Tire Chains for a 2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ with 275/55-20 Tires

Question:

Hello. I have a 2x4 2007 Chevy Tahoe LTZ that I need to buy chains for. The owners manual says to not use chains on it due to a clearance issue. The clearance around the wheel well looks fine, so I am guessing that the clearance issue must be behind the tire. The tire size is 275/55 R20. Are there any low clearance chains that are designed to work on a low clearance vehicle such as this? I was looking at the Thule Premium self tension chains because they don’t cover the back of the tire, but it looks like those won’t fit. I tried calling 3 different Chevy dealerships, and they all proved to be useless. It blows my mind that Chevy would design an SUV like this. Anyway, is there anything that will work? Thanks!

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

The issue you are experiencing is not uncommon even on larger vehicles like your 2007 Chevy Tahoe and even some trucks with certain tire sizes. The fact of the matter is that sometimes chains are required by law and there is no way a dealer or car manufacturer can force you to break the law.

With that said there are chains that do not wrap around the backs of the tires which is likely where the clearance issue is but none of those fit your 275/55-20 tire size. The closest is # TH02230K77.

Otherwise your best option is to use Class S rated chains such as # TC2327. Class S chains will fit a minimum of 1.46" (37 mm) between the top of the tire tread and the wheel well and at least 0.59" (15 mm) between the tire's sidewall and the vehicle itself or any component in the area.

expert reply by: Michael H