RTV 500 Tire Chains

DIXIEDOG

Member
Has anyone successfully installed tire chains on a RTV 500? I picked up some ICC Super Diamond ATV chains but I'm running into interference problems in front with the strut housing and in the rear with the parking brake cable.:cuss:
 
Remove your strut housing and parking brake cable. VOILA!!! :hide:

Just kidding. Sorry, can't help as I don't run chains. Can you remind us what size tires are on the 500? If similar to the 900/1100/1140, you may get some input from those members that are running them.
 
My 2008 rtv900 worksite model has the standard 25x10-12's, worksite tires. I have no problems with chains on all four wheels for most of the winter. No evidence of rubbing or any other issues.
 
I'm guessing the 900 has more room around the wheels than the 500 then, I'm unable to slip my hand between the strut and the front tire....the leverage clamp was close to clearing but made contact with the strut housing in the front. The back chain made firm contact with the parking brake cable.
 
Makes sense, given the compacted dimensions of the 500. Bit of a nuisance, given the real advantage that chains can be in many snow situations. It's a catch-22--if you have big lugs, that might help in snow but is worse if you are in icy conditions, as snow quickly becomes once it's packed. And tires that work on ice (thinking of my studded tires on my F250) are not so good in loose snow. Ah well. We do the best we can, eh?
 
Well Dixie, did you ever find a fix for the chains? I have the same tires on my 500 and am also thinking of installing chains if it is possible.
 
I never did find any chains that would fit. I think the only way I could get a decent set of chains on my RTV 500 is to install either wheel spacers to make room or put narrower tires on it. :confused2: I'm going to give the worksite tires a shot and hope for a mild winter. Worst case scenario I break out the International with front end loader and go old school on it.:a1:
 
If I understand correctly, you found chains for the tires but they're rubbing. Correct?

How about Ice Screws (aka Tire Studs). You just screw them into your tire. You can get 1000 of them for about $60.

Here's an example
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UK7KOY/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001C65KWY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1MN3XRFJ2QKS63PKBSW8[/ame]
 
In motorcycle tires we used everyday sheet metal screws use by the furnace installers. I think about 1/2 or 3/4 inch long. No problems. For racing we used about 200 per tire and could wheelie on bare ice as smooth as a rink. In summer, wind them out and away you go. I suggest trying 50 per tire and see how it works. Get a little bit of a pattern going, say every third knob and vary across the tire between 2-3 per row. Too few and they tear out. Too many and it makes the tire too heavy. Just another idea.
 
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