Can I Use Tire Chains for a 2014 Ford F-150 4X4 With 275/55-20 Size Tires

Question:

I have a 2014 Ford F-150 4x4 with 275/55/20 tires. The manual says not to use snow chains and when I call Ford customer service they give me an answer suggesting that the use of chains will result in the warranty on the truck being voided. Their recommended solution is to purchase snow tires from the closest Ford dealership. I live in Arizona and go up to the snow a couple of times a year. Typically I have not had any issues however, the chains required signs are appearing more and more frequently.

asked by: Brian B

Expert Reply:

I also saw in the owner's manual for the 2014 Ford F-150 that Ford does not recommend snow chains, but the manual also suggests that if you use snow chains you will need to only use SAE Class S rated chains.

The main issue that consumers are dealing with on the use of tire chains is, as you mentioned, what the manufacturer recommends and what the law demands. The question becomes do you ignore the manufacturer's recommendation and face possibly voiding your warranty or do you adhere to the manufacturer's recommendation of no tire chains and face punishment for non-compliance of the law?

If you choose to use tire chains, we offer a couple Class S rated chains for you.

On your vehicle's tire size, 275/55-20, we have a couple different styles of Class S rated chains. The Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains, # PW2028C, that you referenced are a confirmed fit to your size tires. The Glacier chain cables are Class S rated, which means the cables were designed to be used on vehicles with clearance issues between the wheel and the wheel well of the vehicle and meet all DOT requirements in all states.

The chains I really like are the Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link, # TC2327. The Titan chains are SAE Class S rated chains as well, but the Titan chains diamond pattern design will provide better traction in snow and ice than the Glacier Chain's ladder bar design. The diamond pattern covers a wider area of the tire which will allow for more chain to make contact with the ground.