Max tire size with TIRE CHAINS on 3rd Gen

Here is a topic of conversation that I haven't seen discussed in all of the wheel and tire threads and lift kit threads that maybe someone will be able to share their experience on. What is the largest tire that you can run on a stock +60 offset wheel (mine are 18") with a 3/2 lift and still be able to use tire chains without rubbing? I regularly use tire chains when I am hunting and am looking to add a Dobinson 3/2 IMS lift and am trying to determine what size tire I can fit while also allowing for chains.

Based on what I have read on this forum, I was originally looking to use 285/75R18 (34.8x11.2) or 295/70R18 (34.3x11.6) tires, but then it dawned on me that I bet those won't fit very well with tire chains and the chains will catch and tear up the fenders. So has anyone run tire chains with a similar lift? What size tires are you using? Even if you don't have a lift I am interested to hear what size tire you run with chains. And even if you have aftermarket wheels I am interested to hear your experience.

I think there are two modes of "failure" - one due to diameter and the chain grabbing parts of the fender and tearing things up, and one due to the width of the tire and the chains not having enough space between the tire and the knuckle and/or upper control arm. I am curious to hear about your experience in regards to either of those modes.

I think I've seen it stated that the owner's manual states not to put tire chains on the front axle (I have not checked), but that is not the topic of this conversation.

 

No, you don't want to run chains on the front axle. If you feel the need to maybe a cable style chain so you don't have clearance issues. I see no clearance issues with chains on the rear.
Out of curiosity, where would you be driving that a quality off road (a/t or m/t, dedicated snow) tire and 4x4 (hi/low range) won't be enough? I don't even think @Eurodriver uses chains and if he doesn't need them you more than likely do not either.

 

Double stack some wheel spacers and go Whistlin diesel style!! and bonus you get to be a bro dozer for a day....but seriously maybe a set of wheel spacers before you go hunting to make sure you get clearance for the chains? Or a different offset wheel?

 

Deep snow, off-camber icy conditions, off-camber slick mud, steep-uphill snow with slick mud layer underneath, or I have even had to climb and descend steep hills that were sheer ice (it doesn't matter what your tire treads are). There are situations where tire chains on a street tire outperform even the most aggressive 37-40" tire. Tire chains provide good piece of mind for bad conditions. Especially when alone in the backcountry.

Yeah I might have to consider wheel spacers if I have issues with clearance to the knuckle or upper control arm. After looking at my truck, with stock tires I don't think there will be an issue with clearance, but I will have to try them to find out. But I would like to know what peoples' experiences have been with chains on larger tires.

 

If you are going that hard/big off-road in technical spots IMHO the tundra is the wrong vehicle.

 

One word "@Eurodriver"