What width tire chains for an 8n?

[kylemorley]

I'm sorting though my collection of tire chains, with the goal of
finding one good pair to keep for my 8n. I've got two pairs that will
go on the 11.2X28 tires, one measures 17" across and the other
20" wide. The 16.5 are in better shape, but look to me like they
might not wrap far enough around the tire to stay on.

Anyone know what the proper width chain for those tires would be?

 

[Mr. T. Minnesota]

Kyle,
I would go with the 20 inch. Too short is hard to work with.
Mr.T. Minnesota

 

[TheOldHokie]

(quoted from post at 17:01:34 12/06/12) I'm sorting though my collection of tire chains, with the goal of
finding one good pair to keep for my 8n. I've got two pairs that will
go on the 11.2X28 tires, one measures 17" across and the other
20" wide. The 16.5 are in better shape, but look to me like they
might not wrap far enough around the tire to stay on.

Anyone know what the proper width chain for those tires would be?

You really don't need anything wider than what goes from bead to bead when laid over the tire, A couple inches more on either side won't hurt but too wide just makes for sloppy fit and difficulty keeping them in place. Remember that the cross chains on ladder type chains will find their way down in between the lugs on the tires "real quick".

 

[old-9]

Install one of each then decide,

 

[Mr. T. Minnesota]

Kyle,
Another version is to use both sets. Did this on a 2N in northern Minnesota. I started wrapping with the shorter cross chains and connected it to the longer cross length set on each tire. When I got to the point where they began overlapping, connected them together and kept overlapping until the second set ended, tightened and connected. It takes two connections per side, four total per tire. This helps prevent cross lengths from disappearing between lugs which helps traction and also adds a little extra weight. It worked quite well.
Hope this helps!

Mr. T. Minnesota
Mr. T.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Kyle,
Just guessing here but I'd say ideally the side chains would drape about 1/2 way down the side of the tire.
I'd rather have too wide than too narrow and would run chains as long as they didn't drape over the rim.
Mr T has it right. They add a lot of weight since most of it is on top of the tire. So two sets would almost let you dispense with wheel weights or fluid in the tires.
But extra ballast plus chains wins hands down every time.
They say we're in for up to 6" this weekend. First snow we've had.
I suppose I should go fetch the back blade out of the weeds tomorrow.