[airboyd]

Going to pick up our Limited this week in KC.

The online owners manual only gives traction control sizes for the smaller tires. Does anyone know if the P245/50 has room for chains?

Looking at the Peerless Chain Z-575 just for emergency use, we don't live where it snows but are driving it back.

Thanks

OM "For a 235/65R17 or 235/60R18 tire, use of a snow traction device with a maximum projection of 9 mm beyond the tire profile is recommended."

 

[AAMC]

In this case, the 245/50R20 is the largest of the stock diameter tires that Chrysler puts on the Pacifica at 29.6", with the 235/65R17 at 29" and the 235/60R18 at 29.1". The overall diameter difference between all three sizes is marginal. Honestly, you probably wouldn't have problems with the fronts (you might tag the front fender liners a tad during turning), but the rears could potentially be more of an issue. The rear fender liners, especially the rearward half are very close to the tire. So, on heavy compression of the suspension, you might get into that.


Depending on where you are driving to from KC, the likelihood of you needing traction devices on a major highway, or even local roads, would be low. In addition, your maximum speed with the traction devices would be severely limited, and the chains would have to come off after better road conditions appear. To put it in perspective, I drove a 1991 Miata back and forth from DC to Chicago when I was in college. Nasty snow storms on some of those runs. No winter tires, no traction control, no ABS, no sand in the back to weigh the rears, and I did ok. I was an idiot, but I was ok...

 

[Tsuter]

The wheels are pretty tight to the struts up front, there's not much clearance there, out back is more open behind the tire and wheel. Have you thought about the textile type snow "chains"? Hose might give you enough clearance.

 

[airboyd]

Yeah, I'm looking at the ultra low profile ones. At some point I'll need to have them in the van for some of our annual travel for chains required to be carried areas. There is a super low profile one I'm lookin at and have asked the dealer.