Tire cable/chains on rear only for 4x4 too?

[star-art]

This was one of the questions I asked when I got my first 4X4. I was told chains are for rear wheels only and the Ford owner's manual says as much. This is from 2009 which was my first Expedition:

Snow tires must be the same size, load index, [and] speed rating as those originally provided by Ford ... If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip aluminum wheels.

• Use only cable type chains or chains offered by Ford as an accessory or equivalent. Other conventional link type chains may contact and cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house and/or body.
• Do not install chains on the front wheels. Chains on the front wheels may interfere with suspension components.
• Chains are not recommended for use on the P275/55R20 tire

We don't get a lot of snow here BUT we live up a *very* steep hill (a nearly 200-foot climb through a switchback from the road to our house). When we get snow, chains are sometimes needed just to safely get up and down our hill. I have yet to use them out on the main highway because once we get off the mountain it's much more flat compared to driving in the foothills.

 

[Joey Smith]

Thx for the info from everyone.

Has anyone used the stock 20” tires on the 2019 XLT Max (4X4): Hankook Dynapro ATM in Tahoe during the winter.

I only have 3800 miles on the car and am hoping the tires will be good enough to use (hopefully without chains) on an upcoming Tahoe ski trip.

Would like to avoid spending the $$ on snow tires...I was looking at the Michelin Latitude X-Ice as they seem as they may be ok in warmer climates (SF)...but they are pricey and would seem like overkill for a few trips to Tahoe each year...


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[star-art]

If you just need something for occasional use, the "tire sock" might be a good option. They may tear up after only one use, but you can keep one or two sets in the truck in case you need them. We have these for our 2018 Platinum with 22-inch wheels since I'm not aware you can get any snow tires in that size. We have no plans to drive it in the snow, but have them in case of emergency.

 

[GregATX]

Joey - did you ever get a chance to test these out on the road? I'm considering buying them or the autosock.

I ended up buying a set of these:
“Security Chain Company ZT751 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2”

Tried fitting them on in my garage on the rear tires only as noted in the manual.
Hoping there are no issues if I do end up needing them.

Took a picture of the back side of the tire.
Anyone think there could be an issue with using these? Just wondering if anything on the back side could snag with the tire cables...




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[Janky]

It does appear the rear is the way to go but I didn't see anyone talking about the mode? Should it be left in 2H to not overwork the center differential? Can the mode even be set to snow in 2H?

I'm planning a trip to Mt Hood, OR and the highway says chains required . I have never needed them with a 4x4 on the highway before, but I have been stopped and asked if I had them (when I had an Exploder and fortunately I had a pair)

regardless, after the snow dump we got here in the PNW, the chains will be peace of mind. I've been playing bus driver for my wife's coworkers the last two days, and haven't had a problem, but I know the roads and avoid the hills. I'm really learning the limits of these factory Hankooks... feels like I'm riding on banana peels.

Off to the auto parts store. On-line, none of them listed support for the 285/45R22 at O'Reilly. If they don't have anything, I'll have to check the tire stores tomorrow I guess.

 

[Janky]

O'Reilly had a pair of the Laclede's., but they didn't have a large tension cord. Seems like the Super Z's are a nicer product, but I need something ASAP to be legal to head to Mt Hood. I'll report back if I end up using them. Still curious what peoples thoughts are on 2H vs 4A when using cable chains on the rear. I will use 2H unless things get really messy.

 

[Calidad]

I ended up buying a set of these:
“Security Chain Company ZT751 Super Z LT Light Truck and SUV Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2”

Tried fitting them on in my garage on the rear tires only as noted in the manual.
Hoping there are no issues if I do end up needing them.

Took a picture of the back side of the tire.
Anyone think there could be an issue with using these? Just wondering if anything on the back side could snag with the tire cables...




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I used the same set on my Sequoia to be safe add a chain strap to each one you know the heavy black rubber straps with metal hooks. That will keep them extra tight.
All my Tahoe trips even the most insane trip I only ever used chains once to climb up an iced over driveway to the main road, then took them off before driving home. The worst trip 80 was closed and I drove out with snow coming up over my hood in my subaru for about 15 miles on 80 with nobody else around. Got to plowed highway and a CHP sitting across the highway. I stopped and offered him hot coffee and cookies all he could say was where did you come from. My co workers were stuck in Tahoe for three more days.

 

[Expedition Dave]

Another example of the gentrification of trucks for aerodynamics and blah-blah-blah. First heard of "REAR ONLY" on the Land Cruiser forums (yes them too).

Problem is, all of your real braking and turning occurs in the front. Problem is, when some of these pot-metal Chi-com products self destruct, you might as well have thrown a frag grenade into the wheel well.

Q: On the places that "require chains" do they give you a pass on snow tires, or you still need studded tires too?

 

[Calidad]

O'Reilly had a pair of the Laclede's., but they didn't have a large tension cord. Seems like the Super Z's are a nicer product, but I need something ASAP to be legal to head to Mt Hood. I'll report back if I end up using them. Still curious what peoples thoughts are on 2H vs 4A when using cable chains on the rear. I will use 2H unless things get really messy.

I only used chains on my Sequoia once rears only. Turning wasn’t an issue especially given your only doing 25mph max with cables / chains on.
The no cables on the front of any vehicle today is mainly due to clearance around brake lines and suspension bits when you turn the wheels. If stopping or turning is difficult chains especially cables only offer marginally better results. More than anything I think they help with directional control especially on uneven roads, ie less chance of sliding off the side of a road due to the road being sloped to the side etc.

 

[Janky]

Q: On the places that "require chains" do they give you a pass on snow tires, or you still need studded tires too?

I just checked and today it seems they are allowing traction tires on vehicles less than 10K GVW. My wife said it showed required on all vehicles, but that was yesterday morning. Good to have em, I guess.

 

[star-art]

I just checked and today it seems they are allowing traction tires on vehicles less than 10K GVW. My wife said it showed required on all vehicles, but that was yesterday morning. Good to have em, I guess.

Janky you need to run in 4WD (4A, etc.) in the snow or you will lose a lot of traction. I'm also in the PNW and we live up a very steep hill (40 deg or so incline with a switchback). I put my chains on the rear wheels and run in 4A and have no trouble getting up and down the hill. With that said, however, I also take it really slow and lock the truck in first gear on the way down. Just to be safe, I also keep the right wheels slightly off the road in the gravel to get some extra grip. A few years back one of our neighbors slid down the hill right past the first turn and went over the embankment!

EDIT: I forgot to note we have both a '17 and an '18. I put chains on my '17 EL since I run 17-inch wheels and Winter tires on it. Our '18 has 22's so we don't drive it in the snow at all. If I had to in emergency, I'd run in 4A, Grass/Gravel/Snow mode, and if conditions were really bad I'd use a tire sock.

 

[vincentrose]

Generally, usually, when chains are required, 4X4 vehicles are usually exempt, but you'll have to check the individual state laws to be sure.

 

[Joey Smith]

Joey - did you ever get a chance to test these out on the road? I'm considering buying them or the autosock.

I have not needed to use the chains so far so no feedback yet.


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[Plati]

So ... a bit off topic but I wanted to see if I bought a BRONCO , would that solve the "no chain" issue. So I looked in the Owners Manual and it was a little confusing but it seems like the BRONCO will only allow chains on the front 2 wheels. Plus they seem to have tire size restrictions as in "if you have this tire size - no chains at all" and "if you have this size you can put these chains/cables on the front". Kinda dumb marketing choice IMHO.

 

[Calidad]

So ... a bit off topic but I wanted to see if I bought a BRONCO , would that solve the "no chain" issue. So I looked in the Owners Manual and it was a little confusing but it seems like the BRONCO will only allow chains on the front 2 wheels. Plus they seem to have tire size restrictions as in "if you have this tire size - no chains at all" and "if you have this size you can put these chains/cables on the front". Kinda dumb marketing choice IMHO.

Bronco sport correct? Its a different animal than the Bronco. The Sport is like many of the other cross overs its a front wheel drive biased system so chains on front and yes many vehicles have tire size notes given larger tire can limit space for cables/chains. The Sport is such a cool rig its going to eat into Subaru’s bread and butter Outback sales

 

[Janky]

I never did need the Laclede's, so I took them back to O'Reilly. I ordered the SCC Super Z-6 - SV117 from Vulcan Tire and they showed up just a few days later! Really nice product! Put them on just to make sure they fit. It's tight in places, but I'm hoping these are just piece of mind which I will never actually use.

 

[Calidad]

The z cables are for sure about the best for tight clearance vehicles I haven’t bought them yet for my 22’s but that’s basically the only option other than the crazy traction socks etc.

 

[Phil2D2]

Reason most chains cannot be mounted on front is the upper ball joint and break lines. If you can get some they will be called class s chains.

Autosocks are junk if you need real traction device. Maybe acceptable if you're only looking to check the box in case of being pulled over.

Typically chains are not recommend for tires with an aspect ratio less than 50 ( I think). Mfgs and distributers do not want to deal with the damage claims for damaged wheels (especially considering that many times these are $$$)

Source...guy works in engineering dept of chain mfg for 18+ yrs