Security Chain Company QGS744HD Quik Grip Alloy Stud Off Road Truck Dual and
List Price : $757.54
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Select this itemProduct Feature : Security Chain Company QGS744HD Quik Grip Alloy Stud Off Road Truck Dual and
- Quik Grip studded chain
- Heavy duty and semi-truck applications
- Highway service
- Durable
- Off road use
Review by : John L.
I purchased these chains for the once or twice a year I travel to Colorado for skiing. I drive a full size 2 wheel drive pickup and these chains really provide the bite necessary for traversing the passes in the packed snow and ice. Rest at ease if you don't have 4 wheel drive… these chains are the ticket! Also, the cam-lock variety makes it easy to properly tension the chains, HIGHLY recommended!
Review by : TCSC
I ordered a set of these just before the snow got deep in our area and I have only used them once. A very interesting experience. I had given a lot of thought to which chains to buy before the purchase but I still learned a lot from just that one use.
First, you DO NOT want to pay extra to get the manually tightened Z-Chain. I had to put these on in the snow the first time I put them on and believe me, it was hard enough WITH the rubber tighteners. Cops, mail carriers, emergency vehicles and the like may prefer the Z-Chain for their long-term durability, but I'm willing to bet that they all have nice, dry, heated garages in which to install the chains. They may need to adjust the chains now an then in the field, but they aren't pulling them out of the trunk AFTER they get stuck. When that happens to you, you don't want to mess with having to re-tighten them once you get them on.
Second, you really SHOULD take the time to put even these supposedly easy to install chains on your vehicle at least once on a dry flat surface during the day. I had to use them for the first time at night with snow caking the tire wells. NOT FUN AT ALL. You just won't know where the tight spots are in your wheel well or how to identify the different connectors on the chain until you actually put them on. On my van you need to turn the wheel to get enough access and you can easily tangle the line on the suspension if you are not careful. It would have been nice to know that in advance.
At least the rubber tighteners worked well. Once you get them connected they are self-centering. I would recommend getting a spare set just in case.
The third revelation I had was that the plastic case the "Sur-Grip Z" chains come in is very disappointing. On mine the plastic is warped so the latches just won't stay closed. I got a great price on them, but I would recommend spending a few extra bucks and getting the Super Z, if possible.
I would also recommend rinsing the chains off in water after you use them and letting them dry before putting them back in the case. Mine have accumulated some rust because I didn't wash off the salt. On the other hand I have decided that rather then put them in the case between uses, it is better to keep them spread out on plastic in the back of my car. My cases don't shut, so I figured, why not have them ready to use at all times.
Finally, I was surprised by how effective they are in DEEP snow, and how INEFFECTIVE they are in light snow. On roads with less than 2" of fresh snow they provide less traction than ordinary all season tires. The only thing that might make them safe is that they make so much noise and vibration you won't be tempted to exceed 35 mph. However on roads with more then 3" of snow cover they work wonderfully. Everything smooths out and you find that the traction is the same as it was in lighter snow. Just to see if I could, I tackled one of the steepest hills in our area both uphill and down with only minor slippage. I wouldn't have made it up at all without the chains and I'd have have slid into the intersection (or the curb) on the way down without them. So I would say they are for what you think they are for: occasional use in extreme weather condition. They are not something you will pull out every time it snows.
I don't think these chains are nearly as useful for winter travel as a good set of winter tires. If you can afford winter tires, that is the way to go. If you aren't willing or able to do that, and you want something that will keep you from getting stuck when you HAVE to be out in really bad conditions, these are very cheap insurance. Just be sure to try them out on your vehicle when it is NOT dark, cold, or snowing so that you can do it later when it is.
/TC
Review by : Craig D Bakken
These are great chains definetly comparable to much higher priced chains. I gave it a 4 star because I would like to see some better sizing information for the different chains and tire sizes.