Buyer Beware, 2017 Ram 1500

[Camo]

I will try to keep this as a Public Service Announcement. This model with the 20" wheel package will not accept snow chains. I always carry appropriately sized chains as a "safety net" accept for the rare opportunity to hunt a late season permit when I will hopefully need chains all around. Nevertheless, I never considered a manufacturer would build a 4x truck that would not have clearance for snow chains. This model only accepts cable chains on the rear. Seriously, what's the use of chains on the rear of a 4x? Additionally, the 2500 and 3500 single (rear wheels) again only accept rear chains, but at least a "U" class chain.

The issue I am having with this model is the clearance on the inside of the tire. On the front, is the 5/8" clearance to the drive assembly, the rear is the 1" clearance to the brake fluid line and the TPS wiring harness. I have an option to change wheel and tire configurations that should give me an additional 1/2" clearance on the inside which I hope will allow me to use a light duty chain, (as opposed to a V-Bar truck chain), at a significant additional cost to the new truck.

I hope most are smarter than me and consider this before purchasing, if not, please let this be informative, if you consider snow chains as an integral part of your transportation system. With all the new technological advancements in the current truck inventory, it might be wise to consider this with all manufacturers, if chains are a consideration for you. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Yep, gotta buy wheel spacers to run chains up front and hd chains in rear.  Just the way the world is going.   Put em on for hunting season only.  Gottem for my Ram 1500

One other thing you wont like - that button that says “4 lock” doesnt.  It just increases clutch pack pressure in transfer case.  If on hill on ice in park and or ebrake on will only act on rear tires even in 4-lock.  Sometimes rear wheels only locked vehicle wants to slide if on hill on ice. 

Overall great rigs just couple offroad issues.

[BNAElkhntr]

same thing on My Jeep Grand Cherokee

[castnblast]

Same problem with my F-150. I reluctantly ran 1" spacers in order to use the v-bar chains (which I loved by the way) in the late season hunt last year.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[Camo]

Appreciate the responses, I'll look into the spacers. Magnum Willy, thanks for the info on the 4x lock. That could get a bit precarious in the wrong spot?

[jackelope]

FYI....
Most manufacturers don't suggest using tire chains on anything. Ford has published limits too. Mostly it's due to wheel size. This is out of a 2013 F150 Owner's Manual.

USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance
of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension,
axle, transfer case or power transfer unit failure.
Note: The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.
Note: Do not place chains on the following tires sizes: P265/60R18,
P275/65R18, LT275/65R18, LT315/70R17, P275/55R20, and P275/45R22.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and retighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
380 Wheels and Tires
2013 F-150 (f12)
Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, February 2013
USA (fus)

[Special T]

With all due respect Jackalope that statement is for liability purposes.

All the more reason to stick with 16&17" tires on a pickup truck IMO.

[thinkingman]

Toyota Tacoma with 17" won't run chains on front.

[724wd]

05 tundra won't take em.

[Crunchy]

Ive never had to chain the fronts.  I weigh down the bed with 500+  pounds, and just chain the rears.  The only time I came close to it was going over stampede pass for rifle elk about 12 years ago.

[BNAElkhntr]

Ive never had to chain the fronts.  I weigh down the bed with 500+  pounds, and just chain the rears.  The only time I came close to it was going over stampede pass for rifle elk about 12 years ago.

It aint the snow we chain for its the mud up to your knees!

[Skillet]

That sounds frustrating.  I never would have thought to check before buying a 4x4 if chains would fit on the front.  I just assume that would be a critical design parameter for a full-size 4x4.   

Who's designing this crap, anyway?  And who are they designing it for?  The fact a full size 4x4 can be sold without being able to accommodate front axle chains, but must be sold with 19+/- cupholders and heated leather seats & steering wheel is further evidence of the wussification of the modern man, imho.

 

[Magnum_Willys]

Ive never had to chain the fronts.  I weigh down the bed with 500+  pounds, and just chain the rears.  The only time I came close to it was going over stampede pass for rifle elk about 12 years ago.

Problem on new rigs is the antilock braking - with only chains on the rear when the fronts without chains start to skid/lockup the system releases the brakes all around so you are pumping or pushing the pedal but all four wheels just keep rolling !   

[Magnum_Willys]

Appreciate the responses, I'll look into the spacers. Magnum Willy, thanks for the info on the 4x lock. That could get a bit precarious in the wrong spot?

I have to carry a short stick in the winter when I get out to get my mail - jam stick between base of seat and brake pedal - otherwise rig just starts sliding down the hill !!!!!!

[Camo]

MW, what size spacer are you running?