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Snow chains recommendations

79K views 32 replies 23 participants last post by  BrianinOC 
#1 · (Edited)
I cannot find any forum threads about recommended snow chains for GC. Is it because real jeepers don't use them?
I live in Washington State, and state troopers simply won't let me go over the passes in real bad weather if I don't put them on. What do people use for 4x4 GCs? I have stock Michelin's tires - 265/60R-18 Latitude Tour.

My second question is also about snow tire chains: the manual clearly says "Install on Rear Tires Only", but all chain manufacturers insist that even for AWD vehicles, chains must be installed on all four wheels. I myself think it must 4, not 2 wheels. Who is right?
 
#2 ·
I was just looking at those online. I too am in WA, so I'm considering them (just hoping my delivery comes in soon)

I liked the SCC chains, and particullarly had good result with the SCC Whitestar Alloy ones ( http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction Pages/Trac_WS.html ) during our fiasco two winters ago.

I found them online at Vulcan Tire (in Oregon, so quick shipping) for $129/pr. However, I just found them cheaper at Costco for $79/pr.

For the 265/60-18's, the model is WS1707. However, Cosco has there's branded as EA1707 ( http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11177319 ). They are apparently the same.

Chains go on all drive axels, so YES you need 2 pair on a 4x4. Some Googling will explain that.
 
#7 ·
Clearance is usually the issue with the front wheels. The chains could come in contact with the frame, etc, when turned hard right or left or there's some slack
in the chains. Never had problems with chains on the GC, but then it's been low speed operation.
Yeah, you can't really go any faster than 30mph, not that you'd want to go any faster. Plus you drive for 100-200 yards then have to stop and re-tighten the chains.
 
#8 ·
I also live in Wash state... Calif also requires you to carry chains when going over Mountain passes.

Picked up a set (rear only) of Class "S" chains at Napa (SCC Z-chain)

http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20Pages/Trac_ZChain.html


From GC OM (Page 416)

TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)​
Certain models have sufficient tire-to-body clearance to
allow use of tire traction devices in snow. Follow these
recommendations to guard against damage.​
Install on Rear Tires Only
•​
Use only 255/55R18 XL tires on both front and rear
axles

•​
Use tire inflation pressures recommended for this
vehicle

Use SAE class “S” tire chains or traction devices only
 
#9 ·
I used to live in California. I can't remember if you still needed chains in the mountains if you had 4X4 with snow tires. Here in Utah, if you have 4X4 AND SNOW TIRES, you don't need chains.
 
#20 · (Edited)
For the Utah rule, (the same as Colorado and other states), the vehicles must be 4x4 or AWD and you must have this insignia on the Tire(or Tyre for you Brits):

 
#13 ·
I live in Oregon and occasionally drive over the mountain passes as well. I have yet to need my chains but I do have a pair just in case. You can get a ticket in Oregon for not carrying chains in some areas. I was planning on putting the chains on the rear, like the manual says, but when I talked to the Jeep dealer they said to put them on all 4. That seems kind of ridiculous. I have owned 3 Jeeps and have never needed chains and now they say I need to chain the whole car! No thanks!
 
#14 ·
You are only suppose to put chains on the rear wheels of the GC's. I am not saying it would hurt anything with them on all 4, but it is definitely overkill unless you are using your GC as the town snow plow.
 
#19 ·
I have a house in Lake Tahoe and have travelled over the mountains when chain requirements are postd. If you have 4-wheel and snow tires you don't need chains. I have Michelin M/S2 tires on my jeep and have never been stopped by Caltrans chain check areas because I have 4-wheel drive.
 
#21 ·
According to the O.M.

TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)


Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body
clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard
against damage.

• Install on Rear Tires Only

• Due to limited clearance, use SAE class “S” low profile
cables or traction devices only. Security Chain Company
(SCC) Super Z6 #SZ 441 cables or equivalent are
recommended.
 
#22 ·
Rusloc, those SCC chains were what I was planning to buy, or check out Spikes Spiders chains if you have deep pockets and plan to use them more frequently.

The others who aren't taking a cross country trip through varying temps. Your best bet will likely be to get a dedicated set of Winter wheels and tires. For the washington peeps, tons of 18" JK Sahara wheels for pretty cheap.
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 18" alloy wheels

Then pick up a set of winter tires and you are set for a dedicated set of winter wheels.
Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct
4 Hankook iPike P245/60R18 Studded Snow Tires

Then you'll be set for many winters to come and don't have to worry about pulling over to put on chains or deal with driving 30 mph with them on or causing damage to your vehicle.

I ended up finding a set of 20" Pirelli Ice & Snows for $350 on clist last year and mounted them up to my OEM 20s. Including a new set of TPMS and mounting/balancing I came in right at about $500. Not bad at all for a dedicated set of winter wheel/tires.
 
#24 ·
Rusloc, those SCC chains were what I was planning to buy, or check out Spikes Spiders chains if you have deep pockets and plan to use them more frequently.

The others who aren't taking a cross country trip through varying temps. Your best bet will likely be to get a dedicated set of Winter wheels and tires. For the washington peeps, tons of 18" JK Sahara wheels for pretty cheap.
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 18" alloy wheels

Then pick up a set of winter tires and you are set for a dedicated set of winter wheels.
Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct
4 Hankook iPike P245/60R18 Studded Snow Tires

Then you'll be set for many winters to come and don't have to worry about pulling over to put on chains or deal with driving 30 mph with them on or causing damage to your vehicle.

I ended up finding a set of 20" Pirelli Ice & Snows for $350 on clist last year and mounted them up to my OEM 20s. Including a new set of TPMS and mounting/balancing I came in right at about $500. Not bad at all for a dedicated set of winter wheel/tires.
Hey Dirty, Are the Sahara wheels a direct fit including offset?

Thanks
 
#23 ·
S class chains on the rear only. The chain is smaller than heavy duty chains which is required for clearance issues. I have quick connects, never used them on my GC, once on my Liberty because of ice. I had no problem driving, just stopping. I leave them in the vehicle year round. Got mine from Les Schwab. Oregonian.:)
 
#27 ·
Considering selling the OEM 20s and tires for some aftermarket 18s for the winter. Might post up in for sale section.
 
#28 · (Edited)
Who's installed "cable" chains on 275/65/18 (DuraTrac's) tires on the GC with Q/L?
(The '13 GC Trailhawks came with 265/60/18 GY Silent Armor's)

I'm thinking about the SCC-SZ451 Super Z-6's. They seem to be the slimmest of the "cable" type. Clearance issue appears to be on the inside corner of the front section of the rear fender wells. There's just about 5/8" of clearance in normal ride mode, so I'll have to check tomorrow what it is in the first lift setting.

So, anyone out there run "cable" chains on these larger tires? (Or on the smaller 265/60/18's?)

FYI...
The National Parks in the California Sierra's require all vehicles to carry chains regardless if it's AWD/4X4. Only once (a number of years ago) was I required to chain up to leave Yosemite Valley with less than 2" of snow on the road even though I was driving my XJ with front and rear lockers and dedicated M/S tires. :( And "yes" you will be ticketed (if caught) if you attempt to drive out if they post the "Chains Required" signs.

About 95% of the people in California don't know how to drive in inclement weather let alone in the snow and really "F" things up!!! :mad:
 
#29 ·
Who's installed "cable" chains on 275/65/18 (DuraTrac's) tires on the GC with Q/L?
(The '13 GC Trailhawks came with 265/60/18 GY Silent Armour's)

I'm thinking about the SCC-SZ451 Super Z-6's. They seem to be the slimmest of the "cable" type. Clearance issue appears to be on the inside corner of the front section of the rear fender wells. There's just about 5/8" of clearance in normal ride mode, so I'll have to check tomorrow what it is in the first lift setting.

So, anyone out there run "cable" chains on these larger tires? (Or on the smaller 265/60/18's?)

FYI...
The National Parks in the California Sierra's require all vehicles to carry chains regardless if it's AWD/4X4. Only once (a number of years ago) was I required to chain up to leave Yosemite Valley with less than 2" of snow on the road even though I was driving my XJ with front and rear lockers and dedicated M/S tires. :( And "yes" you will be ticketed (if caught) if you attempt to drive out if they post the "Chains Required" signs.

About 95% of the people in California don't know how to drive in inclement weather let alone in the snow and really "F" things up!!! :mad:

I'm running pretty much the exact setup you describe above LT275/65/18 Duratracs on a 2013 GC Trailhawk with QL and have the Super Z-6 cable chains too.

I do have 1.5" spacers though so that helps with the clearance. Plus I have the Llams height adjustment kit which allows me to drive at OR1 height at speeds above 45mph.

I test fit the cables last year when I first got them like you, but also bought them for emergencies and mandatory chain requirements and so far they just take up a little space in the back every winter.

Better to have and not need than to need and not have.


2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 5.7L V8, 2015 JKUR AEV
 
#30 · (Edited)
BigCat,

Thanks for the info on the "cables". And yes, these would be used only for "mandatory chain requirements".

Any tire clearance issues along the outer fender lip (with the spacers) when flexed? Also, where did you get the Llams kit? Knew they made them for the Range Rover and Disco's but not Jeep.

Any pics of your GC and JKUR?


XJ97SPORT
 
#31 ·
Just got back from a little club snow run in the JKUR. No clearance issues on the outer lip although I do have Bushwackers.

I was in contact with Graeme, the owner of Llams while he was developing the kit. You can contact him with any questions at: kits@llams.com.au

Lots of pics if you search so of my other posts or my user album, but here's a couple quick shots of the two of them

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Transport Compact sport utility vehicle
Land vehicle Vehicle Car Jeep Tire
Vehicle Car Automotive tire Regularity rally Off-roading



2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 5.7L V8, 2015 JKUR AEV
 
#32 · (Edited)
An alternative to conventional chains:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LF7GT0/

A bit spendy, but you don't have to worry about taking out a brake line or hitting any suspension components with a chain wrapping around the inside face of the tire.

I also just found these:
http://www.flextrax.com/
Not sure if they would qualify in California, but they seem to be pretty well respected (and have been in business for quite some time).

Funny story about tire chains (at least for me):
I was in the Army (Military Police) in the early 80s posted in Seoul, South Korea. We had a snow storm and I had to go down to the motor pool to check out an M151A2 for my patrol shift. Due to the snow the tech on duty said that I had to put chains on the vehicle before they would let me leave the motor pool.
I looked at him and said, "Chains? Your going to have to show me how to put those on."
He asked, "Where are you from?"
I replied, "Wisconsin."
He then asked, "And you don't know how to put chains on?"
To which I replied, "Hell no, we know how to drive in Wisconsin!"
I got a good laugh out of him.
 
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