Fourth Generation 1500 and tire chains

[HerbW]

Hi. My neighbor wanted to put chains on his 1500 half ton Ram and the tire dealer told him he can't due to clearances. He has stock tires. They wanted him to buy studs I'll bet. I have a 1500 ecodiesel with stock 17" wheels and tires but haven't tried my chains on it from my 2007 Mega Cab. Can I use chains? I have also cable chains that should fit fine. Any thoughts? We are living in freezing rain now and it's slick! Thanks

 

[Newsa]

Never heard of a 4x4 that doesn't have clearance for chains. The 2500/3500 4x4's seem to have a bit more clearance than the 4x2's .

This was an issue when looking at the Ram HD's on the lot. The bumper of a 4x4 seemed about 2 inches higher than a 4x2. My girlfriend wanted a 4x2 because she has limited use of her legs and was concerned about the extra 2 in height. But I convinced her that she could handle the extra 2 inches. Since we bought the truck, she has become happy with the 4x4.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Make sure your chain part number is spec'd for the tire of the 1500. They are not a one size fits all even though one chain size will fit quite a few different tire sizes.

I just looked at my MiL's 1500 and it would be tight to run chains and with how little room there is around the wheel wells.....it would be very easy to suffer damage from a poorly fitted or a broken chain. Be careful!

 

[sag2]

I have a set of cables for my 2014 1500 with 275 60R20 stock tires. I have run chains on virtually all of my FCA vehicles, many that said not to because of clearance. However I run tensioners even with cables and always keep them tight. I also zip tie any lose ends that might have a chance to work lose.
Get chains that fit, keep them tight, and most of all pay attention.