Tire Chains?

[watchnerd]

I've never used tire chains before.

But we're planning to go to Mt Rainier over Thanksgiving vacation, and even AWD/4WD are required to have chains.

(although I don't know if you have to have them installed, or just with you).

Are there recommended tire chains for the Bronco Sport Badlands?

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[RSH]

The owners manual has limitations regarding traction devices.


USING SNOW CHAINS

WARNING: Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING: Do not use snow chains on snow-free roads. WARNING: Only fit snow chains to specified tires. WARNING: If your vehicle is fitted with wheel trims, remove them before fitting snow chains. WARNING: If you choose to install snow tires on your vehicle, they must be the same size, construction, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire placard, and they must be installed on all four wheels. Mixing tires of different size or construction on your vehicle can adversely affect your vehicle's handling and braking, and may lead to loss of vehicle control.

The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow tires and cables. If you need to use cables, it is recommended that steel wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as cables may chip aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices.

• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Purchase chains or cables from a manufacturer that clearly labels body to tire dimension restrictions.
• Use 10 mm cables or chains only on front axle with 225/65R17 and 225/60R18 tires.
• Not all S-class snow chains or cables meet these restrictions. Chains of this size restriction will include a tensioning device.
• The snow chains or cables must be mounted in pairs on the front axle.
• Do not use chains or cables on 235/65R17 tires.
• Install cables securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
• When driving with tire cables do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) or the maximum speed recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is less.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
• Remove the cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use cables on dry roads.

If you have any questions regarding snow chains or cables, please contact your authorized dealer.

 

[MoFoCo]

In California we are required to carry chains when the signs are on even if we have 4x4 and snow tires. That said, they never make you put them on. If there is an overzealous CHP officer at the chain zone they might check that you're carrying them.

You won't likely ever need chains unless the highway is sheet ice, the Bronco's 4x4 is very good in the snow. When required I carry chains from my other car that don't even fit

 

[Chiefthepup]

(although I don't know if you have to have them installed, or just with you).

My wife and I went up in January and they just needed to see that we had them in the vehicle. If you don’t have any there’s a couple stores on the way into mt rainier that rent out chains. I don’t remember for how much though. $25 or something like that.

 

[jkeaton]

Try reading your owners manual…………..

 

[watchnerd]

My wife and I went up in January and they just needed to see that we had them in the vehicle. If you don’t have any there’s a couple stores on the way into mt rainier that rent out chains. I don’t remember for how much though. $25 or something like that.

That's my understanding.

We don't have to put them on, just have them in the car.

 

[NMhunter]

Well that stinks that there isn't room for chains with a 235/65R17 tire. I'm guessing that adding a lift won't help because of the width of the tire.

I hate being told not to do something, but not being told why.

 

[watchnerd]

In California we are required to carry chains when the signs are on even if we have 4x4 and snow tires. That said, they never make you put them on. If there is an overzealous CHP officer at the chain zone they might check that you're carrying them.

You won't likely ever need chains unless the highway is sheet ice, the Bronco's 4x4 is very good in the snow. When required I carry chains from my other car that don't even fit

I think it's the same here.

You just have to have them in the car.

 

[Little Buckaroo]

There are some forest service roads I access for backcountry skiing here in BC where chains are mandated. The problem is I have 235/65/R17 tires, and the Bronco Sport manual says chains can not be applied on this tire size because of lack of wheel well space.

Recently I discovered an outrageously expensive but amazingly engineered chain from Koenig, the K-Summit XXL, which is approved by their configurator for the Bronco Sport with my size tires and doesn’t go around the wheel well side of the tire at all. I bought a pair last week and they are unreal. Go on in just a few minutes, and easily went up a 12 degree (24%) snow/ice hill during a recent Vancouver snowstorm. And they take about 90 seconds to remove.

I’d highly recommend these if you want or need to carry chains. Here is a link:

https://www.konigchain.com/shop/catalog/product/view/id/65628

 

[Wotan]

Here are cables I bought for my BL:
https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chains/Ford/Bronco+Sport/2023/TC729DC.html?VehicleID=20235003880
You can watch the video on how to install them.

 

[bluebabybronc]

I put full chains on my REAR 235/65/R17s and drove offroad for a good 30 mins with no issues. Can’t speak to the safety of the front pair. On my subie, I once had cables slip up and wrap around my tire horizontally… almost shredded my tire and stranded me 10 miles from the nearest building on an isolated logging road in the winter. Good times.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Here what my manual says!

 

[SoCalBonanza]

The owners manual has limitations regarding traction devices.


USING SNOW CHAINS
.

• Do not use chains or cables on 235/65R17 tires.

If you have any questions regarding snow chains or cables, please contact your authorized dealer.

Is there a traction enhancing option that is NOT chains or cables for these tires?

 

[RushMan]

Is there a traction enhancing option that is NOT chains or cables for these tires?

I've heard of snow socks, but don't know if there are any that would fit the BS. I've only looked at one tire chain source and they didn't have any tire socks that would fit.

 

[Hedge36]

Is there a traction enhancing option that is NOT chains or cables for these tires?

Yeah, these stupid zip ties.

https://a.co/d/hn93LuK

If you're in the NW, go to Les Schwab and spend between $180 and $220~ (light or heavy-duty) for a set of chains. Keep the printed invoice. If you upsize tires or swap vehicles and the chains are no longer useful, they'll buy unused chains back from you later (or swap them for the size you need).

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