I just read in my Owner's guide (page 250) that if your F150 has these particular sizes of tires, they say NOT to run chains!!?? What in the heck? I guess my brand new set of chains is going to get returned today. Is our only option to use a snow flake rated tire? Sizes that are not allowed to use chains... P265/60R/18, P275/65R18, LT275/70R17, LT275/65R18, LT315/70R17, P275/55R20, and P275/45R22. I'm sure it is clearance problems with all the traction and auto trac sensors.

 

Well isn't that all the tire options they offer?

If the traction control and Tire Pressure Monitoring systems are advanced enough to monitor the balance of the tires, maybe the chains will throw the balance off and trip the warning lights?

I don't know at all if the sensors have come that far yet, but it's a thought.

 

I would bet that cables would be ok.

 

I have the 275/65-R18s and I ran chains on my rear tires last winter when I went up in the mountains... No lights on and no problems. I have a 2010 Fx4 SCREW. Maybe the 2011s are different? I'll have to look in my manual... How in God's name are you supposed to drive in the snow without chains on these weeny stock tires they give you?

 

... and yet one more reason not to buy a truck that comes with all the fancy packages that come with the bigger rims/tire combos

Seriously though, i wouldn't hesitate to get a different size rim and tire that would clear chains if you REALLY need them. Get a true snow tire (snowflake) and hang chains when hunting ect..... that's what i'd do, for what it's worth.

 

My truck came with the cheap *** P235 75R 17's. I may upgrade to the size that's on my Expy when the time comes. P265 70R 17

 

Call me old fashion but what was wrong with 16" tires on a one ton and under truck? You might be saving rubber and you might think you look better but at the stuff you can't do. No chains that sucks if you are in some parts of the country. Skinner tires mean less bounce when you hit something (pot holes/curbs) more prone to blowouts. I was very happy with a 10 ply 16" 32" mudders. Chris

 

... and yet one more reason not to buy a truck that comes with all the fancy packages that come with the bigger rims/tire combos

I got an XLT..... nothing friggin fancy Meborder.

 

I'm thinking it's not a big concern of yours, but narrower tires are better in the snow.

given my druthers, i'd take the 235's over the 265's. overall diameter is the same, but with some grippy tires, those 235's would dig thru the mud and snow much better.

my plow truck wears 235/85/16's and the thing is almost unstopable. if i were buying a set of winter tires, Cooper ST's in a 235/75/17 would be high on my list. pin them with studs, point the truck, and drive.

food for thought.

 

i'd beg to differ.

if it ain't wearin' 17's then you bought a package that "upgraded" them to a size which won't allow you to run chains.

i've done my homework, any of the sized listed above are optional and for the reason of this thread alone should be avoided. tire size should be figgured into your purchase before you pull the trigger.

just saying .... just cauz it's an XLT don't mean it ain't friggin fancy ....

good luck to you!

 

Tow package.. and I tow more than I snow so it all works. I can easily use the Expy or F250 for snow.

 

your sig says "chrome and tow"

it is the chrome package that is screwing you here.

i call chrome fancy, that's just me.

the stock size for your truck is a 265/70/17, tow package or not.

if i couldn't get a truck without the chrome package, i'd ditch the chrome 18's and "downgrade" to the stock aluminum 17's..... again that's just me.

shoulda thought about this before you bought it .... again, that's just me.

 

Are you trying to get under my skin? You're not and I'm laughing. Portland gets about 1" of snow a year. Hardly a concern. My point was to show other people what I had not read in the manual so they were aware of it. I was surprised. This forum is a huge resource and I use it all the time. What we don't need is people trying to antagonize. Thanks for all your concern. I will be just fine with my fancy chrome package ... again that's just me.

 

Aah, good advice sir. In Maine where i'm from, most people run the smaller thinner tires for the very reasons you mention, plus they are a bit cheaper.

 

Bigger brakes require bigger wheels.