Recommended Snow Chains for 2016 Ford F-150 with 265/70R17 Size Tires

Question:

I have a 2016 F150 XL. The manual says that only certain snow cables or chains approved by Ford can be used with my tires 265/70R17, rear only, and that they have to be rated as SAE Class S. Ford chat cant provide any recommendations and neither can my dealer. I want them for snow plowing can you make a recommendation? Thanks.

asked by: Jim D

Expert Reply:

You did the right thing by checking your Ford F-150 owner's manual for guidance about use of tire chains. When it comes to tire chains the auto maker gets the final word. We do offer the special low-profile Class S chains approved by Ford and for your 265/70R17 rear tires. All Class S chains for your tire size are shown on the linked page.

Since you are looking for tire chains to make your snow plowing easier and safer (and not just to have a set in the truck for meeting a legal requirement) I suggest the Konig Self-Tensioning, Low-Pro Snow Tire Chains # TH01594267. Installation of these chains will be far easier than for the cable type chains # PW2028C, which by the way do NOT fit your 265/70R17 tire size.

Tire chains differ a lot in how difficult they are to get on the tires. Chains with automatic tensioning, like the Thule set, will make actual use a whole lot easier. Just last week we had a training event for chains and we got to install several types. The Thule design I recommended was by far the easiest to install. I do recommend doing a test install in the comfort of your garage no matter which chains you decide on. Don't wait for the snow to try them!

Since you will have a snow plow on the truck you may find that your F-150's front end may need some additional suspension support to compensate for the weight of the plow. The linked page will show you 5 options in front axle jounce springs that are easy to install and that will support your front suspension when it is under load (from the plow) but that will not otherwise affect your unloaded ride quality. Super Springs kit # CSS-1094F install easily; just insert them into your front coil springs and secure them with the included zip ties. That's it! These fit both 2WD and 4WD versions.

expert reply by: Adam R