Yossam

What is the reason that chains can not be used on 03s?

Ramflasher

Hmmm...that is news to me. What makes you think that? I've seen chains on about every kind of rig around...growing up in montana, chains were always with me.

Yossam

When I bought the truck I had to sign a disclaimer that the truck could not be operated with chains. It did not give a reason.

snowman

hmmm...Now that is very interesting. I see no reason why chains would ever cause a problem with any drive train function. I would have more worries with an all-wheel drive vehicle, and even then I would not be worried. It can’t have anything to do with power or weight (i.e. tractor trailers, school buses). Someone at a dealership here has got to have that answer. I would not worry about using Tire-chains as long as they are put on correctly. However, I hoping someone on here would say why you would be required to sign a document say that you would not attach tire chains on you pickup. You should have received a carbon copy, if so it would be awesome if you could post a copy of it. Depending on where you live in Cali, it could be just some stupid Cali county regulation.

Kyle

Yossam

I was wondering if they ment that cables were ok but not chains.
Or if it had to do with the clearance on the rear caliper.

pwabbott

In my 2003 Owner's Manual on pages 222 & 223 it states:

"Tire Chains
Use "Class U" chains on 2500/3500 Ram Trucks, or other traction aids that meet SAE Type "U" specifications."

It then goes on to state some exceptions for on the front wheels of 4x4 trucks depending on tire size. All 2003 Ram Trucks are permitted to use chains on the rear wheels, not all 4x4 trucks may use chains may use chains on front wheels.

Is you were required to sign a waiver, it was probably because you had purchased a truck where you were not permitted to use chains on the front tires.

When all else fails, read the instructions!

8)

SuperGewl

The reason for NO CHAINS is the lack of clearance.
With chains on and making a turn you will tear up the wheel well and associated hardware that up there.

bulabula

[quote author=Yossam link=board=17;threadid=22868;start=0#msg214236 date=1069811477]
When I bought the truck I had to sign a disclaimer that the truck could not be operated with chains. It did not give a reason.[/quote]Was this disclaimer a "dealer" generated document? I never saw one from my dealer.

westcoaster

My manual is conflicted... it states in one part chains are permitted and on the same page chains are not permitted due to lack of clearance. It depends a large part on the tire size you got with your truck.

pwabbott

There is a clearance problem in the front with certain sizes of tires. All trucks can use tire chains on rear wheels if the tires installed are factory recommended sizes.

In some of our most severe Sierra Snow Storms they stop all traffic except 4x4s with chains installed both front and rear. In only one storm in 9 years this was the case. The traffic was escorted by a CHP 4x4 at under 20 mph for some 40 miles. The trip took some 3 hours as the caravan had several stops waiting CalTrans equipment. This storm lasted for 72 hour. Usually all traffic is stopped when conditions will not permit 4x2s with chains on rear axles or 4x4s with agressive tread to proceed. All 2003/04 Rams would be permitted under these conditions.

Most road closures on US-50 over Echo Summit, between here and Lake Tahoe are due to white-out conditions or avalanche danger, not due to need for traction devices.

ppodpearson

I asked about the form when I bought my '04 PU 2500 Cummins 4X4 Off Road Package on Saturday. The dealer guy said it was just a California thing. Didn't know why. I had to sign the same form in 97 when I bought my 97 Buick Regal (front wheel drive which I understood) and 03 Jeep Liberty Limited. Bought cables for the Liberty, and am buying chains for the PU.

pwabbott

[quote author=ppodpearson link=board=17;threadid=22868;start=0#msg214650 date=1069895690]
I asked about the form when I bought my '04 PU 2500 Cummins 4X4 Off Road Package on Saturday. The dealer guy said it was just a California thing. Didn't know why. I had to sign the same form in 97 when I bought my 97 Buick Regal (front wheel drive which I understood) and 03 Jeep Liberty Limited. Bought cables for the Liberty, and am buying chains for the PU.
[/quote]

I don't believe it is a California "thing" (the form). I have not had to sign, or even seen such a form. I have purchased three vehicles since my retirement to No. California, Grand Cherokee, 98 Ram, and 2003 Ram. Never had to sign such a form. It is probably a group of dealers who sell primarily to "flat-landers". They may have had some law suits and are just trying to cover their posteriors.

Raspy

Sierra Phil,

I read the same tire chain blurb in the manual that you did. I don't know what "U" rated means. Do you? I looked at some chains at the auto parts store and saw some were rated "S" but no "U". Hmmm.

Wetspirit

98720

You can use Class "S" tire chains in place of the heavier Class "W" or Class "U", but they won't last as long due to the smaller size and lighter materials used. If you are running stock tires (LT265/70-R17) you should be fine, but if you upgraded to larger tires (i.e. 315s) I would not recommend running any chains.

S.A.E. Class "S": Passenger cable chains or tire chains for vehicles with restricted wheel well clearances.

S.A.E. Class "W": Passenger tire chains that use light truck components, as well as some light truck chains.

S.A.E. Class "U": Regular (non-reinforced) and lug reinforced tire chains for vehicles with regular (non-restricted) wheel well clearances.

DF5152

just some food for thought if you are in an area that gets snow and they declair a snow emergency usually u cant drive the intersate without the use of chains or a studed tire (studed tires are illegal in some areas)