Tire Chains for a 2017 Subaru Forester with 225/60-17 Tires

Question

Question:

Hello, Can you recommend snow chains for a 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i? I believe youve recommended the Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains #PW1042 with Rubber Adjusters #PW100 for older models- just wanted to check if this is still the best option for the 2017 too. My tire size is 225/60R17.

asked by: Paul

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for your 2017 Subaru Forester, "tire chains cannot be used on your vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body." However, we certainly understand certain states and conditions require the use of tire chains therefore, the choice is ultimately up to you whether or not you want to use them.

If you do decide to use tire chains on your Forester, the Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains part # PW1038 would be the correct size for your 225/60-17 tires. The Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains part # PW1042 are not confirmed to fit this size tire. For a set of rubber adjuster, the Glacier Multi-Arm Rubber Adjusters part # PW105 would work well for you.

We actually tested the above tire cables on a similar 2015 Subaru Forester with 255/60-17 tires and did not have any clearance issues when doing so but again cannot recommend you use them due to the owner's manual stating not to. I have attached this video for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Kip A.

11/6/2021

Greetings. I've read all the q/a at e-trailer on 2017 Subaru Forester cables, type S, and still feel in need of advice. We are driving to and from Mammoth Springs, Yellowstone Park in Feb. from Portland OR, with multiple days in Montana. We have Cooper all weather, siped tires and 1 set of Snow Socks. Would your Glacier cables be better (with the p104 tensioner)? Should we invest in full snow tires for the trip? BTW, the Forester manual clearly states "front wheels only." Thanks!

Reply

Les D.

11/9/2021

@KipA Let me try to answer your list of questions. Snow Chains/cables/etc. only go on the primary drive wheels. In this case the front. Because you are still concerned that you don't have enough information (after extensive reading) means that if you don't get snow chains/cables you are going to worry about it for your entire trip. Go ahead and pay for peace of mind. There may be other opportunities to use them. We don't know what weather you can expect in Yellowstone in February, but It can be bad. Just a cursory glance at a search engine mentioned there may be times you are REQUIRED to have snow chains if you are in the park. Cables are better than socks, and chains are better than cables. If you give me the tire size on your vehicle, I can recommend a set of chains.

Reply

Kip A.

11/9/2021

@LesD Thanks, Les. It seems the S cables are OK with Foresters, but I find no one suggesting a chain. Tires are 225/60-17. What do your recommend? Best, Kip

Reply

Les D.

11/11/2021

@KipA Conner already researched this in the article that you commented on. I would go with his recommendation for # PW105 cables. Good Luck with your trip I hope it is fantastic!

Reply

Answer 1

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and saw the same restrictions you did regarding the use of tire chains. We do have cable chains available that meet this requirement that will work well on…

view full answer...

Answer 2

For your 2013 Subaru Outback with 225/60-17 size tires, I recommend the Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains #PW1038. These chains are confirmed to fit the tire size on your vehicle and will do a nice job of providing traction during snowy and icy…

view full answer...

Answer 3

According to the owner's manual for the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek you cannot use tire chains on the vehicle. The problem with is that chains are required by law in some areas. This is the Tire Chain Paradox or Reno's Law. The bottom line…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The online edition of the manual for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek indicates on page 8-11 that low-profile S-Class spring chains can be used on the front tires only. Since a given tire chain is made to fit only certain specific tire sizes you will also…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Thanks for passing that on! I attached the install video for the #C56040 on the 23 Outback you mentioned as well.

view full answer...

Answer 6

I took a look at the online owner's manual for your 2016 Subaru Forester Premium. It did state that traditional tire chains cannot be used on this vehicle because of the lack of clearance between the tires and vehicle body. It does go on to state…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 8

There is not a locking device that comes with the Rhino-Rack Spare Tire Carrier #RSWH. That said, depending on if the wheel has any type of gap/hole/spoke in it you may be able to lock it to your carrier with a cable lock such as the etrailer 10'…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The correct ISSE Hybrid Snow Socks for a 2020 Subaru Forester with 225/55-18 tires is part #TCH70. The owner's manual as you stated recommends against using tire chains but does suggest alternative options which is where the snow socks come into…

view full answer...

Answer 10

For max tongue weight you will need to stay under the least rated component so even though the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98839 has a 525 lb tongue weight rating, I looked in the online owner's manual for your 2017 Subaru Forester XT and…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For your 2018 Subaru Forester XT I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch #76182 because it features a hidden design where only the receiver is visible beneath the vehicle. This provides you with a clean, OEM appearance unlike the…

view full answer...

Answer 12

To install the Curt hitch part #C13144 on your 2015 Subaru Forester you will need to permanently remove the rear heat shield. I attached the install video you referenced as well as instructions that detail how this is done. Heat shields like what…

view full answer...

Tire Chains for a 2017 Subaru Forester with 225/60-17 Tires

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching