Tire chains?

Do you guys have tire chains for your rig?
I have a 2017 OffRoad...all stock.
I have read some threads that say there is not room to run chains, but I don't know what the wheel/tire combo is.
Can I run chains on my stock truck?.....do you? If so, what do you recommend?

 

As far as I know you should only run chains on Rear Wheels, as there is not enough clearance up front for them.

I didnt use chains with stock configuration, but I believe Manual says to only use on Rear Wheels. The two times I've used them has been only on rear wheels, running 33" tires so i dont see why it'd be an issue with smaller tires.

I use the thick chains (not the regular cable chains), and cant remember what they are called atm... Same type fire trucks and other heavy equipment rigs use as i wanted to also use them on the trail should i be stuck in slippery mud...

 

Thanks Shikokaon. As a firefighter, I can tell you we use some sturdy chains on our rigs. Those are the kind I want to run. I got up into the mountains last week and ended up in about 8" of snow...and though "self, you should have some chains". At home, the roads are pretty well taken care of, so I don't see a need for chains around town...just in the woods.
I'll have to take a look, but you are in agreement with the others I have heard...chains only in the rear.

 

Can't say I've ever heard anyone say to only run chains in the rear...if you only have one pair of chains, you will want to put them on the rear of course, but if you have two sets so much the better.

I run V-bar chains on all four tires, just make sure you have the clearance for them. Stock truck should have no problem unless you're wheeling it pretty hard and manage to stuff the tires all the way to the bumpstops in the snow, you might get a little rub.

Chains have pretty diminishing returns past about 6" of snow, depending on snow condition, and how packed the base layer is underneath.

 

The problem with running chains on the front is if one of them breaks, at that point you have the potential for a lot of damage to your front end with all the suspension parts being downrange of the broken chain.

 

Also for the front, there is limited space between stock UCA and stock wheel/tire (at least in 3rd gens), spacers may help, but with all the abs and suspension components up front (as ExtraHardTaco mentioned) if it becomes loose there will be some fair amount of damage.

I do carry a second set of regular chains (thinner than the rear ones, but thicker than cables), just in case i get stuck and really need to put some on front for extra traction (even if i'll rub fender while turning), or in the event of another mandatory chain use on freeway (for rear ones) like last winter "storm".

I got both sets at LesSchwab, I think +/-$100 each set. Not all of them carry the thicker/heavyduty ones, but then can check and let you know which location has em. If you dont use em you can return them after snow season.

 

I think it goes without saying, if you don't properly tighten and secure your chains there is potential for damage on both front and rear axles.

Tirechains.com is also a good place to get your chains from, they have pretty much every size and style, and have good customer service as well.

 

If you look in the manual it specifically states the chain thickness you can use. Page 272. .2in side chain, .25in cross chain.

That said, I eye balled what could get in the way and bought heavier chains. My neighborhood is pretty hilly with 15% grades. Being in Seattle when it snow it usually thaws and freezes everyday so it's crunchy snow with lumpy ice underneath. I bought chains with real chain links with the "v-bars" or cross-bars for ice.

https://tirechain.com/Tire-Chains-V-BAR.htm

I put them on and it seems "far enough away" from suspension parts and brake components where I'm not concerned.

I also have a set for my '98 with the smaller 225/75-15 tires and it's been unstoppable when it gets really bad even with open diffs. I find that decent AT tires are fine for fresh snow. It's the ice I'm concerned about.

 

I lived in Tahoe for 7 years.. never owned or used chains on my 4X4 Taco.

Didn’t think we needed chains on 4wd trucks. Unless you drive a 2wd?

 

Funny you say that. I went up to the forest service roads last week, which happen to have 12-16" of snow. My 100% stock truck handled it damn well. I had a chance to try out different settings, and had a great time.

 

I have a set of these: (rear wheels only on 3rd gen per the manual)

$63 SCC SECURTYCHAIN ZT741 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRA6PQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought them to meet the "must carry chains" requirement for driving in Mt Rainier National Park in the winter. I have never used them or felt that I needed them, even driving up forest service roads in the snow.

 

I've driven in some pretty slippery stuff, like slushy deep wet snow and didn't have a problem getting going. That's why I went with the most aggressive chains I could find figuring when I need chains, I will NEED chains.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

This is the chain I bought. I put them on in the front prior to consulting the manual and noticed there is no clearance at all between the tire and linkage while installing the chain. Put them on the rear and seems as there is enough clearance all around. I haven't really tried them on long-distance as there is no snow ground yet.

For those that have this chain or other brand, let me know if it works.