Does the Bronco accept tire chains?

[gdp]

I've been told that some of the newer 4x4s such as Tacomas cannot run tire chains for some reason about the suspension. Does anyone know if that applies to the broncos? I also assume that the non-sas Badlands and any sas might be different so that info would be important to know, at least for me. I'm guessing the owners manual should have something about tire chains but I don't have a manual...or a bronco yet!

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[Tricky Dick]

I can't answer that, but the owners manual is out:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/owners-manual-for-2021-bronco-download-here-.17439/

 

[dgorsett]

Owners manual (pg 378) states only 255/70 x 16 (Base) and 255/75 x 17 (Big Bend) should run chains and then only on the rear. Those that I looked at with 285's looked OK for chains at least in the rear and I would bet 265's on Black Diamond would be fine. But again OM says only 255x16 and 17. Also OBX with 255 x 18 should be OK, but not listed in OM.

This is important to me. Hence my BB and plans to stick with 255 tires. And I think one should use caution chaining up the front both for clearance and strength of the M190 diff and CV's

 

[dgorsett]

You guys are great, thanks. Althought not what I wanted to hear for my non sas BL, since I sometimes need chains on my truck for some fall activities in the mountains. Now that I have the link for the manual, dgorsett: can you point me to the page in the manual about the chains? Makes sense what you say about the CV's. Although I've 4wheeled for around 45 years, this is my first IFS vehicle so I'm on a learning curve.

Page 378. And like I said, 'feeling around' a non Sas Badlands, I thought they should fit the rear. And i believe BL has the 210 front, so that's better, still have the CV weak link, but first time IFS for me too. My fall activities often require chains so it's a must have for me, I might have to modify my activities to avoid chaining front.

 

[swooshdave]

For areas that require chains do they allow alternatives?

 

[dgorsett]

For areas that require chains do they allow alternatives?

In Colorado it's usually chains, snow tires or 4x4 so you'll be covered. Never had to chain up on road.

 

[swooshdave]

I'm like you needing chains in the fall. We get pretty deep into the woods for elk and deer hunts. Every 2nd or 3rd yr I have to put chains on all 4s of my superduty due to mud and/or snow. Most people are surprised where I've taken it! I'll still have that truck along so I guess I can use it to pull the bronco out if needed My truck has 33s on it, same as the BL will so I'll be able to try the chains on to check em.

Have you tried modern snow tires? Apparently they can be pretty impressive. Don't forget to use the correct GOAT mode!

 

[swooshdave]

At least in Oregon traction tires can be used instead of chains.

https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Chain-Law

"Chains" include link chains, cable chains, or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle or outside of the tire that is specifically designed to increase traction on ice and snow conditions. For information on the placement of chains go to Minimum Chain Requirements.

"Traction Tires" are studded tires, retractable studded tires, or other tires that meet the tire industry definition as suitable for use in severe snow conditions.

• Tires designated by the tire industry as suitable for use in severe snow conditions are marked with a mountain/snowflake emblem on the sidewall like this:
  
  
  
  For information on these tires, contact your tire dealer or the Northwest Tires Dealers Association .
• "Retractable studded tires" are tires with embedded studs that retract to at or below the wear bar of the tire and project not less than .04 inch beyond the tread surface of the tire when extended.
• "Studded tires" are tires with studs that are made of a rigid material that wears at the same rate as the tire tread. The studs must extend at least .04 inch but not more than .06 inch beyond the tread surface. Studded tires are only legal for use in Oregon from November 1 through March 31.

When allowed in place of chains, traction tires are to be placed as shown on Minimum Chain Requirements.

Also there is another exemption:

In typical winter conditions, the following vehicles are completely or partially exempt from the chain law. However, in very bad winter road conditions all vehicles may be required to use chains regardless of the type of vehicle or type of tire being used (this is known as a conditional road closure). A conditional road closure may occur on any of Oregon's highways and are frequent in the winter on Interstate 5 through the Siskiyou Pass south of Ashland:

1. A four-wheel or all-wheel drive passenger vehicle if all of the following statements are true:
   1. It has an unloaded weight of 6,500 pounds or less;
   2. It is operated to provide power to both the front and rear wheels;
   3. It is carrying chains;
   4. It has mud and snow, all-weather radial, or traction tires on all of its wheels;
   5. It is not towing another vehicle or a trailer;
   6. It is not being operated in a manner or under conditions that cause the vehicle to lose traction.

As always check with your own state's laws and regulations.

 

[dgorsett]

Have you tried modern snow tires? Apparently they can be pretty impressive. Don't forget to use the correct GOAT mode!

As gdp and I said, we've never used chains on road, snow tires and 4x4 are plenty. Our use is in the Colorado mtns late in the fall with deep snow, mud and steep/rocky slow speed trails, chains are the only way.

 

[johndeerefarmer]

As gdp and I said, we've never used chains on road, snow tires and 4x4 are plenty. Our use is in the Colorado mtns late in the fall with deep snow, mud and steep/rocky slow speed trails, chains are the only way.

So you run snow tires on the road? and snow chains off road?
What tires do you prefer for snow? as well as offroad?

 

[BigTex]

No, only accepts MasterCard and visa.

 

[dgorsett]

So you run snow tires on the road? and snow chains off road?
What tires do you prefer for snow? as well as offroad?

...what gdp said...

 

[Rebecca Tiffany]

So what do I do if I have Sasquatch factory 35” mud tires? They aren’t snow tires and pretty sure where we are going requires them to be carried in car

 

[Mortonm]

So what do I do if I have Sasquatch factory 35” mud tires? They aren’t snow tires and pretty sure where we are going requires them to be carried in car

They aren't dedicated snow tires but I am pretty sure they are 3 peak rated, which should meet the requirements

 

[Brian_B]

So what do I do if I have Sasquatch factory 35” mud tires? They aren’t snow tires and pretty sure where we are going requires them to be carried in car

In California, M+T is considered a snow tire - it does not need to be 3PMSF rated.

I think Badlands and Sasquatch OEM Bronco tires meet that minimum spec.

That said, you may still required to carry chains in CA, you just won’t necessarily have to stop and equip them - which is occasionally required.

There are a lot of various options - depending on price and availability. If you are looking for something to just throw in the back to stay legal and hope you never really need them, or something for serious snow wheeling that will hold up to abuse - the price and capability and durability run the gamut

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