König K-SUMMIT XL Tire Chains

[The Critic]

My sister is in the market for a pair of snow chains for her 2025 Forester Touring. I doubt she will need them but it is good to have a set on-hand for "compliance reasons" should chain controls be in place.

Her tire size is 235/50-19. Subaru sternly warns against using any chains due to clearance issues, but I found this pair of chains from König that appears to solve the clearance issue:

(Photo source: https://www.amazon.com/Thule-K-Summ...text&ref_=fplfs&smid=AP3VA1GJZM3EQ&gQT=2&th=1)

Link to mfg: https://www.konigchain.com/shop/catalog/product/view/id/65627

These chains use a very unique securing mechanism that eliminates the typical clearance issues, but it sounds like the design is prone to installation error. I have seen some mixed feedback on the Tesla forums, mainly due to product failure from incorrect installation.

Does anyone have experience with this particular product?

 

[Astro14]

Watched the video - cool idea. Appear to be easy to install…but, oof, $350 for “compliance”?

IF she were to be installing them frequently, the ease with which they go on would be an advantage, but in this case, I might go conventional chains, for about 1/4 of the price.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

LOL at Subaru not giving enough clearance for chains, given their target demographic

Do those snow socks comply with the chain rules?

 

[benjamming]

Where would you get them from?
What is the performance difference between that K-Summit XL model & this SUV 250 besides 0mm vs 10mm clearance, respectively?

 

[Jerrysends]

I buy my "compliance " chains for $5 at the thrift store. Never going to chain up my AWD vehicle that has snow tires on all 4.

 

[D60]

Does CA really require chains for noncommercial vehicles??

Even my '07 F150 can't accept chains. They won't clear the rear outboard mounted shocks. I don't recall if they cleared up front, but I don't think so.

 

[D60]

I watched the vid and I'm confused -- had they already removed a lugnut or lug bolt? What was she threading into?

Is that Audi lug bolts??

Also, clearance between that fender at rear of wheel well is minimal. If that went wonky when she first pulled forward....ouch! You almost need a spotter as you gingerly get them seated

 

[The Critic]

Does CA really require chains for noncommercial vehicles??

https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-dr...Three Levels of,by vehicles using snow tires.

 

[D60]

^^^^in the land of spray tans and Gubernor Hair Spray. Wow! I notice they don't say you actually have to know how to install said chains. "Ewwww, that's like, dirty and stuff! So ratchet!"

That's awesome!! I got my good laugh for the day!

 

[The Critic]

Found some feedback on the Konig chains from the Tesla crowd. Seems like they're usable but sizing can be very finicky.

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/posts/6475530/

I also assume that Tesla has done some level of testing on them if they're being sold on the official Tesla site as an accessory.

Where would you get them from?
What is the performance difference between that K-Summit XL model & this SUV 250 besides 0mm vs 10mm clearance, respectively?

Amazon sells them.
Mainly the clearance -- 0mm is the selling point here.

 

[meep]

The smaller narrow cable type would be a safer bet IMO. I can see a few rowdy traction moments prying this one free.