Tire chain advise

[T28w]

Ok. Decided a while back to get some tire chains for a 1st rifle hunt in Colorado based on feedback here.

I would love it if I could get some help. From my research I don’t want type s chains as they will prob be useless for my truck in off-road mud but that what the manual says to use. I have an f250 2016 with 275/70r18 tires load E. I called tirchains.com and did not get much of a helpful response. Basically I need off road heavy duty chains but I couldn’t fit them on my tires. I’m posting some picture to see what y’all think. I would just order some and see but shipping is $50 and I assume the the same to return so not wanting to throw a $100 dollar bill away.

Any recommendations.

 

[OldGrayJB]

A good set of v-bar chains on the back tires is better than nothing, if you don't have clearance to run them on the front.

 

[11boo]

I don’t know the tech specs. I just have a set of heavy duty standard chains and they have to go on the rear on my 06 gmc.

You live somewhere warm where chains are not available?

 

[T28w]

Yeah. From Alabama lol. Tire chains are uncharted waters for me.

 

[5MilesBack]

Lots of newer vehicles that don't have the clearance in the front for real chains.

 

[Marbles]

Look in your manual, it should tell you clearance classification.

Peerless | Limited Clearance Issues

www.peerlesschain.com

Spend the money and get halfway decent chains with a diamond pattern. I have the Ride Grip 4x4 for my truck and have been happy with them. I run Thule CS-10 (now Thule Konig) on my Corrola, the are nice to drive on and easy to put on/take off.

 

[RO1459]

I have a Ford F-250 diesel with 20" tires. I use the Type S chains during third season every year and have no problems. I am also using Michelin M&S tires. You do have to drive slow if you put them on the front. Under 10 MPH and make turns slowly. The manual for my truck recommends you do not put them of the front. I don't know what they are called, but the chains I use are the ones that you can put one without having to run over them. I did get them from Tirechains. com. BYT, my tires are 275/65r20. With 18" tires you should be able to place heaver chains on your truck than I can. Especially on the rear. Good luck.

 

[T28w]

Lots of newer vehicles that don't have the clearance in the front for real chains.

So would you just put them on the rear?
Or real chains on the rear and a type s on the front.

I could see type s on front if I was worried about traveling on the highway but fear they will break and really tear stuff up if I want them for off road mud use.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Call BlueJay Industrial in Hayden, ID. Talk with them about your needs. I had a great experience with their service and their prices are competitive with anything you’ll find online. Top quality V bar chains with cam locks all the way around my 1t Dodge.

 

[RO1459]

I would not put heavy duty chains on the front tires. I can't on my truck, with the 20" tires.

 

[cuerro viejo]

15’ f250 w/35x12.5x18I do have leveling front springs.

I run commercial ZT853 super Z HD cables up front(.685cable) and vbar on back.

with that said I run the ZHD cables most due to I get more ice then snow but still work good on snow, just not so good on mud or heavy snow as chains.

the super Z HD are only cables I’d run though. Only one that’s heavy duty enough IMO

 

[Tod osier]

So would you just put them on the rear?
Or real chains on the rear and a type s on the front.

I could see type s on front if I was worried about traveling on the highway but fear they will break and really tear stuff up if I want them for off road mud use.

One route is to buy a set of heavy chains that you know will fit on the rear. Once you get them, trim to size and try them on the front, if they work with the full range of steering and you think you will ok clearance with the suspension compressed, you are all set.

On my 2019 f250, they call for class S on the front. I put heavy chains on and tightened them down. Turned the wheel lock to lock and imagined what would happen with the suspension compressed. I see no issues and have heavy chains front and back. I make sure they are on damn tight and have stock tires.

 

[Titan]

Without a UCA, you normally have clearance for a heavy duty chain. Everything and everybody will always tell you they won't fit. Liability issue.

Looks like any clearance issue you could have would be with a corner of the wheel well while turning. 275/70r18 aren't super wide. They shouldn't come down the sidewall enough to hit that brake line.

Get some good chains with cam locks and you should be good. Loose chains will always cause problems.

 

[raz175]

If I know I will be running heavy duty chains, I put on a set of 1.5-2" wheel spacers. They provide the clearance necessary to run heavy chains, even in the front.

 

[darcytribe]

where states require vehicles to chain up to use certain roads or go over certain passes... do they require that all 4 wheels have chains or just two of them? I'll be in Colorado late October.

 

[raz175]

where states require vehicles to chain up to use certain roads or go over certain passes... do they require that all 4 wheels have chains or just two of them? I'll be in Colorado late October.

Chain laws vary by state. It's best to be aware of each state's requirements. Here's Colorado's laws for passenger vehicles;

Passenger vehicle traction law - The passenger traction law requires two-wheel drive passenger vehicles to have all weather or mud and snow rated tires with adequate tread or to affix chains or alternate traction devices (ATDs). Four/all-wheel drive vehicles must have all drive wheels engaged and tires with adequate tread depth.

Passenger vehicle chain law - The Passenger Vehicle Chain Law imposes the most restrictive requirements during inclement weather. All passenger vehicles must have chains or alternate traction devices (ATDs) on two or more drive tires. This applies to every two/four/all-wheel drive passenger vehicle in the effected area.

So, to answer your question, in Colorado if the passenger chain law is in effect, you need chains on at least two of the drive wheels.

 

[darcytribe]

Chain laws vary by state. It's best to be aware of each state's requirements. Here's Colorado's laws for passenger vehicles;

Passenger vehicle traction law - The passenger traction law requires two-wheel drive passenger vehicles to have all weather or mud and snow rated tires with adequate tread or to affix chains or alternate traction devices (ATDs). Four/all-wheel drive vehicles must have all drive wheels engaged and tires with adequate tread depth.

Passenger vehicle chain law - The Passenger Vehicle Chain Law imposes the most restrictive requirements during inclement weather. All passenger vehicles must have chains or alternate traction devices (ATDs) on two or more drive tires. This applies to every two/four/all-wheel drive passenger vehicle in the effected area.

So, to answer your question, in Colorado if the passenger chain law is in effect, you need chains on at least two of the drive wheels.

Thanks so much for that Colorado info! I have a 4x4 Tacoma. Would it be most effective to put chains on the front or back if o only had one pair of chains? Would that differ if it was on road vs off? I have zero experience using chains.

 

[RO1459]

If you can only put the chains on one set of tires, I would recommend the front. You can typically control slips from the rear tires, but when the front go, you've got trouble. But again, make sure you have the proper clearance. If not, put heavy chains on the rear.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Thanks so much for that Colorado info! I have a 4x4 Tacoma. Would it be most effective to put chains on the front or back if o only had one pair of chains? Would that differ if it was on road vs off? I have zero experience using chains.

front in 4 wheel drive, assuming you have the clearance

 

[All American Boy]

Super Z has worked great for low clearance around wheels. Super fast to get on and pretty tough. No low crawling in the frozen mud to get them on. Worked good in snow and some off road and mud. Nothing hard core.