Not when you're 'chained up' ........

 

That's the crossroads I'm at now. The way I look at it I have 4 options.
1. Barefoot
2. Chains
3. Studs
4. Chains on back and either bare front or studded front.

I I'm kind of leaning toward chaining the back and studding the front. And at some point getting an extra set of tires to have as a "winter" set.
I've run on sheer ice on the lakes and studs would be awesome. Gravel driveway so chains would rock there. Heavy snow and drifts on the lake and chains all around with my plow on would get me out and back safely.
But I suppose the best I could possibly do would be studded tires and have chains on with my plow on ? Especially out in a lake by myself with deep snow.

 

Well pulled the trigger on some diamond patterned studded chains for the rear and gold pro studs for the front. Also ordered a Plano 1510-01 storage box for the back. Should be pretty well setup now for plowing and icefishing ! Also got a portable jump starter that will go out on the ice with me. Need to find a chunk of 4x4 or a piece of steel in case I get stuck on the ice and need to winch out. ( and a short piece of chain to keep my plow elevated when winching). Other than that I just need to wait for the ice !

 

No snow yet, but we are ready !

 

Even just chains on the back only would work. My neighbor plows his driveway with a 2wd 300 bayou with chains on the rear and sand bags on the racks for more traction weight and it does a great job.

I think a 2wd with chains has more traction on snow and ice then a 4wd without chains.

No point in wreaking your front tires with studs that will be useless during the no snow seasons.

 

Thanks ! I have new chains for the back, in the box. The studs would help me more ice fishing I would think. And they would come off in the summer. And since I use my pickup and wooden ramps they would help with traction on icey ramps. If I need front chains I will get them eventually, I hope.