mule3010

2004.5 4x4,QC,LB,48RE. Do all trucks of this year have these little tiny tires if they have the plow package? I was told by dealer the small size was to allow additional clearance for tire chains. (245/70/17 bfgs)
Thanks,
Joe

Nuttymopar

Can't really help you as my 05 came with 265's. But I am assuming that Tire Chains really don't take up much space underneath that huge fenderwell. Maybe an extra 1" or a little more when you think they cling to the tire and then pull away from it alittle as you go down the road.

My 315's are much nicer on the truck now. Even now I have the room for the chains but don't know if they make them for that size. Haven't needed chains at all but I do not plow with it.

surfram

My truck has the snow plow prep option and came with 265/70/17 michelins. I replaced them with 285/70/17 BFG ATs.

Rob's Red Ram

Mule, If You have 245's You must have an ST model.SLT's come with 265's.I have an 2005 slt with plow pkg and have 265's.Rob.

sid325

Same here, 05 Laramie w/snow plow prep, 265/70R17E.

Sid

jkitterman

According to my 2003 owners manual, you need the 245 size for tire chain clearance if you want all 4 tires on a 4x4 model.

bbhzx12

Mine had the 265's as well, I went with 305 Pro Comp X A/T's, but technically with the same tread pattern the narrower tire is better for snow.

1sttruck

I'm still using the stock Michelin 245/70-17 tires (****** wheels as one lady said on one site) and use some studded 265/70-17 Cooper M&S as snow tires. I have a set of square link chains made by Laclede (speling ?) that fit both, are an 'alpine' chain or something available from les Schwab, and are an excellent chain. From looking at them I don't think that I'd want a much bigger tire for use with chains. A worst case condition would be bottoming while turning with a chain that has loosened, where you can do some potentially serious damage if the chain hits some of the stuff in the wheel well.

I haven't been in any snow where I've needed chains, but they have been essential during some of ice storms around here. I've seen 4wd Jeeps with BFG A/Ts stall on the hill in front of my house and start sliding backards, and after one ice storm overheard coworkers saying that even with chains they were sliding in their cars; obviously not conditions used for the commercials advertising how effective some SUV is in the winter :^) Once chained up the truck has excellent traction, as the square links with the weight really dig in. Thye'd be handy to have when going off road, in case you get stuck, as one sometimes sees heavy off road equipment with chains.