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Traction devices

5K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  akinney 
#1 ·
CA. sometimes requires you to carry traction devices IE: tire chains or cables. I can't find anything in the manual about them. If needed I would think they would go on the rear since the AWD is biased to the rear. Am I correct?
 
#2 ·
From the owner's manual (page 494 in the 7th edition)...

TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)

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

• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as recommended by the traction device manufacturer.

• Install on Rear Tires Only

• Due to limited clearance, the Security Chain Company (SCC) Super Z6 low profile traction device or equivalent is recommended on P265/60R18 or 265/50R20 tires.
 
#4 ·
A prior version of the manual (6th edition) specifies:
TIRE CHAINS (TRACTION DEVICES)

Use of traction devices require sufficient tire-to-body clearance. Follow these recommendations to guard against damage.
• Traction device must be of proper size for the tire, as recommended by the traction device manufacturer.
• Install on Rear Tires Only
• Due to limited clearance, Thule XG-12 Pro or equivalent is recommended on P245/70/R17, P265/60R18 or 265/50R20 tires.
The Thule XG-12 Pro have a 12mm inside sidewall and treadface clearance.

The Super Z6 specified by the later edition manual has a 6.3mm inside sidewall clearance and a 31mm treadface clearance.

Older WK2 owner manuals said "Class S" or better is fine, which is 15mm inside sidewall clearance and 37mm treadface clearance.

I ended up getting some Peerless Auto-Trac #0232105 chains (ratchet auto-tightening). They meet "Class S". They're not as tight to the tire as the Super Z6, so I'm going to test fit in my driveway to make sure there aren't any clearance issues. If there are, I'm going to see if putting Quadra-Lift (air suspension) in Off-Road 1 is enough to clear.

I'm really hoping I don't have to use Super Z6. I hate cables. They just don't give the traction that a real chain does when the stuff is thick and nasty.

I'm in Washington State and the law around here is that when chains are required in the mountain passes, AWD/4WD vehicles with snow tires aren't required to put chains on, but are required to carry them.
 
#7 ·
A prior version of the manual (6th edition) specifies:





The Thule XG-12 Pro have a 12mm inside sidewall and treadface clearance.



The Super Z6 specified by the later edition manual has a 6.3mm inside sidewall clearance and a 31mm treadface clearance.



Older WK2 owner manuals said "Class S" or better is fine, which is 15mm inside sidewall clearance and 37mm treadface clearance.



I ended up getting some Peerless Auto-Trac #0232105 chains (ratchet auto-tightening). They meet "Class S". They're not as tight to the tire as the Super Z6, so I'm going to test fit in my driveway to make sure there aren't any clearance issues. If there are, I'm going to see if putting Quadra-Lift (air suspension) in Off-Road 1 is enough to clear.



I'm really hoping I don't have to use Super Z6. I hate cables. They just don't give the traction that a real chain does when the stuff is thick and nasty.



I'm in Washington State and the law around here is that when chains are required in the mountain passes, AWD/4WD vehicles with snow tires aren't required to put chains on, but are required to carry them.

Any updates? Had a hellofa time getting up the drive to the cabin this weekend. All plowed, but still lots of ice. Was looking at the Z6 as well, but would also prefer actual chains as I need the most traction possible and don't need them for long distance or pavement driving. Just a couple hundred yards up a curvy hill.

Thanks!
 
#6 ·
Unless it has changed in the past few years, California does not require traction devices or chains on 4WD vehicles equipped with snow tires. They didn't even used to require the snowflake symbol--the Michelin M+S got me past several check stations going over Donner. Only once do I recall them even checking tread depth.
 
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