Airing down and snow chains?

Planning to do a trail run and I’m expecting snow and ice. I’ve never used chains on the trail before and plan to put them on only if I’m consistently losing traction, which means I’ll already be aired down. Do I keep them aired down or air back up?

 

I have never used chains, but would think the instructions for the chains would specify. And I am going to guess they will recommend normal air pressure, vs air down for chain use due to fitment and liability.

 

How would they stay tight if you air the tires down? Air down = trying to get better tire flex for contact patch. Chains need to be properly tensioned otherwise they slip/move?

full disclaimer, I don’t know the answer i am asking as well

 

I go down to 15lbs. The 13.5 wide tires make a wide footprint. We know the chains are not going to stretch. Will the chains make contact with the wheel and cause damage?

 

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/tire-chains-air-down-tires.329688/

Seems like others have, but aired down first and then made sure to install and tighten the chains.

 

Awesome! That's the type of info I was looking for. Thank you sir!

 

low pressure is for floatation, on sand, and DEEP snow.

For less than a foot? of snow, with firm ground below, narrower tires, full inflation and a tire tread with lots of sniping is best. Likewise and as advised above, you'll want normal inflation when using chains.

 

Our tires have belts in them that keep the rubber stretching to a minimum. I would imagine that when aired down some of the sidewall chain will act as part of the tread as the tire rotates into contact with the ground.

 

I would run 30 psi with chains on any tire and take it slow and steady.