Big mud tires, trouble using chains?

[ZEEK1223]

I have a atv with big knobby tires. The chains always seem to rest in between the knobs. I loosened the chains, and now they at least seem to get out beyond the knobs. Do I need to buy different tires for winter? I have the chains now where they kind of swing out of the knobs, and grab on the ice. Is this right? Should the chains be somewhat loose? Thanks

[Dave S]

Chains should always be tight. If you run them loose, you risk damaging your machine and ruining the chains.

What tires are you currently running on the machine?

[ZEEK1223]

they are ITP mud lite. They came on the machine when I bought it.

[Dave S]

If you're willing to purchase different tires for winter, I would recommend something along the lines of the Holeshot ATR or anything else that provides a shallower lug.

You'll get a shallower lug allowing for your chains to ride out side the lug pattern. You also get a radial tire that will allow you to have a better contact patch for a little better flotation in the snow.

What tires work best in snow conditions can be a lengthy topic. I have seen the Maxxis Bighorns in the snow and work very well without chains. The only issue would be when your on ice, then chains are a necessity with any tire.

Other tires that would be in my consideration would be somthing that shares similar characteristics with the tracks on a snowmobile. Something along the line of Realtors. They are more of a straight bar type lug that spans the entire width of the tire. It's also a shallower lug that might work well with chains. Another thing that theoretically would help in snow is the open area between the lugs allowing for compaction of the snow and the full width lugs allowing for a good bite in the compacted snow.

[gr8icefishinmind]

I have the same tires on my kawasaki and really didn't have problems with chains, just had to make sure to get the bigger set of chains! I think they were C+ size! Definetly need chains on ice with those tires, not much grip on ice! Good in snow though!