Snow Chains on 2014 Explorer Limited with 20" Rims

[MustangJim1]

Going to the mountains here in Socal, which is expected to get a little snow so I might need chains or cables. The owner manual says on my 2014 Explorer Limited on page 370 that chains or cables can't be used on 20" tires. I can't believe the 1/2" wider tire makes such a difference that you can't even use cables? What about if I bought a spacer to bring the wheel out 3/4" or an 1"?????

Below are the tire dimensions!

2014 Explorer XLT Explorer Limited

245 – 60 - 18

255 – 60 - 20

Difference

Diameter inches (mm)

29.57

29.04

-0.54 -1.8%

Width inches (mm)

9.65

10.04

0.39 4.1%

Circum. inches (mm)

92.91

91.22

-1.69 - 1.8%

Sidewall Height inches (mm)

5.79

4.52

-1.27 -21.9%

Revolutions per mile (km)

681.94

694.6

12.67 1.9%

 

If you look at the above chart the Explorer Limited tolerances between the tires and wheel well are that tight... just a 1/2" wider tire (1/4" on inside and extra 1/4" on outside) makes it so you can't use snow cables or chains? Just seems unthinkable, especially with cables.

 

QUESTION:

 

1. Anyone know the reason for no snow chains or cable? Only thing I see is the STRUT which does seem close to the tire, maybe 1-2" away.

2. What if I put on a wheel spacer to add 3/4" to 1" away from strut. Will that work??? Spacers are usually used by people putting wide tires on

Thanks ahead of time.

Jim

[MustangJim1]

My table went haywire after I posted. Hopefully this one works.

 

Std XLT Explorer Limited
245/60-18 255/45-20 Difference
Diameter inches 29.57 29.04 -0.54 -1.8%
Width inches 9.65 10.04 0.39 4.1%
Circum. inches 92.91 91.22 -1.69 -1.8%
Sidewall Height inches 5.79 4.52 -1.27 -21.9%