Tire chains

[mkeller]

Are they a must for atv?  I just bought my son and I 2 used 4 wheel drive atvs that we plan to use for ice fishing.  Do we need chains?  Thanks

[SpitzoMT]

I wouldn't say chains are a must. I've had mine for 8 years & sure was glad I had them the 2 times I needed them. I've always thought of chains as one of those things I'd rather have & not need than need & not have !!

The conditions in which you will be riding the ATV will dictate whether you need chains or not. On bare ice you will need chains or you can stud the tires with some screws. The condition of your tires will factor in also. A quality set of new tires will serve you well.

Evaluate the situations/conditions you will be using the ATV in out on the ice & go from there. If your ATV doesn't have a winch, I would suggest getting one. My winch has got me out of some sticky situations more times than I care to think about.

Good luck to ya & have a great season on the hardwater !!

[mvanhank222]

Definitely on the rears you can usually steer all be it slowly. I have had glare ice days where starting and especially stopping were very difficult.

[Fishmon]

Chains will bail you out of "sticky" situations.  I run them on back (2 wheel drive) all ice fishing season and it is fine 90% of the time.  I add the front chains (4 wheel drive) when snow is deep and slushy or for glare ice days.  So far, this has worked great for me.  Pulled a Conservation Officer out of a sticky mess one day.  He had chains on rear only and front wheels were semi useless in deep slush.  Hopefully we get good conditions this year.

[WYIfish]

X2 mon