Last Updated on April 30, 2024 by Nikole
Winter weather won’t stop you from traveling to your favorite destinations! Maybe you are chasing ice caves in Alaska or finding the perfect ski slopes in Colorado. You will need some tire chains for your camper van to travel in icy and snowy conditions.
Here is everything you need to know about snow chains for your camper van, including how to put them on, what type of links and patterns you need, and recommendations for the best brands.
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Why use tire chains on Your Camper Van in the Winter?
If you are a cold weather chaser and a camper van lover, odds are you will need some chains- why?
Chains provide excellent traction in slippery conditions such as snow and ice. Camper vans are a lot heavier than other vehicles, with your home being in the back and all, and will need more help than standard tires can give.
The links and patterns on the camper van tire chains will provide the most traction by biting into whatever slippery surface is under you.
When Should You Use Tire Chains on Your Camper Van?
Tire chains should only be used in slippery conditions including ice, snow, and mud. If these conditions are not present, you should immediately take them off.
If you do not take the chains off your camper van, you could:
- Damage the road
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Break your chains
- Ruin your tires
You may run across warning signs to put tire chains on- this will usually appear in higher altitudes when snow and ice are more likely to happen. Sometimes it is even mandatory to carry snow chains with you.
Now that you know the importance of carrying snow chains in your camper van winter gear storage, let’s look at which chains would best fit your camper van.
How to Find the Perfect Tire Chains for Your Camper Van?
Finding the perfect size chain seems difficult, but it’s easy. If you aren’t confident enough to find the correct size, you can ask a professional to size them.
Look on your van’s tire- you should find three numbers that look similar to this- ###/## R##. What do these numbers mean?
- The first number in the sequence is the width of the tire in millimeters/ this is measured from side wall to side wall.
- The second number in the sequence is the aspect ratio, meaning the measurement between the tire’s cross-section to its width.
- The third number in the sequence is the diameter of the wheel.
Take these numbers or measure them yourself and compare them to the tire chains you want to purchase. Most tire chains will come with a chart to compare measurements with.
Some tire chains may not mention your size tires, keep in mind that the chains may still fit- the only way to get the perfect size is to try them on your tires.
Even if you find the appropriate measurements, still try them on because 20% of the time, the chains do not fit. Trust me, you don’t want to be on a snowy road only to have your chains not fit your tire.
How to Attach Tire Chains to Your Camper Van?
There are several different brands of chains you can install on your camper van tires, and each type may have a different way of installing them.
To install on your camper van you will need to lay the chains on your tires, make sure they lay evenly, and start connecting and tightening them.
Here are some more detailed instructions;
- Find a flat area away from traffic to park your camper van.
- Unpack and unroll your chains. Make sure the chains lay flat and there are no kinks or twists.
- Drape your chains so they hang evenly over the top of your tires. There should be the same amount of chain hanging on either side of the tire walls and treads.
- Make the first connection by going to the inside of the tire, under your vehicle. You want to connect each end of the chain with whatever fastening gear your chains come with. Most of the slack should be gone when making this connection. Leave some slack for a second connection.
- Come around to the front of your tire, on the outside of your vehicle to make the second connection. Connect this on the outside just like you did for the inside.
- Make the last two connections, and make sure everything is connected evenly on your tire. The same amount of chain should hang over the inner and outer parts of your tire.
- Pull all the slack that you can out of the chain, your chains may even come with a tensioner to help you.
- After installing two chains on the correct tires drive your vehicle ahead at least one car length. Check your chains one more time to ensure all the slack is out.
- Safely travel until you no longer need the chains, then take them off.
Recommendations for Camper Van Tire Chains
There are several different types of tire chains to choose from for your camper van, and they all provide different types of grip.
When you plan your trip, check the weather conditions you will come across before you go; that way, you can get the right type of tire chains for your camper van.
Here are the different types of chains offered for camper vans- they will have different links and patterns.
Links
Links refer to the actual chains that link everything together, and they come in different shapes and allow for different types of grip, strength, and flexibility.
Square– These may make for a rough ride, but they are perfect tire companions when driving in the snow and ice. The square edges provide a nice “bite”. Square links are best used at high elevations where snow and ice are sure to be at their worst.
D-shaped– Ride smoothly in the snow and ice with these links.
Twist– These still work for ice, but aren’t the best. The twist link works best in the snow or mud.
Rollers– If you want the smoothest feeling links in the lightest snow conditions, go with these. Perfect for companions in areas with light snowfall.
Rollers – The smoothest ride, these feature cables wrapped in steel, which are good for use in light snow.
Patterns
The most traction benefit comes from the pattern formed by the links. Here are some patterns to look for in tire chains for camper vans.
Ladder patterns- Provide stunning grip and stop because it has horizontal cross chains.
Diagonal V-Patterns- These chains provide a criss-cross pattern and excellent traction and stopping abilities while turning- perfect for mountain driving.
Diamond pattern – These chains serve all purposes and make them the most ideal for mountain and off-road driving. The chains create a pattern vertically and diagonally across the camper van tires. Perfect for turning and forward driving.
H-patterns- This pattern provides the most grip because the chains cross laterally over the tire tread and include a center block. Perfect for heavy-duty activities such as off-roading.
Our Recommendations for Camper Van Tire Chains
To help you find great tire chain brands for your camper van, we have listed those below. Keep in mind, you will most likely not need heavy-duty chains, those are for semi trucks, loaders, and tractors.
1. Security Chain Company Cable Tire Chains
These SZ143 Tire chains have 17 different chains, meaning you will indeed find your size. The kit comes with instructions and a tightener, so you don’t need to move your vehicle around.
We love that these chains use a lower clearance and are perfect for low-clearance tires. The low profile of the chains doesn’t take away from their ability and are still rated for SUV and pickup truck usage.
Customers like how easy these chains install and the low profile of the chains.
Price: $96.64
Type of Chain: Cable
Star Rating: 4.5
2. Security Chain Company: QG2228CAM
The QG2228CAM should fit most vans, thankfully the company has a comparison chart to find your correct size.
These chains are made of square link cross chains and are extra durable because they are made of manganese alloy Steele.
There is a built-in CAM tightening system, so you do not need to purchase tensioners.
Price: $69.99
Type of Chain: square link cross chains square link cross chains
Star Rating: 4.5
3. Midstriddle Snow Chains
Midstriddle Snow Chains are perfect for camper vans, SUVs, and small trucks. They are easy to attach and come with six easy-to-install ratchet systems. The ratchet acts as a tightener for the chains.
There are three different sizes you can choose from, and they weigh 17 pounds. The weight may be a bit too much for hauling in your camper van. Compared to the above brands, they are much easier to install.
Price: $96.64
Type of Chain: manganese steel material, integrated stamping
Star Rating: 4.4
Frequently Asked Questions
Just in case you have other questions about how to use tire chains on your camper van, we have included a few frequently asked questions.
Do I need to place chains on all four tires?
You do not need to install chains on all four camper van tires, you will only need two- there are specific tires you need to place them on, however.
Most chains come in a set of two anyways.
Which tires should I put the chains on?
You only need to put chains on two tires of your camper van, but which tires need the chain?
Four-wheel drive– Back two tires need chains
Front-wheel drive– Front two tires need chains
Rear-wheel drive– Back two tires need chains
All-wheel-drive– Check the owner’s manual, as most vehicles differ
Can I keep the tire chains on if there is no snow or ice on the ground?
Absolutely not! You must take your tire chains off when there is no snow or ice. Keeping them on may result in broken chains or cracked roads.
In Conclusion
I wish you all the success during your camper van winter travels! Make sure to read some of our other winter posts;
