Actually, cable chains do fit with lots of room to spare. However one may still encounter limited speeds if the T/C kicks in, and cannot be turned off.

 

[QUOTE=whopper;872661]Actually, cable chains do fit with lots of room to spare. However one may still encounter limited speeds if the T/C kicks in, and cannot be turned off.[/QUOTE


Whopper,

Looking at Page 6-68 of my 2011 Owners Manual it has a "Warning"
It states,

"Do Not Use Tire Chains"....

It may be referring to regular chains not cable chains because further on in the Warning it states make sure there is adequate clearances if you install another type of traction device.

SF

 

Last year, snow fell in May.
Naturally, everyone has already changed in summer tires. I had a trip from the office to the house and I was stunned. To break through these traffic jams ... In the future, a fun trip and the risk of an accident is close to 100%.
The solution was found quickly - I went to the warehouse where we keep household supplies. There was a whole coil of nylon cord for packing boxes. I wrapped it on wheels like chains and drove home without any problems. The car clung tightly to the packed snow and did not hang in different directions.
The cord is thin but very strong, it does not interfere and does not engage the brake calipers.

 

My 2006 had a similar warning in it's owners manual - but ended it with:

Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your vehicle’s wheels. If you do find
traction devices that will fit, install them on the
front tires.

So yeah, they are probably referring to regular chains.
I love GM's last sentence in that paragraph - good thing, else I would have installed them on the radio :).
But cable chains had no problems at all on the stock sized tires on stock the 17"rims.

 

If you can do it with the 215/50R/17 then the 215/55R/16 are just a tad smaller in OA Diameter and should work as well.
I Guess Caution is the final word in this installation.

To be honest I Hate Chains as well......

I have never used them but installed many being in the business.
In the Old Days and Rear wheel vehicles, I always installed sawdust or walnut retread Firestone Town & Country tires and with some additional rear weight I could go most anywhere "all be it" there was nowhere near the traffic back then.
At a little later stage we ordered Posi Traction or No Spin on the light duty delivery trucks which did help some. No Spin was a disaster at times and you better have 2 tires the exact same size on the rear or else it got crazy letting off and on the gas pedal..

Silverfox