chain fitment with 215/75 15

[r.e.wing_fc3s]

thinking about some larger tires. 215 75 15. am concerned about chain clearance on the rear. using the s.a. 15' wheel. the chains im using are quite thick on the sides. anyone have any experience here?
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Reference Automotive: NW Washingtons Vanagon Specialist. (360)366-6965. referenceautomotive.com

[ThorAlex]

What tire do you have now, and what chains? Depending on what model/make and size your chains may not fit on a bigger tire... As for weather any chains will actually fit with that tire size i don't know, but I'd like to.
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1990 syncro 1.6TD "Smily"

Ex-vans:
1990 Caravelle coach 1.6TD
1986 Transporter Double cab syncro 2.1 112hp

"I'm wrong so often... It's great!" - Adam Savage

[IdahoDoug]

When designing a vehicle, the mfr checks wheelwell and body clearance for a set of traditional chains on the largest stock tire at full compression and extension, wheels at full lock, etc and max GVW. Sometimes it is quite close. When you change the wheel, tire you are in new territory so even if someone posts that they've used chains on their same tire - it may not be a good recommendation. It may simply be that they got lucky and did not hit a heavy bump at full load and snag the chain, break it and destroy a caliper, etc. In addition, you may have wheels with a different offset from the person who posts they will work. Or a different model (Syncro vs Carat vs Westy comes to mind). Lots of variables.

If you are a tire chain user, you should do the check yourself to be positive because the downside of the chain hitting is very bad, and the only guaranteed size that will accept chains would be the stock size.

DougM
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[dbcdad]

I use these on my syncro. I run 215-75-15 BFG all terrain 7x15 et 30
http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20Pages/Trac_WS.html
Whitestar Alloy
Meets S.A.E. Class "S" clearance requirements for passenger cars, pick-ups and SUVs!


Have Fun, david c
1987 Syncro

[Vango Conversions]

What size tires are you running now? The wheel offset is really important when considering if chains will fit or not.

I find that for occasional use, cables will get you out of a jam, or over a few passes, and they work just fine while needing much less clearance. If you're playing in the snow on a regular basis, that's a whole different story and you'll probably want real chains. The lip on the control arm can be ground down a bit for a little more clearance if needed.

Are you 2wd and just trying to keep a set of chains for the occasional time that you need them? Or are you 4wd who likes to play?

FWIW I'm running 215/70r16 on Audi wheels (I forget the offset or model audi at the moment, ET42 perhaps?) and there isn't enough clearance to even run cables. If I ran spacers and ground the lip on the control arm I probably could run cables but I'd also need to install longer studs and I'd also get more mud on the body. Not worth it for me right now but it might be come winter time.

[r.e.wing_fc3s]

dcbdad- did you need to use low clearance chains or is there still a good amount of room between the lip of the l.c.a. and the tire with chains mounted? what wheels? are you using spacers?

as i said in the o.g. post. im running vw oem s.a. steel wheels. current tire size is irrelevant.

and i have a 2wd auto that likes to play. with chains i can go just about anywhere my buddys modded syncro can go. all about the skillz
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Reference Automotive: NW Washingtons Vanagon Specialist. (360)366-6965. referenceautomotive.com

[jstar89crx]

Rewing
I am in Bellingham too and have 215-75-15 tires on my 2wd van. I need to see what brand they are but I have some aggressive chains that fit well that I once had to use for 110 miles straight thru a storm in Oregon. PM me and I can get you the info or you can come by and chat. When I ordered them I got the ones for this size tire but they ended up being too big so I had to exchange them for ones that said they wouldn't fit.
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86 Syncro, weekender carat interior, the rest is bone stock for now
SOLD:91 Westy, BEW TDI with VNT17 Turbo, water cooled intercooler, Malone Tune, taller 3rd and 4th.