V bar. Don't even consider cabels. Take some 8-10" long pieces of 2x4 to get the tires up off the ground when chaining up.
Get the chains as tight as possible and don't keep the "inside" side somewhat loose and then put tighteners on the "outside", if that makes sense. The chains will slide off either side of the tire and will be around your axle or on the ground in no time. Hopefully my rambling here makes sense.
Well written. It makes perfect sense when you're putting them on!
