What Tire Chains do You Recommend for My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denalis 275/60-20 Tires?

Question:

Hi there, I have a GMC Yukon XL 2021. Its a Denali and it comes with 275/50r22. I couldnt find winter tires for this dimension so I fitted my Yukon with 275/60r20. Now that my first brain teaser is over, trying to solve an another one - the chains on the rear axle. I have approx. 1.5 clearance on the rear axle between the tire and the upper control arm which is the narrowest point. Wheel well narrowest point is 3 at the bottom of the car. I am confused: when I look at class S rated chains resp. cables, I can see the buckle behind the wheel quite large and seems it would bang on the upper control arm of the vehicle rear. When I look at non-S rated chains, feels like they are more narrower behind the wheel. Tried to find e.g. premium snap on chains Konig in the K79 size but your offer stops at K77 so I am completely stuck. Anything you can recommend please? I live in WA travelling with family in winter time in the cascades higher-up and Canada Whistler, even if I have winter/snow tires I need snow chains.

asked by: Phil

Expert Reply:

I went ahead and did some research on your 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali, and I confirmed with the owner's manual that GMC does not recommend using tire chains on your 275/60R20 or 275/50R22 sized tires. However, this recommendation is common for manufacturers to include to save themselves from liability from damage done to struts in the wheel well. With this instruction, it is important to note that you will take full responsibility if there is damage sustained from the tire chains.

Since you have a distance of 1.5 (I am assuming you mean inches here), the Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link # TC2533 are a great fit for your tires. The reason why is because of the inner attachment point of these chains. While all other chains we offer for your tire size on your GMC Yukon XL 2021 include a circle of links that attach on the inside of your tires, the Titan Chain Allow Chains # TC2533 include a thick cable on the inside edge. I went ahead and attached a picture that shows this and compares it with the pewag All Square Snow Tire Chains with Cam Tighteners for Wide-Base Tires # PWE3231SC.

expert reply by: Bob C