Use of Tire Chains on a 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 10/19/2017 | Published 10/18/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - 1 Pair

(521)

$127.74

pewag Tire Chains w/ Cams - Ladder Pattern - Grooved Square Link - Assisted Tensioning - 1 Pair

(46)

$259.61

Question:

What type of snow chain are you recommending for a fifth wheel with ST235/80R16 tires? Is this tire size or chain cable going to be any different for a LT235/80R16 tire? By the way, should the chain be cable or metal, Z, V, ladder, or diamond pattern?

asked by: Jack

Helpful Expert Reply:

Tire chains are usually only placed on a tow vehicle, and then only on the drive wheels. We do not have any experience with using or recommending them for use on the tires of a 5th wheel trailer. This is something I would approach very cautiously and only after contacting the trailer maker for approval. Have your trailer VIN handy when you call them.

Chains vary in how much clearance they need within the fenders/wheel wells and this is an important consideration. Also, the specific tire size on a vehicle or trailer can affect whether or not chains can be used. Sometimes you are limited to low-profile S-Class chains which need less clearance. Some vehicles with larger dealer-option tires may not be able to use chains at all.

There may also be varying state laws concerning use of chains on trailer tires. Oregon, for example, has a requirement for what are sometimes called drag chains on 5th wheels.

All tire chains fit more than one tire size. There would be little difference in the fit of chains on special trailer and light truck tires both of the same 235/80R16 size. All of the chains we offer that will fit this tire size are shown on the linked page. A helpful article on tire chains is linked too.

I can tell you from training experience here at etrailer that tire chains differ enormously in how easy or difficult they are to install. And in truth the chains that are such a pain to install that you don't bother with them will be of little utility. Chains with features like automatic tensioning, quick-release, etc will tend to be easier to use and therefore may be more likely to actually get used when conditions require them.

Generally speaking a square link chain like # PWE2219SC will give best performance.

expert reply by: Adam R