pvstoy said:
Ok, I looked around the internet for diamond pattern chains. Most all have alloy links and pretty thin. Found company Quality Chains and they supply Les Schwabs with the thinner models. They also offer a stouter version in a 5.5 mm thickness with a more traditional rubber tighter.
https://www.qualitychaincorp.com/2521q-light-truck-diamond-back-square-link-rubber-adjuster-style-0
On their web page they also sell through Auto Zone, well I went down and ordered 2 sets and will see what they look like. I would rather have a more robust, thicker chain than a lighter weight chain. The next one down has 3.7 mm thickness and sure that is what Les Schwab is accurately selling.
Ok think I'm all set now. Took 5 sets to get it right... Quality Chain needs more quality control on their product.
The two pairs I got from Auto Zone were tagged right but what was inside was the wrong chain style, even the picture on the bag showed a different chain. Called Quality Chain up and chatted, nice person, but we were not on the same page of it being wrong even though their two number code on the link attachment showed a "21" stamped. ( size 2521Q )
I started talking about Auto Zone and Les Schwab, and he said Les Schwab has our catalog and can get anything from us.
I called my "Guy" at my local Les Schwab and told him my story and said I paid $503 for two sets. Said I can get you those chains and for a lot cheaper! He saved me $175 !!!
I returned the others at Auto Zone and had to show them the picture on their on line catalog and what was actuality in the box did not match.
I received two new sets the next morning and yes they did show the right picture to go along with the tag and included the rubber adjusters. I did notice they each had a different tag that one showed more tire sizes and a few larger tire sizes than the other tag. Did not think much of it. I was glad to save so much money and it was the right chain as ordered.
Last night it was time to fit all four chains to make sure all was good. Tried the first pair, the one with fewer tire sizes on the tag. TOO short in diameter and will not fit properly... Crap!
Try the second set and they fit reasonable and acceptable.
Went down to Les Schwab and explained this to "Guy" and called the store on the north end of town and they have 5 sets. Great, on my way to get this resolved.
Once there I was greeted in the parking lot, (yes still do this) and young man carried in my tire/rim, yes I did take the truck tire off so they or me can make sure the fit while I was there. They wanted to make sure the chain indeed did not fit as you might expect some customers may not have a clue or need help putting on chains. He said most people buy them and never test fit before they need them.
He mounted my tire/rim on a balancer and tried to fit the chain. No go... that's odd... I suggested a exchange and pick one that the tag matches. He left and came back with a new set with a matching tag of the good set. He put on both sets with satisfactory results. YEA!
So after many hours spent doing this I now I have 2 sets of chains that I know fit my tires.. Four chains for the Dodge truck and can also use one set for the rear wheels of the 4 Runner ( same size tire).
Lesson learned, My Guy ( that is his name) at Les Schwab can get things for me at a reasonable price. They are very helpful making it right and fitting them to my tire. Second don't trust labels on packaging to be correct, verifies everything. Especially some thing like tire chains. You do not want to have a surprise trying to put them on for the first time when it is cold and wet on the side of the road... Wait...That is what the chain monkeys are for...can fix it with bailing wire..
Cheers