No.11

Hello there everyone. I have a question about tire chains on my 275/65/18s.

So I know that Ford says not to use tire chains on this size. I also know that tire cables provide a bit more clearance and it's fine to use those.

Now, my question is, can I use some heavier duty chains on the rear tires and run cables on the front?

Also, any particular USA brand that you've had personal experience with that has worked best? Thanks!

seventyeight

I've had to run chains for many years in the past.

First - you don't want different chains on the front and rear - need to have the same ones on all 4's.

I've been very happy with these - the design gives you lateral grip on ice - meaning if you stop on shear ice you won't slide sideways - very important where I used to live. In many places the road banked off to one side which was basically a shear cliff.

The other benefit of these with the constant contact of the chains is a much better ride than regular ladder chains. I've been able to run at around 40 mph and it was nice and smooth. These chains are nice and easy to install after you've done it a couple times. Even my wife can have all 4 on within about 6-7 minutes.

PARIAH

Why no chains on that size tire?

Stay away from cable's.

marshallr

Not enough clearance on the inside.

Cables work fine in light snow, less than 2-3" or ice. For deep snow you need chains.

My truck came with 275/65/18's and I replaced them with 265/70/18's specifically to be able to use chains. The new tires are about 1/2" taller and 1/2" narrower. I can make some chains fit on the rear but it is close. I never tried, but don't think the 275's would have had enough room. I don't think I have enough clearance on the front even with the 265's, but haven't tried that either.

This is what I'm using. The 5.5m links are designed to work where the fit is tight, yet they are rated for both snow and mud.

https://www.tirechain.com/Tire-Chains-Square-Alloy.htm

I'm debating going to a 275/70/18 tire and using wheel spacers to move the wheels out some to have enough clearance to use chains on all 4 corners. Not sure it is a good plan,but thinking about it

No.11

Apparently there isn't enough clearance for larger chains and they might scratch up alloy wheels. Also there could be some rubbing on brake lines or other components .

No.11

So those chains you got wouldn't work on my tires?

tuflehundon

Would it be an issue if you had say a 4" lift on your truck? I am running 285/55/20's on my truck. My next set will be 275/60/20 or 275/65/20.

I live in FL, so no snow here. But we do get a cabin in NC or GA every Thanksgiving and Christmas. We sometimes see some snow, and there are times we have just missed big snow storms. I'd like to have some chains just in case. Tires I am running and M&S rated, so no issues yet. But I'd still rather have them.

PARIAH

I run them on my stock 20's and have no issues with the chains contacting the wheels. No clearance issues on the rear and about an inch clearance on the front. While I have a chain for each corner, I've found that just the rears are all that's necessary in almost all cases.

No.11

What chains are you running?

chrisingrassia

This is an interesting thread. I'm on 37x12.5R22 and getting to Tahoe several times this year and need to pick up some chains just in case. I have 4x4 and 7" lift so I'm not worried about clearance whatsoever. I want best quality for most cost effectiveness.
Suggestions?