Are Tire Chains Recommended for a Vehicle Being Flat Towed

Question:

Hi! Love your etrailer.com site!!! We have a motorhome, 2013 Nexus Viper, 28.5, and we will be towing a 2013 Honda CR-V through British Columbia to Juneau, AK. We will start through BC in April 2017. Our tires on the motorhome are LT225/75R16 and we plan to buy chains from you. My question, after all the information you probably dont need is this do we need chains for our tow car, the Honda, as well? We do have a brake assist system and tow bar. Thanks folks!!! Yep, thats me in AK a few years ago!!

asked by: Elaine C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Wow that's quite a trip!

The Glacier Twist-Link Snow Tire Chains # PWH2219SC will fit the 225/75-16 sized tires on your motorhome. If you haven't already I suggest checking the owner's manual to see if there are any restrictions on tire chains.

Since the CR-V is being towed you won't gain much from putting chains on it. Tire chains are generally for drive axles to gain traction. With that being said, I assume you're not hauling the CR-V for show. If you're going to be driving it in areas where it might need chains then I recommend them.

So just in case, I'll give you a couple recommendations on chains for the Honda. There are two factory tire sizes from Honda for the 2013 CR-V. If you have 225/70-16 sized tires I suggest the Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains # PW2016C. These require very little clearance between any parts of the vehicle and the tire. If you'd like to add rubber adjusters # PW105 is the correct part.

If your vehicle has 225/65-17 sized tires The Konig Self-Tensioning XG12 Pro # TH01594245 are a great option. The Konigs self tighten as you drive so to install them all you need to do is loop the chains around the wheel and start driving.

Honda says that you should only install chains on the front wheels of the CR-V.