What is the straight dope on snow chains these days? Chains, cables, straps? Need something to put in the 4Runner for the local SoCal mountains. Probably never be used, but the authorities do make sure you have them. And if I do have to use them, looking for something that won’t scratch up my TRD Pro Sema wheels.

Cables are fine. Chains may not play well with parts and wires. Like you said it'll get you past a chain check.

We have a second home on Big Bear Lake and I have been driving up there for 40 years. We rarely use chains 4wd vehicles. I can count two times that I have. They will waive 4wd vehicle with all terrain tires through, but it does make sense to carry chains.

Do not even bother with cables. They are a complete joke. I have rescued vehicles that were stuck using cable. The only chains you should consider are v-bar:

TIRE CHAINS-v bar-truck

Do internet searches for best price. Most tire chains are made in China these days. No getting around that. A good set of well fitted chains with adjusting cams will never need bungee cords and will never strike your fenders. They are also very easy to install.

I’m in Big Bear this weekend and it happens to be snowing now. I bought some cables in case I got asked about them but plan on returning them since I have bigger tires on the way. Thanks for the link for chains @CutthroatSlam .


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This seems like what I am looking for. I like the no bungee part.

One time I was up there working on the remodel of the home and I literally got snowed in. Two back-to-back storms dump 4’ of snow. Down the street to the west of us there is a rental home. The then renters made the mistake of turning down the drive to the east of us. They got stuck at the bottom after a steep portion and their cable chains were worthless. They were begging me to yank them out with my K2500 4wd diesel Suburban with chains. I assessed the situation and passed. I flagged down a guy in a 4wd caterpillar w/ chains clearing driveway and asked him to yank them up the driveway.

SoCal is not a good comp for snow driving. So many drivers inexperienced driving in snow. Every experienced snow driver will tell you that the greatest risk is the other drivers who don’t know what they’re doing.

Here is the type of chain with adjusting cams that I would recommend:

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Chai.../dp/B00JFSA1WU

Or these....

Truck and SUV Twist Link Tire Chain with V-Bar - Part no. 2828CV

For 275/70r17 tires I carry Peerless 0232805 chain. It is a requirement and good sense to have some chains. It is easy to put on. They work if needed.

The only reason you would need chains on a 4wd 4runner with decent tires is to go off road or up some insane steep private road in the snow.

you may think this is the case, but personal experience is that it is not...there are definitely scenarios where a 4wd 4runner needs chains that aren't off road or super steep private roads...i experienced one a few years ago in relatively flat geography

i understand that sometimes, in some states, a mud and snow tire on 4x4 will legally allow one to continue without carrying chains

i carry them in winter when travelling, usually both a v-type true chain and a cable chain...learned the lesson