Should Snow Chains on a 2012 Subaru Outback fit Front and Rear Axles

Updated 10/31/2018 | Published 10/30/2018

Question:

I am confused, and hope you can help. We are taking our 2012 Subaru Outback, towing a tear trailer, to Yosemite over New Years. Were required to have chains or a traction device with us. The Outback owners manual states that if we must a traction device, to use an SAE class S device, and use it on the front wheels only. BUT the video on eTrailer shows the cable chains being installed on the REAR tires. Which should we do? ALSO: do we need a set of chains for our trailer?

asked by: SARAH L

Expert Reply:

We always recommend that you follow the snow tire guidelines of the vehicle as listed in the owners manual but we found that in a lot of situations customers choose to not follow them so we are in an odd situation where we want to be helpful to the "real customers" and what they are choosing to do with their vehicles and our products, but also not get them in trouble with their vehicle manufacturer.

We found that the Glacier Cables part # PW1038 does fit on the front and rear tire of a 2012 Subaru Outback without any clearance issues as you can see in the install video you mentioned that is attached to this page. A single set of chains on the front axle of your vehicle would be your safest option that would get you around and be in compliance with the owners manual. But a second set on the back axle would also help with additional traction.

For the trailer you'll want to check with Yosemite area where you'll be to see what they recommend. We don't normally see people needing trailer tire chains but we've had a few people inquire about them so we know it's not a common need.

expert reply by: Jameson C