I have a 2001 Ranger with 31 10.50 R15's, rear wheel drive...I need chains/cables for the pass this weekend. I was just wondering which is better, chains or cables? I thought "Who better to ask?"

Thank you in advance

 

Chains / Cables.......for what? Pulling?

If your talking about throwing a chain out to pull someone out or get pulled out yourself alot of people use chain....but i use a tow strap made of nylon.....30 ft long, works great

Here is me pulling scotty G out of the mud

 

If your talking about pulling, I'd recommend Straps like RockysFord said.

But if you have to choose between chains and cables, I'd go chains.... just sucks if they break.

 

I use a 15' stap first and if that is not long enough I drap out the 20' chain. I have had to use both to get pulled out.

 

chains=bad times if they break will almost always hurt someones rig when they recoil..

Also dangerous for by standers!

 

i think i would rather have chains than cables....i think cables will recoil alot worse than a chain if it broke....but either way i would ratherh have a strap

Rocky

 

As I understood it, chains break and drop. Cables WILL recoil and dismember people within ranger. Hence a cable with chains on the end that will break before the cable.

 

Umm...I'm thinking he meant for his tires...at least thats what I got from the post. I just bought some cables seeing as how Ford said chains void the warranty. but i havent used them yet...

 

Yes, I thought I was clear by posting in tires. I need them for the snow, sorry for any confusion. I will probably go with the cables, thank you RangerJustin!

 

NO! Just because the chain breaks doesn't mean the cable hasn't stored energy in stretching. You're worse off as the cable slings that chain back at you.

 

Cables for tires? Never heard of that. Time to go Haha...

 

lol, I thought his question was also clear that he needed them for tires. Chains without a doubt. Cables are garbage in my opinion, I've never seen them work will, and even when properly installed the seem to just spin around the tire and flop all over.
Go to les schwab and buy the 'diamond fit' chains, they work awsome. I used them on an AWD van, my truck when I had 31's, and now the explorer with 31's. If you don't use them, you can get a full refund at the end of the season.

 

Yes, you did post in tires. Forgive all the gurus here who posted like newbs.


If Ford says chains will void your warranty, I would go with cables and see how it is. If you don't like it, switch the chains, and if something goes wrong take off the chains before you take it into Ford.

 

Yes please forgive us! We humble ourselves and grovel at your feet!

Still: DON'T put a chain weaker than a cable inline when winching.

 

No worries

I just appreciate the help and advice! We put cables on my girlfriends VW (cost us $80) and they broke the second day. I am no longer under warranty, so I think I may try the cables and see how those due me. I only need them to get up/down a pass or two. The rest of the drive should be smooth sailing.

I recently purchased the Toyo Open Country A/T tires, I am very happy with their performance. We had a snow storm come thru back in November. A lot of cars/trucks were spinning out going up this hill. I spun for a second, but then kept truckin' right on up. They are great in the rain too, which is more prevelent up here.

I am glad I found a site just for Ranger's. Be sure I will be back, I don't know if I can answer any questions, but I will undoubtedly have more to ask you guys.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas to you all! :

 

No problem! Please come back....need pics of the Ranger! (we love pics here)

 

And a very Merry Christmas to you as well!

 

buy a good set of skid chains, the cheap sets wont last at all. We went thru this on our tractor, a cheap set of skid chains will last 1 season, 2 seasons if we get no snow. dad finally dished out the cash for a good set of chains and they have lasted about 15 years.

 

What's a good brand to buy?

 

I am just using some cables from Pep Boys, they worked well for me over the weekend, used them a couple times last season as well and all is still good with them.

 

Holy crap this is an old thread.

 

It's proof that the search feature really does work!

 

I would use Chains on a truck personally. Cables snap really easy under stress and chains tend to be larger than cable tread.

 

Hahaha...it is old but old threads come in handy.

 

So...no one has a preference in brand? Thule? Quik Grip?