit right and tight, there's no slapping or damage to inner wheel components such as brake lines, etc. 

With some practice, you'll be able to put these on all four wheels in 15 minutes.  Defiantly have a dedicated pair of gloves, cover-all or coat, and a knelling pad.  Carry a few repair links; cross links do break when you run them 45mph on hard-pack:) 

I'd get two sets, if for nothing else than having spares.  You'll have to play with chaining 2 versus 4 wheels.  Braking will be better with chains on all four.  Don't know how much steering help you'll get without the front wheels driving.  Least you won't get drug into the 'chain the front' versus 'chain the rear' argument amongst 4-wheel drives. 

If you're out west, Les Schwab's sells them at a sorta competitive but including instant gratification prices.  Do fit them in the parking lot.  Sometimes the sizes on the bag are a little off, or do not cross list all the possible tire sizes.  Schwabs has also repaired a couple of cross links at no charge after I abused their chains.

The truck's a single rear wheel, right?  A roll-up block makes chaining a dually real easy if that's your case.     

Good Luck.