Recommended Snow Tire Chains for a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Question

Question:

We need to know what type of chains to purchase for our trip to Colorado at the end of the month October 30, 2018? We live in California and are taking a road trip to Marble, CO...hoping there wont be much snow along the way but need something in case of an emergency. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Jeffery

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

From my research your 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek has 225/55-17 size tires from the factory. If you have a different tire size let me know. I also checked out your owner's manual and it recommends not using tire chains unless you're required to. In the event you need to the manual states to use Class S chains and to install them on the front wheels.

Since you're not planning to use them long term (or at all if you don't have to) I recommend going with basic ladder style chains, like part # TC1138. These are good, inexpensive chains that fit your tires. They're square link chains which give you more contact with the ground than twist link chains.

You need rubber adjusters to get them tight so use part # PW105.

If you'd lke to go up to chains that'll last longer then I recommend the Pewag Servo, part # PWRS76. They're made of a titanium alloy that'll hold up very well. The chains are also organized in a diamond pattern which makes driving smoother because they're constantly in contact with the road, unlike the ladder chains. They're also Class S chains and they're self-tensioning so you don't need the adjusters.

With any tire chain I recommend learning how they go on when you're at home and in dry conditions. Put them on and take them off a few times so you now they work and don't have to try and figure it out when you're on the side of the ride dealing with the Colorado temperatures and snow.

expert reply by: Charles S

1

Answer 1

Tire chains do come in several varieties and some need more space within the wheel wells than others in order to operate safely. There are actual chains like #TC1138 and also the "spring chain" or cable type such as #PW1038 which require…

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Answer 2

The stock tire on your 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek is 225/55-17 and for this size we do offer a range of low-profile S-Class chains that are designed specifically for passenger cars that may have limited clearance in the wheel wells. I reviewed an…

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Answer 3

According to the owner's manual for the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek you cannot use tire chains on the vehicle. The problem with is that chains are required by law in some areas. This is the Tire Chain Paradox or Reno's Law. The bottom line…

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Answer 4

The pewag Servo RS Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains - 1 Pair #PWRS76 and the #PWRSV82 are very similar tire chain models. They are both Class S compatible, include self-tensioners, and have plastic bumpers that provide rim protection during use.…

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Answer 5

Tire chains that use cables, like what you find with part #TC339DC, are pretty much a one-time use as they are essentially a cheap way to say that you have chains when the law requires it. If you're needing to use actual chains then I have a few…

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Answer 6

When it comes to using tire chains, the auto maker gets to have the final word. On page 8-11 of the online owner's manual Subaru indicates that standard tire chains cannot be used due to limited clearance between the tires and the vehicle body,…

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Answer 7

The stock tire size of your 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon would be P215/70R16 which for a one-time use, mainly to get through California check points, we recommend using tire cables like the Glacier part #PW1038 which is a confirmed fit for your tire…

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Answer 8

I checked the owners manual of the 2016/2017 Subaru Crosstrek and they state to run Class S compatible traction devices only on the front axle. For your tire size of 225/55-17 the best solution for that is the Konig K-Summit chains part #TH02230K44…

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Answer 9

The Glacier tire cables part #PW1038 that you referenced have been confirmed as a fit for the 225/55-17 tire size you have on your 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. If you were in inclement weather or were stopped by the highway patrol these would fit and work…

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Answer 10

Auto makers get the final word when it comes to using tire chains on their vehicles. The best place to start your review is your Crosstrek owner's manual. I reviewed an online version and in section 8-11 the manual states that tire chains cannot…

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Answer 11

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Recommended Snow Tire Chains for a 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek

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