Class S Tire Chains for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with 265/50R20 Tires

Question:

I have had 4WD vehicles for 40 plus years but now have a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with stock tires 265/50R 20 and the book says class S chains. I have not found cable chains very effective, Does any one make a ladder chain that meets the class S standard? I am amazed Jeep engineered a vehicle that disallows the use of an aggressive chain for when the gong get tough you can still have an option to get through the on down the road with confidence. Thanks a bunch.

asked by: Dayne T

Expert Reply:

One of my bosses had a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee but it was an all-wheel drive version, not a true 4-wheel drive version, and could have used some more stout tire chains when he got stuck once upon a time. There are more substantial chains you can use that are Class S compatible.

For tire size 265/50R20 Thule tire chains # TH01594267 are Class S rated. You can also use Thule Easy Fit chains # TH04115267 which are probably the easiest to install chains I have used.

All of the other options for your tire size are either not Class S compatible or are cable style chains. The issue on many vehicles is that with the larger wheel size, 20s in this case, clearance becomes limited and that is when you start seeing restrictions on chain usage.

expert reply by: Michael H