Snow tire chains / Bigfoot 17CB wheel clearance

[breid19]

I have a 2004 Bigfoot 17CB and the fender clearance 1" (at the front of the fender perpendicualr to the wheel). There does not seem to be an tire marks on the fender but I have had my brake power wire fail twice now. I belive it has been pinched between the axle and the frame. I am thinking that my leaf springs may have started to sag but have nothing to compare it to. Does anyone out there with this trailer have similar clearances on their trailer.

I would like to increase the clearance to allow tire chains/cables to be used this winter.

BTW my tires are ST225/75R15

Thanks

Bill

[BobB]

Hi Bill,

We have the same trailer as you do. Our wheel clearance is even closer than yours, as our trailer has been lowered using one inch blocks between the springs and axle. If you want a lot of clearance for tire chains, you could move the axle beneath the springs. It is my understanding that the "spring over" modification would be fairly easy, but might raise yours more than 4 inches. Would that be too much? Our trailer also has shock absorbers and there is no appreciable contact between tire and skirts.

[Gina D.]

instead of raising the building, lower the ground...

try Diamond Quick fit chains.

I have used this type of chain on my lower clearance cars forever, and I still use them on my Jeep.

Can't ask for a faster installation on a chain. Durable as all heck.

[breid19]

Bob, I have thought about the spring over axle but 4.5" is too much for me. I would like to only raise it enough to get chains/cables on perhaps an 1-1.5".

Gina, the chains your link shows would probably end up taking my fender off if I hit a bump. I need a lower profile chain or increase the distance from tire to fender. The minimum clearance for a tire cables (sae class S1) is 1.46". http://www.tirechain.com/sae.htm


Bill

[GuyB]

okay call me dumb but why would you chain the tires on a trailer? chains go on the drive wheels of the tow vehicle for traction. wouldnt you just be adding weight?

[Simon A]

First of all, I have to greatly agree with Guy B - you should NOT need chains AT ALL for your trailer. If anything, ensure you have good winters on your vehicle, studded ideally. I do a lot of winter 'camping' (ski resorts, etc) in BC (Kootenays) and cover some pretty gnarly winter passes and have been fine. I do have my axles flipped and it is something I recommend for anyone with a trailer - more so with a Bigfoot because they seem to ride real low from the factory. Bottom line make sure your vehicle can handle th roads and the rest will follow (no pun intended). Sway bars will help as well to keep the trailer in track.

hope this helps. if you have any questions let me know. Oh, i have a 21.5 Bigfoot and am towing with Ford f-350 (in winter with studded winters and 4X4 when white knuckin' it!)

[Perry J]

I chain my trailer because if I have to stop quickly I don't want my trailer trying to pass me.
This happened to a friend of mine on his first winter trip in the
Sierras. He and his family were lucky as they were not injured other than scrapes and bruises but his whole rig was totaled.
I lived in Northern Cal. for 5 years. When it snowed I had 3 or 4 feet on the ground at my home for months and the streets and roads were ice for days at a time.
Even though I had a 4X4 and did not need the chains to go on occasion I used chains on the rear wheels because chains increase your STOPPING ability considerably.
When you have chains on the TV your trailer is going to skid when the brakes lock up without chains and try to pass you.
My experience and advice is free so you can take it for what it's worth.
John

[Joe Z]

I lived in Northern Cal. for 5 years. When it snowed I had 3 or 4 feet on the ground at my home for months and the streets and roads were ice for days at a time.
Even though I had a 4X4 and did not need the chains to go on occasion I used chains on the rear wheels because chains increase your STOPPING ability considerably.
When you have chains on the TV your trailer is going to skid when the brakes lock up without chains and try to pass you.
My experience and advice is free so you can take it for what it's worth.
John

Perry
My experience and advice is free also and am replying in a friendly gesture and not trying to be mean at all
I drove semi's for 30 years thru all kinds of snow and never once did anybody pull into a truck stop with chains on their trailer..... "chains are for the drive wheels only" when it's snowy slow down considerably or pull off and wait for the salt trucks.....that trailer will only come around and slide when the wheel is "Locked Up" and chances of it locking up on the chain that are spaced about 6" apart are very slim and holy moly if that chain comes loose under that trailer and tears your fiberglass up.....my own personal best advice if you must drive on snow is to lighten up considerably on the trailer brake controller to your trailer and do whats called "Stab Braking" which is one second on the brake and one second off the brake continually so that the trailer has that every other second to straighten itself out..... I've had many 48' Trailer come around on me and gettin off the brake pedal will usually straighten it out....practice that if you want going slow in a parking lot.
Please again realize i am not questioning you as i have no reason to get into an argument just giving you some facts from a professional viewpoint to make your own decision
Joe

[Tamid]

"chains are for the drive wheels only"

Joe,

For the most part I agree with this. However, there are situations where chains on the drive wheels (if rear drive) for the ability to brake fast and for acceleration with traction AND there are situations where chains on the front wheels for the ability to steer is a necessity. This is usually not on a paved road or well maintained road but where I travel in the Eastern Slopes on haul roads that have steep inclines and can be ice from top to bottom the ability to steer is as important as the braking and accelerating. I have also had this experience on haul roads in the breakup when they are thawing and the roads are totally mud. Without chains on the front, cranking the wheels to turn can still propel you in your original direction.

[Joe Z]

Tamid.....
I totally agree with you on the steering in the mud,etc.... makes your heart beat really fast when you try to turn and your vehicle continues going straight. point well taken and has alot of merit.
When i made the statement "chains are for the drive wheels only" I was only thinking about trailer chains..... in your situation and on those back muddy/icy roads the chains on the steering would be a great improvement in my opinion.
Joe