Using Tire Chains on a 2012 Ford F-150 While Towing a Travel Trailer Through the Colorado Mountains
Question:
I would like to get chains for occassional use on a 2012 Ford F-150, 4x4, 4-door, short-bed truck. The use would be in the event the roads are snowpacked on a pass in southwest Colorado when I would like to tow a 26-foot 30 overall RV trailer to Tucson, AZ. The trailer is a North Trail 26LRS My questions are: 1. Would the part # PW2028C be a good choice for this type of use on that vehicle? 2. Would chains for all four wheels be required? 3. If chains would be necessary for only one truck axle, should it be the front or back? 4. Should I also plan to chain the tires on the trailer for braking control? 5. If the trailer needs chains, do I need them for one or both axles? 6. If for only one axle, is one better than the other? Both axles have brakes.
asked by: Gary B
Helpful Expert Reply:
Cables like # PW2028C provide little traction compared to actual chains. Given that you will be in the mountains and towing a big trailer with your 2012 Ford F-150, I recommend going with actual chains.
You can put chains on all 4-Wheels of a 4-Wheel drive vehicle but really you only need them on the main drive wheels which on trucks is usually the rear tires. Having chains on all 4 tires would provide even more traction, especially when turning.
You will not need chains on the trailer tires. What you will want to do is adjust the brake controller to provide just enough braking so the tires will not skid. Aggressive trailer braking would have the same result as aggressive vehicle braking when in snow and ice, you will just slide forward and probably jackknife the trailer.
I would need to know the tire size on your truck to make the best recommendation for you. The best chains are going to be square-links because they offer the most traction. They also last a long time and some can even be flipped over after wearing down and its like a whole new set of chains. I have included a link to our FAQ article on tire chains for you.
![Michael H](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/324_tn.jpg)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Glacier Cable Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Roller Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Tire Chains
- Tire Cables
- Steel Rollers Over Steel
- No Rim Protection
- Light Snow
- On Road Only
- Manual
- Class S Compatible
- Drive On and Connect
- Glacier
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Tire Chains
- Shop: Konig Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Video: Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains Review - 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Shop: Titan Chain Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Shop: Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains w Cams - Ladder Pattern - V Bar Links - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Article: Snow Tire Chain Overview: How to Buy the Right Tire Chains
- Video: Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains with Cams Review TC2809CAM
- Video: Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains Installation - 2020 Toyota Tundra
- Search Results: tc2828
- Shop: Glacier Cable Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Roller Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Shop: Glacier Multi-Arm Tire Chain Tensioners for 16" to 19" Rims - Rubber - 1 Pair
- Q&A: Are Levers Needed to Install Titan Tire Cables # TC2028
- Q&A: Will the Titan Tire Cables TC2028 Fit Tire Size 275/65-18
- Shop: Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Twist Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Shop: Titan Chain Cable Tire Chain - Ladder Pattern - Roller Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Q&A: Recommended Snow Tire Chains For 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Q&A: Recommended Tire Chains on Ford F150 with 275-/55-20 Tires
- Q&A: What Does Class S Mean For Snow Tire Chains
- Video: Titan Chain Diamond Alloy Snow Tire Chains Review TC1505
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: tire chains
- Q&A: Are Ladder or Diamond Style Chains Better for Deep Snow
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: snow chains
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: chains
- Q&A: What Snow Tire Chains do You Recommend for My 275/50-22 Tires on My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
- Video: Konig Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch