Yes, I am very familiar with this but was just confused/surprised/amused by the state's disclaimer, when in fact chains are actually permitted as an S-class device in the manual. This is why it appeared to be a "CA thing," and not a "Jeep thing," at least for my 2-door Sport. Not an issue for me now anyway, as I recently moved to NV, where it is snowing heavily at the moment...and no chain disclaimer!I direct you to page 418 of the 2021 JL user manual, that talks about "snow traction devices"
SAE "S Class" is a classification for measuring clearance of tire chains (and other "snow traction devices.") At the "S Class" level, there's enough room that some actual literal tire chains meet this clearance classification. As you see in column 3, it is recommended for use only on Sport with the 245/75R17 Tire. For all other configurations and tire sizes, the Owners Manual is recommending against tire chains, and instead the use of "Autosock."
"Autosock" meets the California requirement for "tire chains" when installed whenever chains are required.
Based on these facts, you were given a disclosure telling not to use actual literal tire chains, and instead use the "snow traction devices" recommended in the owners manual.
Despite all the other nonsense in this thread, there's nothing in CA vehicle code preventing the use of actual literal tire chains, and I saw more of them than I can count on the road just this evening. All of which had to drive through a Caltrans inspection checkpoint.
When my buddy and I used to drive a 2wd toyota P/U to go skiing we would try to stop at the chain control and get our chains on before anyone else pulled out of line. We could easily do it in less than three minutes.
They probably have to rate for all suspension scenarios. The tire can get somewhat close to the fender liners on a stock Rubicon under extreme flex, and I can see how there wouldn't be much room for chains.
Studs can't be beat on ice. We used to ice race in MT. I always have a set of 4 studded tire. But studs don't do any good in deep snow. Having done over 100 deep snow recoveries, fully aired up skinny tires + chains is the ultimate in deep snow.
I like to drive slowly 100 yard and check/tighten up the chains. Rinse, repeat.
Good point. And this 2018 JLUR Wrangler pulled a semi truck out of a ditch in the snow without chains on the tires.if you need chains on a Jeep Wrangler you have the wrong tires.......just sayin
No, I purchased them and had them in my vehicle but didn't need to use them. Driving in 4H was good enough as I made my way through multiple snowstorms. Did see some other vehicles on the road use them, including a semi!
Were you flexed? I assume manufacturers have to rate it for every suspension condition. The JL can get it's tires pretty close to the fender liners, which is normally a plus... but not in this case.
Or there's something perfectly reasonable and we can stop trying to make fucking tire chains political.
