ATV Tire Chains

[Swedish Pimp]

I am going to pick up some chains for my ATV. Not sure what the best set up is. I see the is ladder style and dimond. ATV  is a 4x4 do I need front and back or just back? Any brand to stay away from?  Any insight would be appreciated.

[CrappieGuy]

Most manufacturers recommend only putting them on the rear tires.  I would look at 2 link spaced or the diamond pattern.   Deflate the tires down to 2-3 lbs install the chains and re-inflate.  This will get the chains on good and tight.

http://www.tirechain.com/ATVChains.htm

[Duke M]

I agree rear only, the ATV will be darn near unstoppable anyway. Please check carefully that you have adequate clearance for the chains, especially on the inside of the wheels. My chains hit the brake adjuster wing nuts on my Bayou. I had spacer discs added and now everything fits fine.
After I deflate and install the chains I use some electric fence wire to tie the loose end of the links to the side chains so they aren't flailing around.

[redneckdan]

Diamond studded on the back, two link vbar on the front if you don't have a poo with strut suspension. I have heard told that with nothing on the front steering can be an issue on glare ice. Tirechains.com

[SLAYERFISH]

Ya I run them on front and back. Rear only on glare Ice would bring need some new undies-

[trophytaker1]

I use them on the rear only. Didnt have a problems on erie. Didnt need to use the four wheel drive or the diferential lock.

[SnoHam13]

Diamond studded on the back, two link vbar on the front if you don't have a poo with strut suspension. I have heard told that with nothing on the front steering can be an issue on glare ice. Tirechains.com

nice job on the trailer

SnoHam13

[SLAYERFISH]

Didnt need to use the four wheel drive or the diferential lock.

Then you prolly didn't need the chains either-

[slamminsam]

I'm a first time 4x4 user for the ice last year and threw chains on the back...with the four wheel drive activated and chains, I had no problems what so ever.  But, I do have a soft rear tire now    Not sure if it was caused by having chains on last year or not...I believe I may have over inflated when I put air back in and caused a small puncture?  Slow Slow leak. 

[MrE1979]

Used to ride my quad Honda 400ex on the ice all the time and I never bought chains.   Made my own set of studded tires using 1/4 hex head screws like these.