Are Spider Bungie Cords for Tire Chains Useless?

I used to use them in North Dakota when I hauled oil. They worked great for me.

 

There are cheaper methods. But if you don’t mind spending the money. Go for it. Anything that makes the job easier.

I saw a ramp for the tires the other day. Cost $149. Got me to thinking my 4x4 might not be as good as I thought

 

Spider bungees are great! Worth every penny

Bungie's arent neccessary though, I rarely use them unless those chains will be on for hours and hours..... just dont out drive the quality of your chain job and you'll be fine.

 

If you put the chains on tight (and that can only be done by re-tightening them at least once), bungies are not necessary, except if the chains are a little long, and the loose end flings around and hits stuff. So the bungie goes on that to keep it from hitting.

Bungies can help if chains can't be tightened properly (think heavy mud, uneven ground, no safe place to roll forward an re-tighten, etc) as long as you don't drive too fast. The centrifugal force of the chains at higher speeds can still overcome the strength of the bungies, plus they will stretch over time.

Spider bungies are great, but again, speed is the enemy. Even with bungies, chains should be tightened at the first opportunity, and preferably at least once more.

 

I would try and park as close to the beginning of the chain up area as I could. Then after installing my chains I’d drive as close to the end of the chain up area as I could. I would get out and re-tighten my chains and put the spider bungees on. I used them simply to keep what little bit of slack I had out of the chains.

 

Sometimes I have to chain up to 5 times a day depending on road conditions here in Alaska. Spiders are great but dont last as long as good single rubber bungies. Not always needed on short little trips to cross over a pass or something BUT if you ever have them slip and wrap between the tires youll wish you used bungies for the extra 30 seconds it takes to put them on.

 

If you’re running in the mountains in heavy snow don’t waste your time with them.

 

I don’t care for spider bungees. They tend to break, and a couple regular bungees do the same thing. Like @Long FLD I always tighten up my chains after going a short distance when possible, but the rubbers are an extra level of security. When I drove a blasting truck at the mine we would spend 4 months a year chained up.