What’s the difference between 2 and 4 link chain spacing?

With 2 link spacing, there is a cross chain on every other side-chain link. With 4 link spacing, there is a cross chain on every fourth side-chain link. Two-link spacing offers more aggressive offroad traction and a smoother ride, since there is more chain on the face of the tire. Four-link spacing is cheaper and provides good traction for most applications.

Why V-bar chains?

V-bar tire chains provide superior traction on hills, ice, and hard-packed snow. The sharp points in the V-bar dig in to the ice, snow, mud, and gravel. V-bar chains are not recommended for use on soft driveway surfaces, as they can mark up the driveway.

What do I do with the extra chain links?

Since ATV chains are designed to fit a range of tire sizes, you may end up with extra links. You can either cut off the extra chain links or tie them back. We recommend securing the extra chain links, in case you need more chain length in the future (new tires, different ATV, etc.). You can use wire ties or zip ties to secure the extra chain links.

How do I know if I have enough clearance?

ATV chains should fit well on most stock vehicles. Check with the manufacturer to make sure your ATV has enough clearance around the struts, control arms, and steering rods. If you swap out your stock tires for bigger tires, make sure the ATV chains have enough clearance before using them on your ATV.

How do I tighten ATV chains?

Tighten the chains as much as possible by hand. After driving on the chains for a short while, stop and retighten the chains. Keeping the chains tight makes the chains last longer. You can use a chain tensioner or adjuster to make the chains tighter and keep them securely in place.

ATV tire chains can make a huge difference when it comes to getting out on the ice for ice fishing, plowing your driveway, or riding offroad when traction is poor.

Tire chains can get you more places, give you traction and control, and help you stop quickly when needed. Here are a few tips for using ATV tire chains safely and effectively.

• Install your ATV tire chains before you get stuck. It’s much easier than trying to install them afterwards.
• Protect your hands with thick gloves when handling icy chains. Avoid touching the chains with your bare hands in extreme cold.
• Tighten chains as much as possible by hand. After driving a short distance, retighten chains. Loose tire chains will greatly reduce the life of your chains.
• Remove extra chain lengths, or tie them back securely to prevent them from tearing up your plastics.
• Drive slowly and deliberately. Avoid spinning your tires or locking the brakes.
• Scan the trail ahead for hidden obstacles under the snow.
• Never drive faster than 30-35 mph (or max speed recommended by the manufacturer) with ATV chains installed.
• Never drive with broken chains. They can tear up everything in your path, as well as damage your tires and bike.
• Store the ATV chains properly to prevent them from getting rusted and tangled. Spray the chains with WD-40 after use, and hang them up or store them in the case.

See the instructions below to properly install ATV tire chains.

Diagram 1

1. Lay the chains out flat on the ground and remove all tangles. When the chains are placed on the tires, the V-bars should face out and the cross chain hook eyes must face up. Damage to your tires could result if the V-bar or hooks face against the tires. (See Diagram 1).


Diagram 2

2. Lay the chains over the tire, making sure that the cross chain hook eyes are facing up and the fastener is on the outside of the tire. Tuck the first cross chain (side chain ends without fasteners) under the tire. (See Diagram 2).


Diagram 3

3. Move the ATV until the fastener is axle high. (See Diagram 3).


Diagram 4

4. Fasten the INSIDE hook to the corresponding link of the INNER side that will allow the cross chain to lie straight across the tire tread. (See Diagram 4).


Diagram 5

5. Remove slack and hook the outside fastener. Make the chain as tight as possible by hand without the use of tools. This will significantly prolong the chain life. Drive approximately 1/4 mile, stop, and retighten the chains. (See Diagram 5).

Regular maintenance will keep your ATV tire chains in service for many winters to come.

1. Keep It Snug

Loose tire chains can decrease chain life by up to 50% or greater! Keep the chains snug by tightening them as much as possible by hand. Then drive about a quarter mile, stop, and re-tighten the tire chains as needed. Keep the chains straight across the tire tread.

2. Don’t Deflate

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for installing the ATV tire chains. Do not deflate the tires to install the tire chains. Your tires should be at the normal level of inflation while installing and using ATV chains.

3. Cut the Slack

Secure extra chain links with a wire tie. You can cut off extra links if you want to, but keeping the extra links means that you have extra length if you need it in the future (for a different ATV or new tires, etc.).

4. Inspect Often

Inspect your ATV chains before and after each use. Keep an eye out for worn or broken links. Do not use the tire chains if you see any signs of damage. If the chains break while driving, stop immediately and repair the chains or remove them before continuing to drive. Driving with broken chains can damage the tires and vehicle. Avoid hitting curbs when the tire chains are installed on your ATV, as this could damage the chains or tires.

5. Stop the Rust

After each use, spray the chains with WD-40 to keep them from rusting. Hang the chains up on the wall for storage to keep them from getting tangled and save you the headache of sorting through a jumbled mess when you need them again.

ATV Tire Chains are a great way to get extra traction in the winter, but there are a few things to be aware of when driving with tire chains.

Driving with ATV Tire Chains

Watch out for hidden stumps, rocks, and large roots. If the tire chains catch on these obstacles, you could break an axle or hub. You can prevent this situation by making sure the tire chains are properly tensioned (don’t drive with loose chains) and by checking the trail ahead, especially in areas with deep snow.

Be aware of your surroundings and go slow in areas where there could be hidden obstacles. Avoid spinning the tires, or use caution when you need to spin them, as this is often the culprit of damage caused by tire chains. Drive slowly and deliberately with tire chains on to get solid traction on icy trails.

Wear thick leather work gloves when you install ATV tire chains. Don’t handle the chains with your bare hands, especially in freezing temperatures.

Tire Chain Maintenance

Do a quick inspection of the tire chains before and after each use. Make sure there are no weak or broken links. Do not use the tire chains if you see any signs of damage.

Spray the chains with WD-40 after each use to keep them from rusting. Hang the chains up on the wall for storage to keep them from getting tangled and save you the headache of sorting through a jumbled mess when you pull them out next season.

Wondering what type of traction device to use on your ATV? There’s a variety of options out there, including snow tires, studded snow tires, cable chains, and twisted link tire chains. Of these four options, ATV tire chains dominate the pack by offering up to a 283% performance improvement over regular ATV tires!

See the chart below for more details. The following data was collected by the National Safety Council’s Committee on Winter Driving Hazards.

PROMARK OFFROAD (formerly Gorilla Winches) offers ATV tire chains and snow chains in four different sizes, starting as low as $34.99! See our ATV tire chains category for more information.

Winter is on its way! Get ready for the snow with ATV tire chains. Now in stock!

4 sizes of tire chains available! Check your tire sidewall for the correct size.

• ATV Tire Chains – Size 1
• ATV Tire Chains – Size 2
• ATV Tire Chains – Size 3
• ATV Tire Chains – Size 4

ATV chains give you solid traction for riding over snow and ice. Don’t let the winter weather stop you from getting out on the trails!

ATV tire chains are also good for snowplowing with your ATV. Throw that shovel back in the garage and have some fun while you clear the driveway!