User Tag List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 12-14-2020, 02:15 PM #1
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
Snow chains on front tires?

I've got a 2020 4Runner and replaced tires with Falken WildPeak A/T3W in stock size, though they're naturally slightly larger in diameter.

Looking at the owner's manual, it states "Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on the front tires."

Yesterday I did a bit of mountain road driving, had somewhat basic chains on my rear tires (want to get better ones!) but not having them on my front tires felt... not so great. I ended up sliding sideway on a hill, which I firmly believe wouldn't have happened with chains on the front.

Anyone running chains on the front? Any precautions or things to note? I imagine it has to do with clearance issues in the front, but shouldn't the 4runner wheel well have "plenty" of space, especially compared to the compact/luxury crossovers that have almost none?
kaitlyn2004 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 02:22 PM #2
mteolus's Avatar
mteolus mteolus is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,509
mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold
mteolus mteolus is offline
Senior Member
mteolus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,509
mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold
I am guessing because you will fishtail with no chains on the rear. Best case is to put chains on all 4.
__________________
2017 Off-road Premium w KDSS, moon roof, sliding rear cargo deck,3" Toytech Boss lift, SPC upper control arms, Sonoran Steel High Articulation KDSS Trac/PanHard Bar, RCI sliders, RCI skid plates aluminum including gas tank, C4 Fab diff skid plate, SCS Ray 10 Wheels Matte Gray, 285/70R17 Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 E-load RWL, Cali Raised LED 3x2 fog-light pods, Lock'r Down EXxtreme console safe with electronic lock, Auto Heat Shield all windows, Raingler rear cargo net, Canvasback rear covers, LFD Off-Road cross bars aluminum, LFD Hybrid bumper, LFD wind fairing, LFD Hi-lift jack mounts, Goat Armor, Blackgate Custom KDSS spacers, Ironman 2.5 awning with quick release mounts, Ironman 12,000 lb synthetic line winch.
mteolus is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 02:28 PM #3
ahtoxa11 ahtoxa11 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 344
ahtoxa11 has a spectacular aura about ahtoxa11 has a spectacular aura about ahtoxa11 has a spectacular aura about
ahtoxa11 ahtoxa11 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 344
ahtoxa11 has a spectacular aura about ahtoxa11 has a spectacular aura about ahtoxa11 has a spectacular aura about
There is actually not a lot of clearance between the tire and the mud flap on the front, even with stock-sized tires when the wheels are turned. If you remove the front mudflap and carefully check clearance, you should be OK. Toyota is stating this mainly due to the exact reasons you mentioned - not all tires are of equal actual size, even if they are listed as the same size on the sidewall.
ahtoxa11 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 02:50 PM #4
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by ahtoxa11 View Post
There is actually not a lot of clearance between the tire and the mud flap on the front, even with stock-sized tires when the wheels are turned. If you remove the front mudflap and carefully check clearance, you should be OK. Toyota is stating this mainly due to the exact reasons you mentioned - not all tires are of equal actual size, even if they are listed as the same size on the sidewall.
I put up a video of the one major slide I had:
Watch this story by Kaitlyn McLachlan on Instagram before it disappears.

Now the rest of it was... manageable, but I definitely didn't enjoy not feeling like I didn't have full, reliable traction.

I don't know if I could have changed any driving settings or my driving behavior (maybe), but would certainly love to be able to have better traction on the front...

I've seen some (crazy expensive) options that don't have any chain connection around the inside of the tire (konig/thule k-summit) but it sounds like there is still clearance issues around the diameter of the tire...
kaitlyn2004 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 03:21 PM #5
SpeedyKevin's Avatar
SpeedyKevin SpeedyKevin is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 975
SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold
SpeedyKevin SpeedyKevin is offline
Member
SpeedyKevin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 975
SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold SpeedyKevin is a splendid one to behold
Have only had to put on my chains maybe once or twice on the 4runner (mountain roads in R3 conditions or whiteout conditions in Wyoming and Montana). I put them on the rear and had no issues. However, if I had to put them on the front, there is quite a bit of clearance issues with my 285 mud tires. I removed mud flaps and can barely clear them. If I had cables, that could probably fit but in my mind, if I need to chain all 4 for on-road driving, then I probably should just stay home haha.
__________________
2019 ORP - KDSS, Dobinsons C59-302/GS59-700 front and C59-725/IMS59-50701 rear, Dobinsons UCA, DuroBump/Daystar bumpstops, Sonoran Steel High Articulation tracbar, Marlin Crawler LCA frame brace, OGS Lo-Key Bumper w/ Warn VR EVO 10-S, RCI Sliders, fully armored with RCI/C4/Outgear Solutions skids, Falken Wildpeak M/T 285/70/17, LFD SS-Crossbars, ARB breather kit (Rear Diff and Locker), ScanGaugeII, Anytime Front/Backup Camera, onboard ARB Twin compressor MORRFlate kit, and DD SS3 Sport fogs

Last edited by SpeedyKevin; 12-14-2020 at 03:25 PM.
SpeedyKevin is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 03:22 PM #6
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeedyKevin View Post
Have only had to put on my chains maybe once or twice on the 4runner (R3 conditions). I put them on the rear and had no issues. However, if I had to put them on the front, there is quite a bit of clearance issues with my 285s. I removed mud flaps and can barely clear them. If I had cables, that could probably fit but in my mind, if I need to chain all 4 for on-road driving, then I probably should just stay home haha.
This was on an unmanaged forestry road
kaitlyn2004 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 04:23 PM #7
mustangr2 mustangr2 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 266
mustangr2 will become famous soon enough
mustangr2 mustangr2 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 266
mustangr2 will become famous soon enough
Must have been some decent snow. I have never had a problem with traction in the snow with my falkens. I have cables for my 4runner but never had to use them.
mustangr2 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 04:32 PM #8
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by mustangr2 View Post
Must have been some decent snow. I have never had a problem with traction in the snow with my falkens. I have cables for my 4runner but never had to use them.
Posted a link to the video of one slide - it was let about amount of snow and more about some compacted+icy snow, plus hill.

Here in the PNW, our snow is a lot heavier/wetter... gets icy quite easily
kaitlyn2004 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 04:43 PM #9
ElectroBoy ElectroBoy is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,247
Real Name: Mark
ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future
ElectroBoy ElectroBoy is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,247
Real Name: Mark
ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future
I think this video answers your question, why no chains chairs on front tires of the 4runner.
Read the description text below the video.
The gist:
1. In deep snow the front end rides up on the packed snow and you lose front traction. Front chains now are useless.
2. When turning the steering wheel there is some flex in the suspension and you can contact fenders and brake lines.
3. Toyota recommends against it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7_4_K9hmY&feature=youtu.be
ElectroBoy is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 04:54 PM #10
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by ElectroBoy View Post
I think this video answers your question, why no chains chairs on front tires of the 4runner.
Read the description text below the video.
The gist:
1. In deep snow the front end rides up on the packed snow and you lose front traction. Front chains now are useless.
2. When turning the steering wheel there is some flex in the suspension and you can contact fenders and brake lines.
3. Toyota recommends against it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7_4_K9hmY&feature=youtu.be
Haha there really is a youtube video for everything!

I was mostly aware of the brake line concerns, but yeah the skid acting as a plow/lifter is interesting anyway.

Although to be fair, I think MOST of the time I'll be dealing with slick roads over deep snow
kaitlyn2004 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 05:24 PM #11
naut_blurple naut_blurple is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: South Bend, IN
Posts: 55
naut_blurple is on a distinguished road
naut_blurple naut_blurple is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: South Bend, IN
Posts: 55
naut_blurple is on a distinguished road
Are snow tires an option? If you haven’t tried them, it’s quite impressive the difference they make. Even compared to an AT.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
naut_blurple is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 05:32 PM #12
ElectroBoy ElectroBoy is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,247
Real Name: Mark
ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future
ElectroBoy ElectroBoy is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 2,247
Real Name: Mark
ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future ElectroBoy has a brilliant future
Quote:
Originally Posted by kaitlyn2004 View Post
Haha there really is a youtube video for everything!

I was mostly aware of the brake line concerns, but yeah the skid acting as a plow/lifter is interesting anyway.

Although to be fair, I think MOST of the time I'll be dealing with slick roads over deep snow
Yeah, unless you’re in a bulldozer, driving on ice or slippery hard pack is really tricky. Especially on an off-camber incline. You have to experiment in each situation. Generally slow speed, no stabbing the brakes, and no tire spinning works best. Keep the tires rolling not sliding.

People think that “pizza cutter” thin tires will slice down through snow and ice to the road surface better than an OEM size. Or that big wide tires with big lugs will either “float” on the snow better or dig in and grip better. Maybe in certain snow conditions they will, like slush on pavement. But what I’ve seen on not-too-deep snow covering an icy/hardpacked road is that when going slow the tire lugs fill with snow and that provides a little extra grip on the ice. And if you go slow and don’t spin the tires much you make progress.

And whatever you do, don’t use tire cables. Maybe the latest versions are better and stronger. But I’ve broken and lost two of them on a FWD sedan, they failed just by normal driving.
ElectroBoy is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 05:39 PM #13
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
kaitlyn2004 kaitlyn2004 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 311
kaitlyn2004 will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by ElectroBoy View Post
Yeah, unless you’re in a bulldozer, driving on ice or slippery hard pack is really tricky. Especially on an off-camber incline. You have to experiment in each situation. Generally slow speed, no stabbing the brakes, and no tire spinning works best. Keep the tires rolling not sliding.

People think that “pizza cutter” thin tires will slice down through snow and ice to the road surface better than an OEM size. Or that big wide tires with big lugs will either “float” on the snow better or dig in and grip better. Maybe in certain snow conditions they will, like slush on pavement. But what I’ve seen on not-too-deep snow covering an icy/hardpacked road is that when going slow the tire lugs fill with snow and that provides a little extra grip on the ice. And if you go slow and don’t spin the tires much you make progress.

And whatever you do, don’t use tire cables. Maybe the latest versions are better and stronger. But I’ve broken and lost two of them on a FWD sedan, they failed just by normal driving.
Yeah would definitely love to try out various scenarios although I wasn't keen on doing it there! I wondering about giving it a touch of gas and trying to actually get some control, but although the tires probably would have propelled me forward I seemed to still have zero steering control...

Was mostly concerned about ditch at bottom of hill, but yeah if I could find a more open, safe hill in similar conditions to try various techniques on... def look forward to that!
kaitlyn2004 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 05:40 PM #14
mteolus's Avatar
mteolus mteolus is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,509
mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold
mteolus mteolus is offline
Senior Member
mteolus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,509
mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold mteolus is a splendid one to behold
That video was pretty lame IMHO. You would want to put chains on a 4Runner in icy conditions. Claiming chains don't help going through deep snow is pretty obvious. I am pretty sure like others have said it is the clearance issues that is the main problem.
__________________
2017 Off-road Premium w KDSS, moon roof, sliding rear cargo deck,3" Toytech Boss lift, SPC upper control arms, Sonoran Steel High Articulation KDSS Trac/PanHard Bar, RCI sliders, RCI skid plates aluminum including gas tank, C4 Fab diff skid plate, SCS Ray 10 Wheels Matte Gray, 285/70R17 Hankook Dynapro AT2 RF11 E-load RWL, Cali Raised LED 3x2 fog-light pods, Lock'r Down EXxtreme console safe with electronic lock, Auto Heat Shield all windows, Raingler rear cargo net, Canvasback rear covers, LFD Off-Road cross bars aluminum, LFD Hybrid bumper, LFD wind fairing, LFD Hi-lift jack mounts, Goat Armor, Blackgate Custom KDSS spacers, Ironman 2.5 awning with quick release mounts, Ironman 12,000 lb synthetic line winch.
mteolus is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 12-14-2020, 06:04 PM #15
El Dusty's Avatar
El Dusty El Dusty is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 285
El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about
El Dusty El Dusty is offline
Member
El Dusty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Denver
Posts: 285
El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about El Dusty has a spectacular aura about
Quote:
Originally Posted by kaitlyn2004 View Post
I've seen some (crazy expensive) options that don't have any chain connection around the inside of the tire (konig/thule k-summit) but it sounds like there is still clearance issues around the diameter of the tire...
I would probably second the snow tires seeing as you are up in Canada but there are alternatives to snow chains as well.

AutoSock - Better Than the Best Tire Chains - Shop Tire & Snow Socks

Im not sure the laws up there but in Colorado the DOT can implement traction laws during bad conditions. As of 2019, when things get really bad they can implement a passenger vehicle chain law which requires all vehilces to have chains or traction devices on all drive wheels. I picked up 2 pairs of autosocks this year to make sure I am covered for ski season but haven't used them. They are worth looking at if you still want to have fun in your ATs and have an easy install option. Obviously chains are still king for snow wheeling.
El Dusty is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Tags
chains , front , install , tire , tires

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Snow country people will 265/75R16 tires rub with snow chains? Benski 3rd gen T4Rs 9 01-24-2016 04:13 PM
snow chains on front: Thule XG-12 Pro ... Ridgehiker 5th gen T4Rs 13 02-11-2014 01:57 PM
Cheap used snow tires and rims or chains, which would you buy first? dbsoundman 3rd gen T4Rs 22 01-05-2013 09:55 PM
Snow Cables or good old fashioned chains for 33" tires? Ruffian General Discussions 10 08-10-2010 06:21 PM
Oversized Tires & Snow Chains BenSD 4th Gen T4Rs 12 12-27-2006 02:23 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:36 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
***This site is an unofficial Toyota site, and is not officially endorsed, supported, authorized by or affiliated with Toyota. All company, product, or service names references in this web site are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. The Toyota name, marks, designs and logos, as well as Toyota model names, are registered trademarks of Toyota Motor Corporation***Ad Management plugin by RedTyger
 
Copyright © 2020