Snow tire chains - Anyone used or purchased?

[petemill]

Anyone used or purchased snow tire chains, especially for the Lariat wheels?

Heading up to the mountain next week and carrying them is required. The snow rating on these tires are so low that I might have to just put them on too.

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[Bigisland Guy]

Bought a pair of Z cables and they were easier to install rather than standard chains used them on black ice around Lake Arrowhead area they work and the truck does well, just mind your charge levels in freezing temps.

 

[JPro]

I have a set in my frunk for the Lariat wheels but then read in the owners manual chains are not recommended for the 20” wheels… I installed Blizzaks since I do a fair amount of skiing and have not needed to use the chains and I hope it stays that way.

 

[RickLightning]

I have a set in my frunk for the Lariat wheels but then read in the owners manual chains are not recommended for the 20” wheels… I installed Blizzaks since I do a fair amount of skiing and have not needed to use the chains and I hope it stays that way.

What is this "manual" you speak of?

 

[Grumpy2]

Page 463 states of the 2023 manual: "only use chains on the rear wheels", and "Only use snow chains on 275/65R18 tire size. Only install chains that are 15mm or less (SAE Class S chains)".

 

[Jreed]

The manual is confusing on the tire chain requirements; is Ford stating that you can’t put chains on the 275/60R20 tires that come standard on the Lariat ER? If you plan on driving in the snow and chains are required do you need to replace the 20” tires with 275/65R18? Or do I purchase 275/65R18 chains that can fit the 20” standard tires? Sounds like a question for the dealer.

 

[RickLightning]

The manual is confusing on the tire chain requirements; is Ford stating that you can’t put chains on the 275/60R20 tires that come standard on the Lariat ER? If you plan on driving in the snow and chains are required do you need to replace the 20” tires with 275/65R18? Or do I purchase 275/65R18 chains that can fit the 20” standard tires? Sounds like a question for the dealer.

Yes, it clearly says "only use snow chains on 275/65R18 tire size. Only install chains that are 15mm or less (SAE Class S chains)".

That couldn't be clearer. So to answer your questions:

No, you cannot put chains on 275/60R20.
No, you cannot buy the chains for the 275/65R18 and put them on the 20" tires.

So, if you cannot get by with 4x4, and you must use chains, either change the tire size or don't drive that day.

 

[petemill]

Bought a pair of Z cables and they were easier to install rather than standard chains used them on black ice around Lake Arrowhead area they work and the truck does well, just mind your charge levels in freezing temps.

Thanks, just picked these up. They seem the best value and are still class S, low clearance compatible.

Have to ignore the manual's statement not to put snow chains on the R20 wheels. After a 6 hour drive to get to the mountain, if they happen to have a chain restriction that enforces even 4x4 need snow chains, I'm clearly not going to turn around or pop in to a local shop and buy 4 new wheels!

Anyway, the manual states "chains" and these are "cables".

 

[bg226]

Thanks, just picked these up. They seem the best value and are still class S, low clearance compatible.

Have to ignore the manual's statement not to put snow chains on the R20 wheels. After a 6 hour drive to get to the mountain, if they happen to have a chain restriction that enforces even 4x4 need snow chains, I'm clearly not going to turn around or pop in to a local shop and buy 4 new wheels!

Anyway, the manual states "chains" and these are "cables".

Any update on this? Did you have to use the "cables"?

 

[petemill]

Any update on this? Did you have to use the "cables"?

Yep - worked perfectly. No apparent damage to wheels.

 

[metroshot]

Yes, it clearly says "only use snow chains on 275/65R18 tire size. Only install chains that are 15mm or less (SAE Class S chains)".

That couldn't be clearer. So to answer your questions:

No, you cannot put chains on 275/60R20.
No, you cannot buy the chains for the 275/65R18 and put them on the 20" tires.

So, if you cannot get buy with 4x4, and you must use chains, either change the tire size or don't drive that day.

Or change out tires to studded.

 

[ExCivilian]

Or change out tires to studded.

Studded or not, CA requires chains in chain controlled areas. Even if you don't need to put them on they have to be somewhere in the vehicle to pass through the chain control area.

 

[F-Truck]

Page 463 states of the 2023 manual: "only use chains on the rear wheels", and "Only use snow chains on 275/65R18 tire size. Only install chains that are 15mm or less (SAE Class S chains)".

In my opinion, unless you are worried about clearance when turning, i would recommend chains on the front rather than the back. Better stopping, better climbing and better turning. It is better all around.

 

[Sneakypetie78]

In my opinion, unless you are worried about clearance when turning, i would recommend chains on the front rather than the back. Better stopping, better climbing and better turning. It is better all around.

Clearance will 100% be an issue on the front of a lariat. Mine is CLOSE to the bumper..

 

[MaintGrl]

Hum, I thought I read somewhere that chains were a No No, but if needed, Cables could be used, Not sure of the front/back issue

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