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Tire chains

36K views 42 replies 27 participants last post by  MeachamBearcat  
#1 ·
Will someone please educate me.
Can't find a thing in the joke manual about chains,....any clues?
Are they even allowed?
Looks like the rubi rock rails will need to be trimmed in the rear?
 
#4 ·
Ambiguous question you posted there.
Are you meaning for off road only? Are you meaning for ice and snow. If you are meaning off road only you can install chains all you want and you should not have any problems as far as the vehicle is concerned. Not a pleasant ride though, especially if you are going to be on hard packed gravel/dirt. To each his own. Snug, well fitting chains should not contact your rails if you have stock diameter tires, just go slow and check for clearance at first. ( I would recommend good off road tires instead, but that's just me).
 
#5 ·
Download version of Owner's Manual p. 510:
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)
Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body
clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard
against damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as
recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
• Install on Rear Tires Only.
• P225/75R16 or a P235/65R17 tire with the use of a
traction device that meets the SAE type “Class S”
specification is recommended.
WARNING!
Using tires of different size and type (M+S, Snow)
between front and rear axles can cause unpredictable
handling. You could lose control and have a collision.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires, observe the
following precautions:
• Because of restricted traction device clearance between
tires and other suspension components, it is
important that only traction devices in good condition
are used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate device breakage. Remove
the damaged parts of the device before further use.
• Install device as tightly as possible and then retighten
after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and large
bumps, especially with a loaded vehicle.
• Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry pavement.
• Observe the traction device manufacturer’s instructions
on the method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device manufacturer’s
if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Do not use traction devices on a compact spare tire.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the heads up.
Good off road tires are a given but there are times nothing works like a good set of chains.
If I have to swaps wheels to get clearance I need to get that project to the top of the list.

From about Oct to Mar it's either clay gumbo or deep snow around here and I'm gonna do my best to see it never even has to suffer through PASSING a mall. ;)
 
#7 ·
1.5 inch wheel spacers will generally let the chains clear on larger tires. But you will want to test fit the chains before you need them.

Mike
 
#8 ·
I went to 16" wheels on my JKUX , I bought 4" back space, now I have lots of room around all the brake equipment and Brake Lock Differential devises for chains...
I have not tried a set of chains on, but there is a mile a room .
Chains are kinda spendy $$$$$$$ ... But well worth the $$$$$ if you need em. "BH"
 
#9 ·
Well there are times when I NEED to get somewhere and I'd much rather put on chains that fire up the Cat.
Around here some winters even the 4x4 Kubota gets chained just to plow the driveway.
Some days the cops don't even let 4x4's up n down Cabbage Hill without.

So no chains is a deal breaker for me.
 
#10 ·
I had some old V bar chains that fit my semi that I modified to fit my OEM tires, they fit ok except for at full lock, I never had occasion to use them and ended up selling them when I put bigger tires on but they will fit just don't turn too tight, I would think a set of cable "chains" would clear but I personally hate them as I don't think they give much additional traction and they're a PITA to install.
 
#11 ·
real chains won't clear the control arms in the rear without spacers on stock Rubi. If you need chains, grab some spacers and run them for the winter. That's what I had to do to clear in the rear, the front was no prob, but may have rubbed at steering lock with no spacers. I assume from where you live you know how to install the chains tight with no excess chain flopping around.

I'm jealous of your location, incredible county out that way. I drive that way a lot all times of year, and Winter is no BS in that pass.
 
#12 ·
Guess I better shop wheels soon then as the spacers don't impress me much. Never use 2 parts when one is better in my book.

Ya I've seen a few chains since I was often "allowed" to install them even before I could legally drive. Dual chains on the old "48" Chev 2 ton really sucked. lol

The one up side to Cabbage is I rarely buy chains, those the truckers lose
have been my source for years. But they are also the reason even the wife's F150 runs 10 plys, they don't stop em all but it helps.
 
#13 ·
I've used them on the rear with zero problems while using both 255/75/17 tires two years ago and again this past winter while running 265/70/17's. I put them on the front just to see if there was enough clearance and for the photo. I never actually drove with them on the front, but think they would work except at full stearing lock.

 
#14 ·
Excellent
Thanks for the info
I've got a brand new set a trucker laid over his tires while the state cop was looking, then drove off without buckling them, I'll cut down and try them on in the shop. Nothing worse than finding they don't fit well in the mud n snow.
 
#15 ·
Alpine Sport chains are small links which are perfect for on road use. We used them off road here in CO, held up great in the snow considering it was close to 3 1/2 feet or better however when crawling up a rock I prefer something a little heavier duty especially in the front end. They didn't like the spinning and turning of the wheels.
 

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#16 ·
Those look like they would get me past the cop but not so much the gumbo come elk season.
Guess I've done dumber things than 3 sets for 1 rig.
 
#18 ·
Think I've settled on new wheels with a bit more back space since I want black and I'm not a fan of spacers, no particular reason, just not.
Now I just need to pick some out, looking for something less than the magic 4.5" since I won't be lifting.
I decided the rear sway bar is closer than I like, as I will be cutting down a set of truck chains I picked up out of the chain area.
Elk season is gumbo season here often as not and I don't see s chains cutting it.
 
#19 ·
I made the decision on chains on my JKUR, there is just a time when chains are the only option both during elk season and living on a rotten steep road. I carry chains from late October to end of April on both my vehicles. I try not to have to use chains when ever possible but it needs to be an option when ice is ice. I am also not a fan of the small cables or mini chains, buy the best you can afford just once.
My recommendation is borrow a chain tool, jack up and custom fit a set as they come for multiple tire size fits. I prefer the tightening levers styles then bungee the heck out of them, drive slow and avoid sharp wheel locking. It is a tight fit with the Rubicon but proper fit and slow speed it can be done vs. tissue damage going off the road.
 
#22 ·
There are S and U class chains for limited clearance. If needing chains for highway/snow legal requirements, I'd see what is available. For low speed, maybe trimming the rubi rock rails would be needed with more aggressive chains, but Jeep has pretty much maxed out what will fit our wheelwells with the stock 32" tires.
 
#24 ·
I talked with the chain manufacturer prior to ordering my set for my stock Rubi wheels/tires. Main use will be when they shut down the Interstates in CO, WY and Utah and only vehicles with chains are allowed to proceed and I need to get to Park City or back to Dallas.

So far, I haven't had the occasion to need them (kinda like a winch), but it sure is nice to know they are there just in case.
 
#30 ·
The Alpine Super Sport shows that it is compatible with P255/75R17 tires. But the stock tires on my 2015 Rubicon are LT255/75R17. Do you think those will work?
The following is an edited chat session with the mfg. rep:

Topic: Hi, I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with LT255/75R17 tires. Your site shows a P255/75R17 Alpine Super Sport chain. Will this chain fit my LT tire? Also, the Rubicon has very limited clearance on the inside of the tire. Have you had any feedback on this issue from customers?

Representative: Regarding the tight clearance, you'd need to check your owner's manual on that one. There's typically a section in there about tire chains and recommendations.

Tom: That's the issue. The manual does not address my tire size. I was wondering if you had any knowledge of that. Also, what is your return policy?

Representative: As for the chain fit, as far as I can tell it should fit, but it doesn't seem as though we've done a sizing session with an LT version of that tire, so it would be very important to try it on your tire before you needed it. (Emphasis added by me)

Representative: I don't have any knowledge I can really share, I'm sorry Tom. Without actually seeing the wheel well, and observing the chain on the tire I can't really say.

Representative: You would need to speak with a retailer regarding their return policies, we don't sell direct unfortunately.
-----------------------
So, be sure of the return policy and definitely try them on before using.
I have a pair of RUD chains for my previous ride, a Toyota 4Runner that show 255/75R17. I'm going to try them out.
 
#31 ·
Jeep rubicon with cooper at3 285/70r17 tires, 1.25" wheel spacers, and 0.75" daystar from spacer lift. These are peerless autotrac chains #0232805 and there is plenty of clearance. I have the peerless autotrac chains on my jeep grand Cherokee with a lift, wheel spacers, and stock jeep rubicon wheels and tires and the #0232605 fit fine.

Pics of the chains on the rubicon.
 

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#33 ·
After further investigation I've decided what I really want is some of those mythical hub-centric wheels with enough offset to allow for real chains.

S class chains don't cut it in the mud or really deep snow and all it cost me to cut down truck chains is a trip by the several chain up areas between here and town. I've got 4 brand new ones waiting for the JK some trucker laid over the drivers until the state cop left, then drove off without ever doing a single buckle. I haven't had to buy chains in 40 yrs. ;)
 
#35 ·
Im a little late to your message Jim, but I'm heading out to Colorado in March to Grand Lake. I have a 2015 willys unlimited and I'm picking up the (Peerless 0232605) chains. Ive seen many pictures of people running them on stock rubicon wheels which we have. I don't think I'm going to go all four wheels though. Im sure it won't hurt, but I'm just going to stick a pair on the front. I feel thats probably enough to dig when i stop and steer, and go. Let me know if you already dry fit them, mine will be here in a weeks time :)