Best Tire Chains for 255/50-20 Size Tires on a 2015 Ford Explorer

Question:

Thank you for having this service. I have a 2015 Ford Explorer with Michelin Defender LTX M/S 255/50 R20 tires on it. I have been told I shouldnt use tire chains on this vehicle but am traveling up to Tahoe and concerned with the amount of snow that has been dumped this year. I have read some earlier posts on your website regarding the same concerns for this vehicle but I am confused as the recommendations were different. One reply recommended getting the Thule Standard Snow Tire Diamond Pattern D-Link XB16 Size 265 #TH01571265 and another reply suggested that the Titan #TC3010 would be the best fit. I understand I need the lowest clearance possible as to not cause damage to my vehicle. I really want to get the right fit for my car. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Liz S

Expert Reply:

I'd be more than happy to help clear things up for you!

Low clearance situations, like what you have with your 2015 Ford Explorer, means there is limited clearance on the back side of the tire, so when you start moving the chains will eat up or damage things like brake lines or electrical parts needed for the vehicle to operate properly. The other tire chain recommendations you found will technically fit your tire size but since your owner's manual speaks against using chains at all with your 255/50-20 tires I recommend going with the Konig K-Summit XXL K77 chains:

- Konig K-Summit XXL Snow Chains - Size K77 # TH02230K77

These are a bit pricier than any other tire chain option we carry but it's also has its own class when we're looking at chains. The chains don't drape over the back side of the tire so you don't have to worry about vital parts being damaged, and it stays connected to your wheel via a lug nut connector. The initial setup takes a little bit of time but once you have all of the right parts in place and you've installed them once I can honestly say they are some of the easiest chains to get installed.

I'm attaching an installation video I made of these chains on a 2020 Audi Q7 so you can get my take on these specific tire chains.

expert reply by: Jon G