Wasn't sure where to put this question.  I thought this was the best available forum and I suggested a new Forum topic in the two-way forum.  Whew, that was confusing.

Anyway, what would you all suggest in the way of traction aids/tire chains for winter driving in the white stuff?  Any preferences?  Here in Texas studs really aren't an option.  Ease of use is definitely a consideration.

I've used tire chains both with reinforced vee bar links and without.  I love them as they give maximum traction.

Most guys hate them because they don't know how to put them on.  I can get them on in even deep snow in 10 minutes or less.  but like many things, it is easier to put them on BEFORE you get your axle sunk.

I check the chains annually by mounting on my vehicles in the driveway on dry solid ground.  That way I get the practice also.  I carry a set in each vehicle along with 8 tire chain/rubber stretchers and a box of 'Monkey Links'.  All fit in a 5 gallon plastic pail, so I have some place to put the frozen/ice coated chains when they are removed.

BEAR

By the way, tire chains are easily 'made' and custom fit to your vehicle (required).  I make all mine, but I buy the cross links by the pound.

Interesting, Bear.  Make your own? HMMM never considered that.  Where do you get the cross links and other parts?  What do you use for 'quik connects'?

Ever used the new cable style traction devices?

never used the cable models.  Some are advertised as really quik to mount.  The hardware/general stores in rural areas carry the cross links and the the quick/connects.  Lately I've been using s-hooks instead of the quick connectors that are pushed thru.  I only use chains on rough jeep trails or to get out a tight spot.  I never use them over 20 MPH so the s-hooks work fine at moderate speed.

I started making the Chains with my dad about 1950 as a kid.  Simple and I still use them. They last a long time IF you don't drive at high speed on paved roads.  I've used them on I-80 when all traffic was stopped in  a winter storm.  In 1/2 hour I was out of the bad snow and took them off.  I must have past 200 vehicles stuck or stranded, and I made it to my deer stand at AM.

I made sets of chains for my brothers and a few hunting buddies.  They never used them and cursed them as old-fashion.  Guess I'm just a dinosaur!

BEAR

I just get good aggressive tread tires. Then I have them SIPED, and they are good on most ice and snow conditions. I go to chains only if I am dealing with total ice on steep grades. I live up in the mountains where steep grades are the name of the game getting home, and I only have to chain up every few years, when there is solid ice, and a rain falling on that. Then, sometimes you even slide with chains. I also put about three or four hundred pounds of lead bars in the back of the pickup for extra weight.

 It is hilarious to the locals to see people move in from the coast, and think thier "all season" tires are good for snow. Bra-hahahahahah! 

Out here in FLAT LAND.  I do mean flat. The place were I live is not called LEVELLAND, Tx for nothin.  I've heard it said that out here if you stand on your tip toes and look real hard you can see the back of your head.  To give you an idea, there isn't a bridge in our entire county. 

Establishing that, aggressive tires on the wife's Town and Country is probably not a good idea.  Although it is all wheel drive.  Mainly looking for somthin to take along for the winter ski trips and keep in the back of my truck for the winter.

I've know alot of 18 wheelers sipp their tires or at least they used to.  I think I'll have a search on Ebay for cables.  That is if no one has any HUGE issues with those.