Tire Chains vs Cables (2024)

I have no experience with cables however I purchased a full set of peerless auto tracks for my frontier last year for Colorado 3rd season muledeer.

These were worth their weight in gold!!! The only problem I had was one that was my fault....my tire treads were getting worn down. Hind sight I would have purchased a new set before the trip and held onto them and replaced through attrition. This became a true problem due to the snow melt off and the mud that was created. I truly though I was going to get stuck.

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bcopley1116 said:

I haven't used either, but I have to buy a set before next years hunt. I have a 2019 F250 4X4 with 35" tires. I am going to put new tires (normally duratracs or Ridge grapplers) on it before next fall, but I'll still need chains or cables. For you guys with experience what do you recommend? Pros/Cons of both?

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See Also

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I've always carried chains and used them a couple times, but never really needed them in mud or extremely deep snow. Upgrading to a an 2019 F250 myself too this year I had some concerns about getting chains that would hold up to the weight of the truck and stresses of being in mud or slop. I talked to a couple different manufacturers and in all cases the recommended chains for mud on that truck were the heaviest made and they specified very heavy traditional chains without cams since they are the strongest (either heavy links or alloy links on the cross chains).

Major caveat is that the 2019 F250 has a class "S" clearance requirement and there are no chains that are class "S" rated that are suitable for mud on an very heavy truck like your F250 (and no cables for sure). I can't comment on how your 35s impact this, but they could be better or worse than stock (better if they are narrower and taller or the wheels are offset).

I have 2 different chains on my truck (one set front and one back). I always cut the inside to length, so I don't' have to deal with the tail swinging on the inside. I have the equivalent of Quick grip Wide (top left of page) that I had from my previous 1/2 ton and they should be OK (cross chains are lighter) and Quick Grip Mud, which are what everyone I talked to said was the preferred size in mud for a 3/4 ton (that or the even better alloy chains an example on the right hand page lower right). None of these are type S, so they are not recommended. I've tested for clearance for my use and am OK.

Chains are rated by side link size and cross link chain size. The sheet I linked had them specified.

dirtclod Az. said:

I used to be Parts sales mgr. of a local auto parts store.
Cables are for passenger cars on snow packed paved roads.
Chains are for trucks in deep mud/muck and water.
Putting cables on a truck is like putting slicks on,no traction
whatsoever! 〽

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Absolutely. In fact, I've seen cables fall down between the lugs of mud tires and effectively REDUCE traction.
The biggest, gnarliest chains you can find is the best bet.

bcopley1116 said:

I haven't used either, but I have to buy a set before next years hunt. I have a 2019 F250 4X4 with 35" tires. I am going to put new tires (normally duratracs or Ridge grapplers) on it before next fall, but I'll still need chains or cables. For you guys with experience what do you recommend? Pros/Cons of both?

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Putting new tires on you might want to think about chain clearance and go slightly narrower. You are going to have to do some looking at the 35s adn how they impact clearance. There is not a ton of room with stock tires.

Cables = 4 Season Tire
Chains = Mud Tire
V Chain = Super swamper

I have a set of hybrid chains for my Sprinter van. It looks like they are now made by Thule. They are a pretty decent compromise if you dont need the ultimate in traction.

Chains of course. Extra tensioners. Unless the chains fit perfectly, there will be a few links hanging free. I usually keep some tie wire in the kit, tie down the loose end and safety wire the chain clamp down too.

nothing like losing a chain in a mud hole. Keep a small tarp for kneeling in the mud.

V bar chains or bust. Just make sure with your new tire purchase you will clear them without rubbing

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PNWGATOR said:

No comparison. If your truck can handle the chains, get chains. Get real ones too. Skip the cookie cutter auto parts place offerings and buy a set of V bar with cam locks and don’t look back.
I’ve had great luck buying chains at Blue Jay Industrial in Hayden, ID.

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cam-lock V bar yep!

positivepete! said:

I 100% agree with PNWGATOR, v bars are the only way to go. If you get to a point when chains are needed cables are not going to do. My only word of advice is dont wait until your stuck to decide to put them on and on that note learn beforehand how to put them on. Nothing worse than learning all the rubber tensioners are dry rotted and you are in 12in of icy water and have no clue how to actually put them on your tires.

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Or you might look like this???

100percent said:

Or you might look like this???View attachment 155399

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YES!!!!!!!!! That's pretty bad, 2 years ago I did the same thing but I did it in a puddle that was about 2ft deep. I needed a snorkel! But lesson is if I think "I can probably make it without chains" put them on first. An ounce of prevention.......

I use cables on the front and chains on the rear. The ability to steer confidently, later remove the rear chains, and then drive 40mph with cables is worth the additional cost/effort. I'd probably use the same setup even if I cleared chains on the front.

100% agree with everyone saying if you stop and think you might need to chain up, just do it.

1. cables are for those that sit down to pee or aren't sure which bathroom to use.
2. v bar chains for sure
3. put them on before you "need" them
4. keep your speed down. It's amazing how much stuff gets wrecked when you are in Baja mode. Let the chains do the talkin...

I have had the best luck finding high quality chains in farm/ranch stores and actual tire dealers out west.