Use of Tire Chains on a 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
What type of snow chain are you recommending for a fifth wheel with ST235/80R16 tires? Is this tire size or chain cable going to be any different for a LT235/80R16 tire? By the way, should the chain be cable or metal, Z, V, ladder, or diamond pattern?
asked by: Jack
Helpful Expert Reply:
Tire chains are usually only placed on a tow vehicle, and then only on the drive wheels. We do not have any experience with using or recommending them for use on the tires of a 5th wheel trailer. This is something I would approach very cautiously and only after contacting the trailer maker for approval. Have your trailer VIN handy when you call them.
Chains vary in how much clearance they need within the fenders/wheel wells and this is an important consideration. Also, the specific tire size on a vehicle or trailer can affect whether or not chains can be used. Sometimes you are limited to low-profile S-Class chains which need less clearance. Some vehicles with larger dealer-option tires may not be able to use chains at all.
There may also be varying state laws concerning use of chains on trailer tires. Oregon, for example, has a requirement for what are sometimes called drag chains on 5th wheels.
All tire chains fit more than one tire size. There would be little difference in the fit of chains on special trailer and light truck tires both of the same 235/80R16 size. All of the chains we offer that will fit this tire size are shown on the linked page. A helpful article on tire chains is linked too.
I can tell you from training experience here at etrailer that tire chains differ enormously in how easy or difficult they are to install. And in truth the chains that are such a pain to install that you don't bother with them will be of little utility. Chains with features like automatic tensioning, quick-release, etc will tend to be easier to use and therefore may be more likely to actually get used when conditions require them.
Generally speaking a square link chain like # PWE2219SC will give best performance.
Products Referenced in This Question
pewag Tire Chains w/ Cams - Ladder Pattern - Grooved Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Tire Chains
- Tire Chains
- Steel Square Link
- No Rim Protection
- Deep Snow
- On Road Only
- Assisted
- Not Class S Compatible
- Drive On and Connect
- pewag
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - 1 Pair
- Tire Chains
- Tire Chains
- Steel Square Link
- No Rim Protection
- Deep Snow
- On Road Only
- Assisted
- Class S Compatible
- Drape Over Tire - Make Connections
- Titan Chain
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 235/85r16
- Shop: Tire Chains
- Shop: Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains for Dual Tires - Ladder Pattern - V-Bar Links - 1 Axle Set
- Shop: Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - V Bar Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Pair
- Shop: Performance Chip Tuners
- Search Results: progressive dynamics
- Shop: Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains w/ Cams for Dual Tires - Ladder Pattern - V-Bar Link - 1 Axle Set
- Shop: pewag Dually Tire Chains - Ladder Pattern - Grooved Square Links - Manual Tensioning - 1 Axle Set
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Air Lift Air Helper Springs Installation - 2013 Toyota Sienna
- Shop: Lippert Never Fail Whisper Disk Lube Plate for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 11-1/2" Diameter
- Article: Snow Tire Chain Overview: How to Buy the Right Tire Chains
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: tire chains
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch ball
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: gen~y hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Clearance Dimensions Between Truck Bed Rails and 5th Wheel Trailer
- Video: Reese Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: b&w