I need to invest in chains or cables for snowboarding trips. Any suggestions. I have a rubicon unlimited with stock wheels and tires.

 

Cables will provide better clearance for brake lines and anti lock wires. But nothing works like a good set of chains. I have not read what Jeep recommends, you might look into what Jeep has to say.

 

Thanks for the reply

 

The manual says "chains on the rear only but not on Rubicon or Sahara". It also recommends SAE class S chains and that 225/75R16 was the maximum size to clear said chains.
Of course this is for stock situations. I would test fit what ever you buy before you use them so you can still return them if they don’t clear.

 

I recall signing a document at the time of my purchase that stated I would NOT put "chains" on my Jeep . . . would void any sort of warranty . . . maybe it was just my dealership; but to be on the safe side, I would go with cables (plus, they last longer and have better clearance).

 

Can they legally do that? It's a factory warranty; your dealer has nothing to do with its actual terms (which is not saying they don't have a ton to do with interpreting those terms and actually performing work under them!). Here's what the '07 owner's manual has to say about chains:

TIRE CHAINS

Install chains on rear tires only. Tire chains may be
installed on all models except the Sahara and Rubicon.
Follow these recommendations to guard against damage
and excessive tire and chain wear:

• Use chains on P225/75R16 tires only. P245/75R16,
P255/75R17, P255/70R18, and LT255/75R17 tires do
not provide adequate clearance.

• Use SAE class “S” tire chains or traction devices only.

• Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle, as
recommended by the chain manufacturer.

• Follow tire chain manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting chains.

As has been pointed out, with a modified Jeep the above info may no longer be correct.

 

search "chains" and you will find several good threads on this very topic.

 

I think I signed a waiver that said no chains on the front, per the manual. I'm too lazy to look, but would probably go with cables if I bought a set.

Brian

 

I struggled with this issue last year and ended up buying cables (2 sets) because of the clearance issues. I installed them and they looked like there should not be any problem. Last weekend I went on a ski trip and it snowed at least 18 to 24 inches. I am so impressed with the handling of my Jeep (07 Sahara 4dr with stock 18's). I never installed the cables. No need to. This thing handles the snow so well I may never drive my F250 again. The traction control and stability is awesome. At one point I tried to spin out around a corner and the vehicle straightens up by itself before you can react. Plowed through 12 inches of snow all day long with no problems. The only thing that stopped we was my steep driveway that caused the front end to plow. Just backed out and parked in my neighbor's driveway. I am a believer. I do carry the cables with me to comply with CHP, but they are still new in the box and probably will stay there. Now I suspect ICE will be a different matter all together.

 

That's probably due to your tires more than anything else. My JK was excellent in snow with the stock Sahara tires, and is slightly less great now that I have 35"s and a lift, but still extremely capable.