Wheel offset required to run chains?

[Jazz]

I know the owners manual says tire chains on rear only, and I imagine that’s because of a clearance issue up front.

For those who have higher offset wheels and run chains up front, what are your wheel specs?

 

[mrblah]

i wouldn't run chains in the front even if you had the clearance due to the abs sensor wire just dangling in the fender well. You accidentally damage that wire, and your dash will light up like a christmas tree.

 

[srpuywa]

just run studded tires

 

[BobsTrail]

i wouldn't run chains in the front even if you had the clearance due to the abs sensor wire just dangling in the fender well. You accidentally damage that wire, and your dash will light up like a christmas tree.

Good input, I was wondering about using two sets of cable chains but looks like it's a problem.

 

[LandCruiser]

If you need chains, you're better off with studded tires.

 

[billnourse]

My last job, Oil Field, required chains in inclement weather, and often we used them front and back and sometimes only in the front with 4wd to insure positive steering.

Chains are a pain. They are a pain and messy to put on and take off. Even with good tighteners they get loose and do damage to the vehicle. Your speed is very limited, and they have to come off the minute you hit a dry or solid area.

If you must run a chain of any sort, get a set of cables. They work better than chains for occasional use. If you don't HAVE to go when it is bad enough for chains, just get a cup of coffee and stay put.

Bill

 

[Jazz]

i wouldn't run chains in the front even if you had the clearance due to the abs sensor wire just dangling in the fender well. You accidentally damage that wire, and your dash will light up like a christmas tree.

Oh I didn’t even think of that - good call.

just run studded tires

If you need chains, you're better off with studded tires.

I’m not downplaying the benefit of studs, but they’re no replacement for chains - plus I can’t have studs in my work parking garage due to the epoxy floor. Snowflake all terrains and chains are the perfect combo for my weekday city life in Vancouver, and weekends out in the mountains. I’m just hoping there’s some solution that lets me chain up all four corners.

My last job, Oil Field, required chains in inclement weather, and often we used them front and back and sometimes only in the front with 4wd to insure positive steering.

Chains are a pain. They are a pain and messy to put on and take off. Even with good tighteners they get loose and do damage to the vehicle. Your speed is very limited, and they have to come off the minute you hit a dry or solid area.

If you must run a chain of any sort, get a set of cables. They work better than chains for occasional use. If you don't HAVE to go when it is bad enough for chains, just get a cup of coffee and stay put.

Bill

They can be a pain, but once you’re used to installing them, it’s not a huge deal. I’ve seen the cables, and I don’t really trust their durability. And why would I stay home when it’s bad enough to require chains? That’s the best time to head into the mountains! lol

 

[Double Dubya]

I agree with you Jazz. You would be surprised the places you can go with all 4 chained up on a 4X4. Chains are inconvenient but they work.

I was passing through Dallas on the interstate in the '70s after they had a 6" snow. I started hearing a humming noise and wondered what was wrong with my truck. I kept getting louder until a Cadillac passed me with brand new chains on all 4 wheels. He must have been doing 60. I guess he got where he was going.

 

[SparkerCO]

Studded snow tires do nothing when they are only grabbing loose snow. I'm a firm believer of the benefit, and fun, of chains on all 4.i have used cables also in the past with success and never had a failure. Nothing better than getting 4 chained tires tight and secure and having fun.

 

[LandCruiser]

I agree with you Jazz. You would be surprised the places you can go with all 4 chained up on a 4X4. Chains are inconvenient but they work.

I was passing through Dallas on the interstate in the '70s after they had a 6" snow. I started hearing a humming noise and wondered what was wrong with my truck. I kept getting louder until a Cadillac passed me with brand new chains on all 4 wheels. He must have been doing 60. I guess he got where he was going.

Snowflake tires will get you around just fine in 6" of snow.

 

[MossJenks]

Snowflake tires will get you around just fine in 6" of snow.

It was the 70s. He was probably driving a RWD Chevy coupe on regular tires. It was the Caddy running chains at 60MPH. Besides, 6" of snow might be nothing here in Colorado - but Dallas?!?! I think they made a movie about that called Snowpacalypse Now!

 

[Pathfinder!]

I agree with you Jazz. You would be surprised the places you can go with all 4 chained up on a 4X4. Chains are inconvenient but they work.

I was passing through Dallas on the interstate in the '70s after they had a 6" snow. I started hearing a humming noise and wondered what was wrong with my truck. I kept getting louder until a Cadillac passed me with brand new chains on all 4 wheels. He must have been doing 60. I guess he got where he was going.

More likely one blew off and shredded the side of his car.

 

[Jazz]

And for those questioning the need for chains, here’s pics from today, and what a weekend can look like for us:

The pup:

And where we were - 15km past the last mapped road:

Granted, I didn’t need chains today, but that’s not always the case.

 

[Jeremy556]

Granted, I didn’t need chains today, but that’s not always the case.

Low pressure>chains

 

[Jazz]

So nobody who runs chains on the front? Lol