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Adding Links to Tire Chains and Recommended Tire Chains for 2017 Subaru Outback  

Updated 01/02/2018 | Published 12/30/2017



Question:

Tire Chains: I purchased some ladder style v-bar chains years ago for my truck not sure brand. They fit a wide variety of tire sizes, so I ultimately cut off some excess links to reduce all the risk on the inside of the tire with excess links rattling around as I have a 2008 Ram 1500 and the brake line is super exposed. Anyhow, I have since changed my tires exact same size: 285/70/17, but different make...went from BFG ATs to Goodyear Duratrac and these are a touch wider as the chains now dont fit... My question is can I buy some extra chain links from the hardware store...the kind that have a screw-type fastner to make the chains longer. My guess is that it will only be a few links on the inside and I should be fine? Second question: Best chain option for the front of my 2017 Subaru Outback. there is very little clearance and the manual says no chains...but would like to have some. thanks

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Expert Reply:

Depending on the type of tire chains you have, you may be able to add a few links on the inside to better fit your wider tires. As long as you have the proper tools and make sure the added width and links don't interfere with the truck's brake line, this should work just fine. Please note though that making any alterations like this will likely void the warranty on the chains.

With that being said, since it sounds like you have been using these chains for a while, it may be time for a new set. I recommend looking at the Titan Chain Snow Tire Chains # TC3829CAM for your Ram. These are confirmed to fit your 285/70-17 sized tires and feature a similar design to your existing chains. This ladder style chain has v-bar studs that bite into the ice and snow to give you superior traction. You might also be interested in adding adjusters like the Titan # TCMA2 to give you an even better fit.

Then for your 2017 Subaru Outback, I recommend going with a cable snow tire chain, which will offer the best clearance for your vehicle. If you have 225/60-18 sized tires, I recommend the Glacier Cable Snow Tire Chains # PW1046 and if you have 225/65-17 sized tires, I recommend the Glacier # PW1042. These are ladder style cable chains that will install quickly and easily. They are Class S compatible, meaning they are designed specifically for vehicles like this one that have limited wheel-well clearance. The rubber adjusters # PW105 can be added to either set for a more secure and tight fit.

I also took a look at the online owner's manual for your Outback and read the same disclaimer you mentioned regarding the use of tire chains. However, it does go on to say that when tire chains cannot be used, you may use another type of traction device such as spring chains. It states that any traction device should also be Class S compatible. The above mentioned cable chains are constructed of wire cross cables with spring rollers wrapped around them, so they are actually considered spring style chains and would be acceptable to use.

I have attached a few video demonstrations on these products that you can also take a look at.

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Chris R
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