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I've got a Chevy Silverado dirtymax 3500 4 door long bed 4x4 brand new BFG all terrains 285's. I'm going back up the mountain this weekend and I know it's going to be muddy, maybe some snow-not sure yet. There were a few sloppy spots last weekend but I never had to put it in four wheel drive. I'm pretty sure this weekend will be different.
I've got a pair of heavy duty custom built chains that I got from the Daddio but I've never used them before. I've put them on to make sure they fit in the driveway.
Anywho, when using them I will be in four wheel drive but I don't know if I should put them on the back or the front. The front is heavy and will have more traction and pull the truck but the back is light and pushing the truck and could probably use more traction?...any advice would be appreciative...I thought about getting another set of chains but if I need all four I probably shouldn't be up there anyway.
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I would put them on the front.
Like you said more weight will help the chains get a better bite. If you are in four wheel drive the back end shouldn't be going any faster that your front end so you shouldn't have to worry about it getting away from ya.
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Chain the front John. Make sure you have some tighteners also. You will Need them. Your right though, I have always been of the mind set of you chain up to get out, not in. If your chaining all four to get in, should not be there.
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Doubt youll even need the chains 4 wheel drive should suffice. Id take the chains just in case. I got a lifted Trailblazer running 32's all terrains which just a hair smaller than 285's and Ive been able to wheel through some mud up to the rocker panels.
You also might want to see if your Silverado came with factory lockers my buddies 1500 came with g80 Eaton lockers.
Anyhow if you do need the chains
Run them in the rear as Jim mentioned your rear wont have the traction as the front.
Just a side note, not the best thing to run 1 set a chains in 4 wheel drive for long periods of time if it's in four wheel the transfer case and drive shafts axle speeds are usually matched. Chains will vary the speeds. Best to get a second set but shouldn't cause an issue for short trips.
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One thing is for certain. The hard rubber tread compound used on the BFG all terrains makes them little better than useless on snow or ice. I'd chain up the rears and BE CAREFUL!
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Well, I never had to put the chains on. Four wheel drive got me everywhere I needed to go. The BFG's did better in the snow than I thought they would. They sure do like to fling mud everywhere but I guess that's better than sticking to the tires.
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Having had much experience with chains on rough and muddy , as well as deep snow. Chain the front, traction would work on front or rear, however more important is all your control and steering free of deep ruts ect... comes from the front. Be aware however , with no chains on the rear the back end will fish tail arround on you quite a bit
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Obviously some differences of opinion. Realized even with AWD and good tires - I should have chains to be legal to pass the canyon - even for a Mantua ice outing.
Front vs rear. Hmmm - I could see if you have primarily FWD that that's the place for 'em, though if you run a pickup with RWD -then maybe - even in 4wd mode you're still on you main tires...
Having a friend with a tow rope or come-along - priceless! I've looked at those bumper winches in the tool supply catalog . . .
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When I was younger and dumber I used lighter duty chains in the front and my heavy duty in the back. This gives you steering in the front and power to the rear end. A shovel and a high lift jack are a must if you are dumb as myself. Bfg mud or all-t are very impressive, but don't get over confident.
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weight (minimal), so it slips more, and therefore benefits more from the chains. Without a trailer, the rear wheels are even lighter. Maybe I'm doing it all wrong, but I've never slipped an inch pulling a boat from the water on ice and snow-over-ice with chains on the rear.