Tire Chain Discussion

[hoaxci5]

I know in the manual it says something about only using chains with smaller than stock size tires.

I might need to have a set with me to get to Big Bear Lake for Christmas though, and making things better/worst it's lifted with oversized tires. I'm wondering if since I have wheel spacers if chains could possibly be used? Anyone have any idea/experience?

The reason for the question is California Highway Patrol website

I have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Do I have to carry / use chains? What do the "R" ratings which are associated with chain requirements mean?
"R" ratings on snowy roads indicate chain requirements for various conditions. Some vehicles may not be required to use chains under all conditions, but all vehicles must carry chains. Most vehicles come equipped with snow tires. Look for M+S (mud and snow), All Season, or All Terrain, on the side of the tire.

R-1 chains required except for vehicles with snow tires (chains required for any vehicle pulling a trailer)

R-2 chains required except for 4-wheel drive with snow tires

R-3 chains required for all vehicles

[Sal-XK]

Sounds like except under there most extreme rating you won't even need to put chains on. The chains as long as there is enough clearance in front and in back for them to fit the tire they should be good. I think the chains cup at the top of the tire when your moving. So the chain actually looses all it's slack at the top of the tire and that's where the most clearance is needed they'll actually raise off the tire some from the spinning force. As far as running smaller tires for chains that makes no sense to me unless there worried about the speedo being off but they don't recommend a lift and bigger tires either

[hoaxci5]

I think the smaller tire recommendation is based on clearance issues. I'm wondering if the lift and wheel spacers make up for what would have been a clearance issue. I don't have any to test fit, and don't have much experience with tire chains in general so I'm not really sure..

[Matt]

The chains add quite a bit to the diameter and width, so if your tires are "close" to rubbing, you'll have a bit of an issue and chains will do much much much more damage to whatever it rubs against than a tire would.

With that said... just throw the chains in your XK so you comply with the "must have" requirement. If its bad enough where the XK needs chains, then throw them on the back tires; seriously, if its that bad of conditions you'll be going so slow and the ground will be so slick that it won't make a difference.

[Sal-XK]

The few tire chains I've seen and I mean just a couple I can't see them causing a clearance issue. Now the ones my buddy has for his tractor trailer might cause a issue with clearance LOL

[Matt]

I have some friends in Colorado... the chains they had for their Rover were pretty serious...

Though im not sure if they sell chains in difference "levels" of aggressiveness?

[superacerc]

I was going to say that they put chains on tractor trailers so its not the largeness that is the issue. If youre worried about clearance check out the z chains (which aren't chains at all but actually cables). They are really low profile compared to old style chains and work great. I've got a pair for the vw. Z chain I think is the brand name. Supposed to be easier on the drive train i think.

[Sal-XK]

I have some friends in Colorado... the chains they had for their Rover were pretty serious...

Though im not sure if they sell chains in difference "levels" of aggressiveness?

You can get cable chains if your worried about it for low clearance issues http://www.tirechain.com/CAR_CABLE_M...NTRUCTIONS.HTM

[Matt]

Those cable chains sound like the way to go!

[hoaxci5]

Now I have to find out if they meet the CA standards for a traction aid.