Can Tire Chains Be Used On a 2019 Chevy Traverse with 255/55-20 Tires

Updated 12/30/2020 | Published 12/28/2020

Question:

My family gifted me a set of PWH2828SC chains for xmas this year. My wife and I planned a trip up to Big Bear California fortunatly no snow, but we are planning a trip to Yosemite next month, and there is a real possibility of needing chains. To that end, I have a 2019 Chevy Traverse, AWD. I had added PWH2828SC to my wish list based on the information i found on your site, and i still see this item is supposed to work fine for this vehical. HOWEVER! I also just thought of looking up in the ower manual about what is recommended, and learned that Traverse owners with 255/55-20 wheel should not use chains at all. They only recommend it for vehicals with 18 wheels. I have already done a test fit on the backwheels of my car, and i guess they will work? just looking for an outside opinion with this new information. should i keep the chains i was given and use them on the back, and get a set of Class S for the front, Given the season and how 2020 is going, I have to expect that chains of some sort will be required in Yosemite national park. All-wheel-Drive will probably work for an R1 restriction in California, but R2 or higher will still require some sort of chains. any help appreciated. Sorry for the long e-mail.

asked by: Anton

Expert Reply:

It is pretty common for most vehicle manufactures to restrict the use of tire chains on their vehicles. This is more or less so they don't have to deal with issues associated them but as you have come to find out, certain areas actually require chains so you really don't have a choice but to use them.

That said, there will be limited clearance on a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse so class S is really a must. For this, I recommend the Konig Premium Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains part # TH02230K77 since they only sit on top of the tire.

expert reply by: Conner L