Do I Need Chains on Both Dual Rear Wheels of my Truck or can I Just put Chains on the Outside Tires

Updated 02/13/2025 | Published 12/21/2010

Question:

do i put chains on all 4 rear wheels or just the 2 outer

asked by: Tom D

Expert Reply:

Depending on the application you could put snow chains on either just the two outside tires of your dual rear wheel axles, or you could put them on all four of the rear tires. My recommendation would be to get a set designed for dual tires.

If you were planning on using snow chains for towing something I would recommend you use a wide dual tire snow chain, but if you are just needing something for occasional use in the snow chains for the outside wheels would be sufficient.

I have attached an FAQ article on snow chains below that you might find informative also.

expert reply by: Jameson C

John O.

2/13/2025

It is recommended that you chain up both rear drive axles because there are a total of three differentials in the two axles allowing any of the four wheels to take the least path of resistance and of course spin if not chained up.