Tire Chain Recommendation for 2019 Jeep Cherokee with Aftermarket Tires

Question:

In California we are required to have snow chains in the car if in the mountains during winter. My car says no chains. I read one of your recommendations but I can’t find any that fit my tire that will not create sidewall issues. 2019 Jeep Cherokee tire size is 255/55/18. Any suggestions on what to do?

asked by: Marie

Helpful Expert Reply:

The two 18 inch stock tire sizes found on a 2019 Jeep Cherokee are 225/55-18 and 225/60-18.

If your 2019 Jeep Cherokee has 225/55-18 tires, then the Konig Standard Snow Tire Chains # TH01571240 will do a great job at providing superior grip on snow and ice. They also feature integrated rubber tensioners which will help to properly fit and tension the chains on the tire.

If you're in fact running 255/55-18 tires on your Jeep, then your best option is to go with the Konig Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains # TH2004705255. These have been successfully tested to fit the 255/55-18 tires, and as long as you have a minimum of 1.46 inches (37 mm) of clearance between the top of the tire tread an the wheel well and at least 0.47 inches (12 mm) between the tire's sidewall and the vehicle, these will fit just fine and work really well to provide you with the traction you need.

Because the # TH2004705255 are Class S compatible, meaning they are specifically designed for vehicles with limited wheel well clearance, this makes them your safest choice. I've attached a photo illustrating where you'll need to measure for clearance.

If you do not have the 12 mm of internal clearance, your only option are the Konig K Summit XXL Premium Tire Chains, which are designed to ride solely on your vehicle's tire tread and require zero internal clearance. The # TH02230K66 are the correct size for your 255/55-18 tires.

The # TC2317 chains you were looking at are not confirmed to fit your Jeep Cherokee or either of the three tire sizes mentioned above