Snow Tire Chains For 2005 Ford F-350 That Are Class S Compatible For 275/65-18 or 275/70-18 Tires

Question:

PWE3229SC. I bought this chain from you last fall 2020 to use on my 2005 F350 with plow. For some reason the front passenger side chain keeps shearing the brake line. The first time the chain came off when it happened, so I assumed that I had the chains too loose and that it sheared as it came off. This time the chain is still on, but the brake line is sheared exactly the same way. What am I doing wrong in the installation or should I look at a different chain?

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

I believe I know the issue, which is that the pewag All Square Snow Tire Chains # PWE3229SC are not Class S compatible, which means they do not have the needed clearance to work with your 2005 Ford F-350.

I say that because I checked the owner's manual of the F-350, and it specifies on page 159 of the online manual, "Use only SAE Class S chains." Class S chains are designed for more limited clearances between the tire and either the wheel well or closest part of the vehicle. So depending on the tire size of your F-350, you have a couple of options:

- 275/65-18 Tires: Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link # TC2327

- 275/70-18 Tires: Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains # PW3029C

So I recommend going with one of these two options for your '05 F-350 to keep the same type of issue from occurring with your brake line.

expert reply by: Kyle S