Traction Devices / Snow Tires

[Rocket Man]

I minus-sized my 26's down to 17's for the winter lol. Due to the fact a giant pothole destroyed one of my 26's, which I got the state to pay for. I hate minus-sizing! Talk about a looks compromise, I got that for sure. The 17's are nice enough black ones that came on my rig when I bought it, and they will be getting actual snow tires when they wear out. Can't wait for winter to be over though. Here's my before /after.

 

[Redneckognize]

Hey guys. Quick tire chain on a 4WD question.

I have never used them. I have a 2011 Yukon xl 4wd with 20" rims and with new all-season tires. I have driven this vehicle in town in snow before and it crawled along fine. But we're going to the mountains skiing this weekend and it is supposed to snow and will be cold (16 degrees) there. I want to be ready in case I get into a brief, bad spot. I don't want new snow tires and rims, so I bought peerless super Z cable "chains".

My owners manual says not to use chains, but if I do, to go by the chain manufacturer's recommendations. The other thing is that the manual says to put the chains on the rear wheels only. Why wouldn't I be ok putting them on the front of my 4WD? I think there is more clearance on the front than the rear.

Discuss...

 

[Rocket Man]

I just read my owners manual and it says don't use chains because there's not enough clearance which is BS because , especially before I lowered it, there's plenty of clearance. It also says that if I find any that fit, to install them on the rear tires but doesn't say why. Myself, I'd probably put them on the front. My manual also says to never install a used wheel, only brand new Original Equipment wheels from a dealer so there's that too. Lol. Wonder how they feel about my 26's.

 

[Redneckognize]

So, no downside to chains front and rear on 4wd?

 

[Rocket Man]

I dont see how they would be a problem as long as they don't hit anything. Maybe someone else that has run them will chime in though.

 

[mals]

I dont see how they would be a problem as long as they don't hit anything. Maybe someone else that has run them will chime in though.

I always thought the reason for not using chains on all four wheels of a 4x4 was the same reason you shouldn't use 4wd on dry pavement, potentially too much traction and not enough wheel slip.

 

[Redneckognize]

Thx

 

[thegooch49]

Ok, snow tires are on! I went from CK375 22" to 17" snow rims with Michelin Xi2's. It looks fine, but I'll be happy come spring when I can put the 22's back on.

 

[ISU-152]

I've fixed everyone's problems

 

[Rocket Man]

I've fixed everyone's problems

View attachment 72428

I was looking at those conversions after seeing one on Bering Sea Gold. Expensive as hell but that would be ******* awesome!

 

[Tahoechick89]

I've fixed everyone's problems

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@ISU-152

 

[adventurenali92]

@Redneckognize , just out of curiosity where did you go to the mountains to go skiing?

 

[Redneckognize]

Wintergreen. Snowed about 14" back at home, so we went to Wintergreen thinking it wasn't going to snow in the mountains. It quickly snowed 6" the night we went up there. If you read one of my other posts, I showed pics of MULTIPLE transmission coolers I installed. I was worried the transmission wouldn't run warm enough (it was -1 to 8 F the whole weekend) so I cut some foam pipe insulation sleeves to stuff in the grill gaps and limit air flow (they actually match the grill, HA!) but didn't need them. Wasn't towing, but trans temp was about 115 F all the way there and finally made it to 150 F at the top of the mountain.

 

[Redneckognize]

These are SCC Superr Z Cable Chains. Per manufacturer's charts, they fit. I put them on and there IS clearance. The tightest spot is just on the inside of each wheel in one little area. I forgot the name of the suspension part, but it's a little bar that runs parallel to the long axis of the vehicle. The clearance is cut in half.

I can assure you they are fairly EASY to put on, but only after you practice doing it 2-3 times. The first time you do it, you want to curse/cry. You can put them all on without moving/rolling.

 

[Redneckognize]

2011 yukon. Tighest spot is at rear wheels

 

[longhornhawk]

I'm headed to Angel Fire, NM (from TX) for spring break with the family. Just bought a new Yukon rear wheel drive w 22" wheels. Do you think these would work if needed? http://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/chainsearch.cgi?size=285/45-22&f=chainz6_c.htm

How is driving in snow with RWD? I'm in Texas so not really an issue most of the time.