Chains are beefier than studded tires

I actually wish there was a product just like this that you could put on+take off as needed

With all that steel between road and suspension I bet the ride is nice and plush, lol.
The communities that prohibit or limit studded snow tires would just love dealing with these things. But they sure look like fun for driving around your own farm or closed-off roads.

5th Gen 4Runner here. I'm a member of the Colorado 4x4 Recovery Org. Often times we are out on the trails to recover someone stuck in the deep snow or pull some vehicle that's slid over the edge of an off camber snow cover trail. The jeeps that go on recoveries with us are always chained up on all four corners. In fact we are often told 4 chains are required. I've only ever chained up the rear on my 4Runner but am looking for a solution for the front as well. I'm wondering if cables on the front along with chains on the rear would work ok.

2014 4Runner
3" Bilstein lift
285/70R17 Falken M/T

In West Yellowstone, all the Yellowstone NP tour vans/buses use those. They don't plow the roads, only groom them like they do on a ski slope.

The Jeeps will laugh at you.

Good cable chains might help some, they will definitely help with ice, and they will help to some extent with snow, but not as much as ladder chains.

The problem with the ladder chains is clearance, or course. You would need a solid inch all around, at full lock, including between the tire and the UCA. IDK if we have that with 33 in tires.

God bless you and other members of your organization. What you all do is awesome. Thanks
Cables will be an improvement in traction upfront but they tend to break according to some.

I have run these at all 4 corners without any issues.

Snow Chains for Tires, Best Tire Chains, Truck Tire Chains

I’ve always heard war stories about front chains/cables cutting brake lines...

: ) But they don't look as rugged as chains, so people sleep on it.

The theory with the wool socks is easily replicated.

Question for you - as I'll be out in CO a little this winter. I've got a tire, (Toyo ATIII) thats snow rated, and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol.

If there is plenty of tread, does that meet the requirement when the road signs mandate chains? Or do chains mean chains / straps / auto socks?

https://lacledechain.com/wp-content/...Chain-Laws.pdf

They normally don't require passenger vehicles to chainup . If the weather is really bad they normally shut down the tunnels and passes. I would carry chains for when you are on back roads cause they get steep and icy in the mountains. Give big rigs a wide birth and don't cut em off specially when going down steep hills.

'Cdot..gov'
Code 15/Passenger Traction Law: All motorists are required to either have an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle, or (for two-wheel drive vehicles) snow tires or all-weather tires with a mud/snow designation. Tread depth on all tires must be at least 3/16" regardless of vehicle type. Vehicles that do not meet these criteria must carry chain devices or alternative traction devices. The law focuses on passenger vehicles, as commercial vehicles have their own restrictions. It is unlawful to proceed when a state highway is closed or to proceed when a restriction is in effect without the required traction equipment. Violators will be given a citation, which comes with a $100 fine and $32 surcharge. That jumps to a $500 fine with a $156 surcharge if a violation results in the closure of one or more traffic lanes.

Code 16/Passenger Chain Law: All passenger vehicles need chains, except for 4WD and AWD vehicles with all-weather tires with 3/16 inch tread depth.

I like the concept of the "socks", but are they better than 3-flake tires? I assume they are targeted mostly at drivers with no-flake tires (hmm...)

I'm betting on clearance problems with most anything on the front. I recently installed studded snows. Nokian, something I can't pronounce, 10 SUV tyre.
265/70/17 and when I turn the wheel full lock right the studs just kiss the front inner fender. Most noticeable when in reverse. The first time it happened it really startled me. I figure the studs will eventually modify the plastic flap as needed. No issue with left turns.