Snow chains/cables on 19s?

[dkl]

Has anyone tried using snow chains or cables on the OEM 19" wheels/tires? If so, did you put them on the fronts or the rears? Did you have to use spacers? Also, what brand of cable/chain would you recommend? I know that 19s are not optimal for snows, but I don't see enough snow to warrant a separate dedicated set of 17s or 18s with snow tires for Southern California weather (only makes a couple of trips per month up to the mountains). Thanks.

[JaredT]

I have the same question as well. I am located in Northern California and only take a few trips a season up to Tahoe, and it dosen't even snow every time. What is the best option out there to address this problem?

[somewhereinla]

I am in the same boat, I am actually thinking to sell my 19"and get18"wheels instead.

[RevJunky]

I actually have a set of snow chains for the rear 19's that I've never used and am looking to sell. They're from scc chain, part # ZT 741. The ones listed on their website aren't the right ones and I had to do a little research to find the correct ones. The website has a sizing for the front but it will hit suspension components and couldn't find anything else that fits so I don't know of anyone that makes chains for the front. I've been told having just the rear only helps a lot and is better than not having chains at all obviously.

I just got a set of 17" dedicated snow tires so I'm actually looking to sell my the chains if anyone is interested in Southern California. They were never used, just test fitted.

[FeelGoodUnInc]

I wonder if they make chains for the staggered 20's!

[X5Flyboy]

Your manual recommends 17" rims if you need to use chains(rear only) - no mention of cables that I saw - the guy I bought my X5 from used it to to go skiing in Vermont - he sold the X5 rather than buy snow tires, since the 19" rims and Diamaris had him skating all over the place - his loss, my gain - remember, narrow tires work best in snow.

[JaredT]

Originally Posted by burkleymh

Your manual recommends 17" rims if you need to use chains(rear only) - no mention of cables that I saw - the guy I bought my X5 from used it to to go skiing in Vermont - he sold the X5 rather than buy snow tires, since the 19" rims and Diamaris had him skating all over the place - his loss, my gain - remember, narrow tires work best in snow.

With only rear chains needed, has anyone tried chains on 19’s? and if so, how did it turn out? Chains from RevJunky sound very appealing…

[dkl]

Originally Posted by JaredT

With only rear chains needed, has anyone tried chains on 19’s? and if so, how did it turn out? Chains from RevJunky sound very appealing…

Those chains from RevJunky does sound appealing, but going to scc's website shows those chains to be rather bulky, which might presents some clearance issues...but some spacers should solve that. A second issue that I'm seeing with those chains are the complicated "webbing" design that cradles the outer sidewall may not be so kind to the rims.

After a little bit more research, I'm starting to like the cable solution more than the chain. This is the one I'm thinking of getting and they do come in the 285/45-19 size => http://www.tirechain.com/CABLE_MOUNTING_INTRUCTIONS.HTM
If anyone has experience with those cables, your thoughts on them are much appreciated. Thanks.

[JaredT]

The cables look a lot better for the wheels, especially with low profile tires. On second thought, the cables will probably still scratch the wheels. I’m wondering if I should just get a cheap set of wheels with some all-seasons, seems like a waste for just use probably no more than 10 days a season, if it even snows.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by burkleymh

Your manual recommends 17" rims if you need to use chains(rear only) - no mention of cables that I saw - the guy I bought my X5 from used it to to go skiing in Vermont - he sold the X5 rather than buy snow tires, since the 19" rims and Diamaris had him skating all over the place - his loss, my gain - remember, narrow tires work best in snow.

Yes...we know the manual recommends 17" rims for chains, but as I've stated earlier, I don't see enough snow to warrant a dedicated 17" tires/wheels. The chains/cables are only for the extreme emergency cases (in case I get caught in the middle of a snow storm) where the highway patrol won't let you through unless you have chains/cables. The very lease, I will be getting some all-season tires with M/S to replace the summer tires...so that should help somewhat with the skating issue.