Recommended Snow Chains for 235/55R18 Tires on 2014 Ford Escape

Question:

Which chains would you recommend for a 2014 ford escape titanium AWD that has 235/55r18 tires on it. I have all season tires which are good enough 99 of the time, but I live 30 miles from work at 9144ft driving through the mountains to get there....so sometimes steep and winding.... and at times bad ice and snow. This is a rough trip at 5mph on the really bad days. Mostly I work from home those days, but sometimes the weather rolls in faster than I can drive home. I am not a fan of autosocks... my first choice would be sub-s diamond chains 10mm clearance that you put over the tire, tighten, drive 15ft or so then retighen, then dont exceed 20mph.... and since it would only for the horrible days I would expect to get 2 sets. Thanks,

asked by: Robert B

Expert Reply:

For the 235/55-18 size tires on your 2014 Ford Escape I highly recommend the Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains # TC1555. These durable square link, diamond pattern chains use a really nice color coded system and integrated tensioners that combine to allow for a really simple install along with a snug fit over the tire. I have personally installed these chains and it really is an easy mounting process.

The chains are Class S rated, which means they are specifically designed for vehicles like your Escape that have limited wheel well clearance to work with. The links themselves are only 3.7mm thick.

The overall install instructions are pretty much exactly like you described; after installing the chains over the tires you will drive forwards a bit, retighten, and then you're on your way. The square links are going to do a really great job of providing the needed traction on those days where the weather doesn't comply with your work schedule.

I did also take a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your Escape and it states to only use chains on the front tires. This set does include two tire chains.

I have attached a short video demonstration that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Chris R