Tire Chains with 16" wheels

[dws]

I have a 2012 30' Classic and am thinking about upgrading to the 16" wheels (225-75-16 tires) and am wondering if anyone has been able to get away with using cable type tire chains with that wheel/tire combo.

Thanks Don

[SteveH]

I have the 16's on our 2010 31' Classic, and while I've not used chains on the tires, I don't believe there is enough clearance for them. The 16's should reduce your clearance all the way around by 1/2".

Welcome to the forum.

[nilesrob]

If I need chains, I've driven in the wrong direction.

Seriously, I would think as mentioned previously that there would be very little space for chains. I put on 16 inch wheels and I would guess there is less than an inch clearance from the side of the trailer. Chains naturally tend to expand she driving, so I would be really cautious - personally wouldn't do it.

The picture shown is with the 15's, so figure even less space available with the 16's (just don't have a picture).

[mefly2]

Possibly cable chains (definitely NOT linked chains) with double chain tighteners ... but, questionable value in snow and on ice ... helpful here in the Rocky mountains ... not usually needed in GA ...


Chains are often required on snowy mountain passes for towing units.

[Friday]

Why not switch to a studded winter tire if you are going to encounter that crazy conditions?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by mefly2

Chains are often required on snowy mountain passes for towing units.

Hi, and trailers in Oregon.

[JeweloJalopy]

Originally Posted by Friday

Why not switch to a studded winter tire if you are going to encounter that crazy conditions?

Personally I hate studded tires, noisy, overkill, and destroy the roads. A true winter tire should be fine, if you can find one. Otherwise I will use chains if needed on our Streamline and take them off ASAP. Going south out of Oregon is a crapshoot this time of year.

[Sphere Guy]

I believe tire chains are for drive and steering wheels only, not trailing wheels. They are on these wheels for traction and steer ability. There is no need for traction or steering in a trailer wheel.

[dkottum]

I have Michelin 16"s on mine and it's close, wouldn't try it for fear of catching a trim strip and ripping it off. What a mess that would be.

Would needing chains mean you're about to drive on salted roads? I wouldn't do that to my metal Airstream either.

doug k

PS: Some years ago in Minnesota when cars were more prone to rust and people took better care of their stuff, some would drive a "winter rat". A decrepit old car to get to work, rust away, while the good car stayed in the garage except for weekends. Remember those bombs with the fenders rusted loose and flapping in the wind?

doug k

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by dkottum

I have Michelin 16"s on mine and it's close, wouldn't try it for fear of catching a trim strip and ripping it off. What a mess that would be.

Would needing chains mean you're about to drive on salted roads? I wouldn't do that to my metal Airstream either.

doug k

PS: Some years ago in Minnesota when cars were more prone to rust and people took better care of their stuff, some would drive a "winter rat". A decrepit old car to get to work, rust away, while the good car stayed in the garage except for weekends. Remember those bombs with the fenders rusted loose and flapping in the wind?

doug k

Still do...I just sold my old 99 Tracker to a guy with a new Mustang. Tracker was specifically to be his "Winter Rat".

[Dan and Liz]

"There is no need for traction or steering in a trailer wheel."

I kind of agree they're of most use on a drive or steering axle. I would never want to tow in conditions that required chains at all, and would probably just hole up until things got better.

BUT -- I have seen a trailer overtake a tow vehicle going about 8-10 mph on black ice just by sliding down a slight crown in the road. Some sort of traction for the trailer tires sure would have helped that guy! And I'd want something for my trailer brakes to work with, as well.

[Sylver Slypr]

I would have to agree that traction for the braking wheels is essential.The old addage "better safe than sorry" comes to mind and never forget that an ounce of prevention can help prevent a pounding headache!

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by Sphere Guy

I believe tire chains are for drive and steering wheels only, not trailing wheels. They are on these wheels for traction and steer ability. There is no need for traction or steering in a trailer wheel.

You need chains for traction, to keep your trailer on the road when cornering, and for braking.

Check out Thule cg9 snow chains from Amazon.com. I believe they will work just fine.

Dan

[Phoenix]

Just another opinion, from Arizonans not used to towing in the snow:

If snow tires or chains are needed, we're driving/camping in the wrong place. Cold is OK; snow packed and/or icy roads are not. We just wait until the roads clear, then head farther south!

[barts]

I believe tire chains are for drive and steering wheels only, not trailing wheels. They are on these wheels for traction and steer ability. There is no need for traction or steering in a trailer wheel.

When chain controls are in effect here in CA:

• Trailers with brakes must have chains on one axle.

- Bart

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, and trailers in Oregon.

I noticed that requirement when in Oregon last week. I just put 16 inch Michelins on my 2013 International 19. I doubt that there is sufficient clearance even for cables now. Darn.

[JeweloJalopy]

Do you plan on crossing a pass with your Airstream during a snowstorm?

Most of the time the requirement is just to carry chains. If chains are required I wouldn't want to tow over the pass, I would wait it out for a few hours if I could.