JK-Forum.com - The top destination for Jeep JK and JL Wrangler news, rumors, and discussion

- SoCal (https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/socal-45/)

- - Tire chain usage (https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/socal-45/tire-chain-usage-64875/)

Tire chain usage

Hey im going up to big bear on monday and apparently its going to be really snowy... I have only pair of chains, and I remember reading somewhere that you can put one chain on the front right tire and one on the back left tire if you have 4x4. Im wondering if this is safe or not.

I would probable just put both of them on in the front:thinking: I would think this would help you steer, but I could be wrong. I have been driving jeeps in the snow for years and have never had to put chains on. I have heard of the CHP making 4x4s put chains on but I have never had to. have fun!!!

if you have only one pair, you should put them on your front wheels on the way up and on the back wheels on the way down.

yea im prob just gonna keep them with me and put them on if the CHP makes me.. thanx for help...and toad im still waiting for our first run together lol

I would keep them on the front if you are in 4hi. If your in 2hi then keep em on the back.

What kind of chains do you have? I remember reading in the owners manual that chain should not be used.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pezeveng319 (Post 839252)

Hope this helps you out. It is straight from the source. Note that I referenced page 313 of the owners manual.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008 Jeep Wrangler Owners Manual

STARTING AND OPERATING pg313/5

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:
² Use chains on P225/75R16 tires only. P245/75R16,
P255/75R17, P255/70R18, and LT255/75R17 tires do
not provide adequate clearance.
² Use SAE class “S” tire chains or traction devices only.
² Chains must be the proper size for the vehicle, as
recommended by the chain manufacturer.
² Follow tire chain manufacturer’s instructions for
mounting chains.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gryph0n (Post 842614)

Hope this helps you out. It is straight from the source. Note that I referenced page 313 of the owners manual.

I think they are trying to avoid body damage. If you are required to use chains, then you don't have a choice! Regardless of model, all the JK's are capable, but law is what will rule here.

Sounds like a good reason for a lift to me.

" No dear, we can't go to the snow because chains are required and I don't have enough clearance. On the other hand, if I lift the jeep 3-4" we should be ok."

I'm sorry. I just dont get this So Cal snow chain thing. I grew up on Long Island NY and went to college for 5 years in upstate NY Oswego. We would get 7ft lake effect snow storms and I would drive around in my Buick LeSabre. I moved out here 3 years ago and each winter I try to go snowboarding and I get hassled for not having chains. Now I could see if I was driving a car then chains could be required but I just got pulled over in Mammouth on Saturday for not having chains. I explained to him how much ground clearance I had with my JK and the all terrain tires were on but he still was not happy. Finally he let me go when I showed him my old NY drivers license. I guess he felt that was enough proof that I knew how to drive in the snow.:crazyeyes: The only time I have ever driven with chains on a truck was when I used to do snow plowing with my father. What's the deal So Cal??