Chains on newer trucks with clearance issues

[wvbowman912]

I've read through a ton of threads on chains on here but haven't really found an answer to my question. Lots of folks on here say to chain all 4 tires in the late season, but what are guys doing on the new trucks where the manual says you can't use chains? Are you more or less screwed? I have a 2018 F-150 with 275/55R20s.

 

[BCsteve]

I’m able to install chains on the rear only on my ‘18 F150 but I have 275/65-18’s. I’ve seen videos online with ‘18 F150’s with chains on the front but they must have thinner light duty ones.

 

[Clarence]

There are various thickness chains. Measure clearance with steering turned full in each direction. You can mold fender wells with a heat gun if needed. I have driven trucks that you couldn't go to the steering stops, or it would rub. Just had to drive accordingly. Not ideal, but worked fine. Manufacturers don't like tire chains. They also don't build them to hold up to what is shown in the commercials. Use a measuring tape, and find chains that will work, and you should be fine.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

 

[Titan]

Your first clearance issue is with the upper a arm. Then fenders when turning.

 

[NoWiser]

I have a 2” leveling kit on my ‘16 F-150. With 2” wheel spacers, I can run good chains on the front, no problem. I needed them last year on my late Idaho hunt and had no issues at all. I only put the spacers on the front and only if I actually need to use chains.

My hunting buddy has the same leveling kit on his ‘18 F-150 and has 3/4” offset wheels and can run chains on the front. That’s a better system.

 

[WhatToHunt]

Went thru this dilemma recently on my 2019 Ram and went with Peerless v-bar chains on the rear tires and then Peerless Z-chains on the front. Helped with the clearance issues and fit is good. Tried them on and did some testing with turning.

 

[All American Boy]

Use Peerless Z-Chains on my Honda Ridgeline here in CO. Not as heavy duty as typical chains, but they go on really fast. Low clearance. No backing up to put on. Used for some offroad is snow and mud. Also drove home 200 miles in a blizzard last year with a trailer over two mountain passes. Put them on leaving deer camp and stayed on until almost home. Kept it about 35 mph the whole way.

 

[tdot]

I've used Auto-trac chains on several cars, a truck and a van. They are low profile like a cable, yet have traction that is closer to a chain then a cable, atleast in snow and ice. Have never tested them in deep mud.

 

[Ranger619]

I can fit chains on the back only on my Chevy Trailboss. I needed them this year too, a small pilot error got me in a little mess

 

[Trogon]

No front chains on 11 taco. UCA gets in the way.

 

[manitou1]

I have chains for the back, cables for the front on my Silverado.

 

[wvbowman912]

Thanks to all. Did some measuring, should have room for chains on the back and cables/Alpha trax on the front as many have mentioned. Going to get some ordered and see!

 

[zion zig zag]

No front chains on 11 taco. UCA gets in the way.

Same on the new tacos. I carry v-bars for the rear and hope I never need more than that.

 

[Marmots]

I used to use a 2017 F150 to tow a snowmobile trailer up mountain roads to find the snow line and drop into boondocking spots.

In three seasons I probably did a thousand miles with v-bar chains up front on the stock tires. I never had any clearance issues, even with all the rough roads and "disconnect the trailer and pray" style turnarounds. I loved the clearance on that truck.

I'm not sure why the manual says to not run chains up front. Unless something changed dramatically between the 2017 and 2018 year, there should be plenty of clearance. Maybe it's a liability thing because the brake lines or some sensors are more vulnerable up front.

 

[YBPS]

What brand/style of tensioners work best for you?

 

[Tim in Wa.]

wheel spacers can work on some vehicles to give you enough clearance

 

[dieselchessy]

I buy different wheels with either less positive offset or more negative offset (same same), to allow use of chains.
Or at the least I use cables.