Hi All,

The 2001 Cherokee XJ Sport user manual says not to use snow chains on tires 225/75R15 or larger due to limited clearance. What is my alternative while driving in the snow in Yosemite this winter when there could be a mandatory snow chain alert even for 4wd R3 alert - ? I am surprised about the limited clearance because I have driven my Nissan Altima, which has a low chassis, with snow chains on many times. What do the members advice?

Regards,
Karthik

PS: I am new to this forum and just bought a 2001 Cherokee Sport.

Probably says that for tires larger than that on stock suspension. If you have a lift and bigger tires, I don't think you'll have an issue.

Nonetheless, poke your noggin in there and you be the judge of how much clearance you have.

Yeah i think they mean don't use them on over sized tires on stock suspension.

And of course, Chrysler has to play it safe and give that sort of recommendation. I'm sure you could go a few sizes bigger and run chains without issue but that's what they have to recommend to be absolutely safe.

Per Cal Trans...it's almost never R3... AND Cal Trans will close the roads before it gets to R3

i'm sure it's because at full turn, you risk catching the chains on the lower control arms.

can you not just use studded tires?

This was my guess but I didn't know.

I think its more of jeep covering their self in case you do something dumb.

I've used chains to pull trees for my logging business. Pulled about 30 cords so far with minimal problem. I only use them in the rear. When I put the chains on, I replace my 34s for 31s. They only hit when a link breaks. I do have 6 inches of lift and a custom rear anti sway bar that I disconnnect only when I off road without the chains. The chains make a 2wd go where a 4wd can barely venture.

Your responses have been very helpful. I also have a set of M + S rated winter tires so in all likelihood I may not ever require snow chains. I might carry two sets though as a backup and keep all of your advice in mind. Thanks again.

Regards,
Karthik

Yeah its better to have them and never need them then wish you did.You have a winter first aid kit too?

I have a 3inch lift with 31s BFG ATs and they rub at full turn. Luckily they go through snow smoothly without snow chains...knock on wood.

Congrats on getting a jeep!

Yes, I have a winter first aid kit - something I have always had for snow camping and winter hiking.

Regards,
Karthik

In my opinion, if using only one set, it would be better having them in the rear. I've used 4 chains at times and the front ones are the only ones that sometimes give me a hard time and need to be tighter to stay on. Probably from the side pull they get when steering is turned.

The rear? they hold tight until they break.. (takes a lot of spinning in gravel for that to happen)

Nature of the beast when pulling 2 or 3 full length logs at a time over a foot in diameter... small to BC trees standards... Speed/momentum help a lot...

Some say I should have a bigger truck to pull but anything bigger would sink.. a lot of the sections are too soft.

Winch is handy also..lol

We all carry at less one set of chains here in Wyoming. I don't always have to put them on in the snow, but there have been times I have throw them in a track when I'm pulling someone out. Lol hell I even used them on a fence to force the top wire down for people crossing.