Rubber Tire Chains - Can't get any tighter, still sliding around loose

[Alrashid2 469]

Hey guys. This is my first time installing tire chains myself, and I bought myself some SoftClaw rubber tire chains.

 

Installed them as per the instructions. Aired tires down, put the chains on, tightened up each side one link at a time. Was able to get tighten to the second link on both sides, but it took a long time. Spent about 45 minutes on each side and had to use screw drivers and pliers to pull the chain tight enough to get it tight. There is no way I can get to the third link on either side, let alone on both sides to make it tighter.

 

Even still, the rubber bars seem way too loose. I can get my fingers under them, and they slide around on the tread. Aired tires back up to 10 PSI and took her for a spin in the woods. When I got back, the rubber bars were all crooked. None straight. And the entire chain assembly itself slide laterally, where the rubber was closer to the rim on one side of the wheel than the other...

 

Needless to say something is up. My tires are 23x8.00-12, and the chains I bought are 23x8.00-12, so I got the exact size.

 

If I can get these to work, I am for sure leaving them on all year long as this has been very difficult to install. 

 

What am I doing wrong? Do these just need to break in and mold to the tire? If somehow I can get one side up one link, is that OK to have 3 links tight on one side and just 2 on the other? Thanks all for the advice.

Edited 4 hours ago by Alrashid2

[pfrederi 19,914]

You do not have to have even inside outside link count.  Get another link at least on the inside .  Side chains are too loose.  Get tensioners.

 

 

Edited 4 hours ago by pfrederi

[Ed Kennell 44,909]

14 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

Get another link on the inside

    Then hook the outside loosely and yank and pull to the outside.  Then hook the outside as short as possible and install the chain tightener.  After the straps conform to the tire shape, you will be able to retighten the outside chain.    I put mine on and off in 10 minutes and never need to air down and up.

I always cut the inside chain to the exact length so there are no loose links

.  Connect the inside chain with these.

 

 

 

 

[Alrashid2 469]

Thanks guys! I've got an update. 

 

After driving for a bit on them I was able to tighten the OUTSIDE one more link. So 3 on outside, 2 on inside. I could only do it on the outside because that latch has so much more leverage, versus pulling the chain hook on the inside tighter.

 

They are VERY tight now. Still able to slide crooked a bit, but not moving across the tread anymore. Going to run this a bit and see what comes of it.

 

Unfortunately I don't think we're getting any more snow this year so will have to wait til next year to test them out officially! 

[Alrashid2 469]

Another update. Took her around the property after tightening the outside one more link. Much better!

 

They stayed tight, though one of the latches popped loose. It seems like it's just the way that side's chain is oriented. I tucked it back best I could and double zip tied it to the chain link.

 

I've got ever so slight movement of the rubber but that seems to just be due to the way the links line up on either side. Also, the rubber bars are pulled more to the outside than the inside of the rim. This seems due to the 3 links vs 2 links, so the chain is tighter on the outside and thus pulling more. I still have full coverage across the tread so I assume that's fine?

 

I'll also add, I took the tractor to an absolute mud pit of the property I never go to unless the ground is baked by the summer heat. Slipped in it for maybe a second or two, and then the rubber chains pulled me right out! How awesome! Think I'm sold 

[lynnmor 8,630]

You need to air the tires down to almost zero to adjust, even a few pounds can be too much, and then back up to your usual pressure.