Snow Chains on the front wheels?

[F-150 Prius]

I just got a set of diamond pattern chains.
Test fit to rear wheels and I don't like the way the chain hangs over the wheel, but there's no adjustment on the back side to snug it down and center the chain on the tread pattern.
Perhaps others here have found better chains.
Does anyone know clever ways to wrap the chains to protect the wheel?
I wonder if there's any clearance or vulnerable parts which might might make fitting chains to the front wheels unsafe?

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[charmincarman]

Did you check to make sure it wouldn’t hit the suspension on the inside? That’s as an issue with my previous 2013 where it was actually recommended NOT to use chains (plenty did, but you had to drive slow not to let the chain slap). I haven’t taken the time to try my chains on since getting my rig last April.

 

[F-150 Prius]

Did you check to make sure it wouldn’t hit the suspension on the inside? That’s as an issue with my previous 2013 where it was actually recommended NOT to use chains (plenty did, but you had to drive slow not to let the chain slap). I haven’t taken the time to try my chains on since getting my rig last April.

I found an old set of 275/60-20 fitment diamond chains – very snug to fit, but they don't touch anything around the steering/suspension and the brake lines are safe. I have a small ramp to get the tire out of the snow to make it easier to install and snug the chain up around the contact patch .. then just drive forward a bit and adjust tension. If I'm stuck, already stuck in snow, one trick is to drop tire pressure (reduces the overall diameter of the tire under load) then fit the chains and then re-inflate (I carry a little "WORX" inflater … easy to add 10-20 psi quickly.)

 

[GoodSam]

p460 "Only use snow chains on the rear wheels.
Install snow chains in pairs. Do not use
self-tensioning snow chains.
Only use snow chains on 275/65R18 tire
size. Only install chains that are 15mm or
less (SAE Class S chains).
We recommend you use steel wheels of
the same size and specification if snow
chains are required because chains may
chip aluminum wheels."

Any thoughts on why only rear wheels (front wheels have minimal clearance due to steering?).
And only on 18" tires? Need to replace 20" wheels if encountering snow conditions?
And only on steel wheels? Are not there worthy plastic chains that would not chip 20" aluminum wheels?

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