Chains for this Winter
- Thread starter abp79
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T4Rfun
New member
abp79 said:
These are my favorite chains for both on and off road.
Check them out here. These have been highly recommended by Bill Burk, Scott Brady of Expeditions West, and several others. Mine are on order... get all four wheels!
http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Chains.htm
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I'm curious, why do feel that you need chains. I drive my 4runner SR5 V8 over a pass that runs 6600 to 9600 feet and had 6 to 8 inches of un-plowed snow for the last 2 days as my commute to work. I have the stock tires that came with the vehicle and had no problems driving the road. Yesterday was a complete white out and other then driving slow for the visibility problem the 4runner performed flawlessly. Of course the V8 is full time 4 wheel drive, but the V6 is the same as long as you don't lock the center diff. I passed several cars that were stuck in the road and at least 2 4x4 pickups that were stuck on the icy sections. Now if you are driving on some bad ice sections, good sipped tires will work or studded snow tires. I run 4 studded snow tires on my Scion xA in the winter for running the same pass.
Bruce
Bruce
Please do not put chains on your 4runner. :bash:
I live in Portland, 800ft up...on one of the steepest hills. I only needed to put in in AWD mode, didn't even lock the center diff. Going up to Mt. Hood I have never needed chains, studs, etc.
The chains work against the mechanics (computer) controlling the 4wd system. Same goes for anyone driving a subaru/audi-vw quattro.
This wasn't meant to bash, just trying to educate.
I live in Portland, 800ft up...on one of the steepest hills. I only needed to put in in AWD mode, didn't even lock the center diff. Going up to Mt. Hood I have never needed chains, studs, etc.
The chains work against the mechanics (computer) controlling the 4wd system. Same goes for anyone driving a subaru/audi-vw quattro.
This wasn't meant to bash, just trying to educate.
^Well I live in California. The CHP's sometimes won't let you pass their roadblocks unless you have chains on or at the very least have them in your vehicle. 4WD w/ Snow tires are usually 'ok' to pass.
I have the 4WD, but I don't have snow tires, so I wonder if they will let me pass. Would rather have the chains in the back just in case.
I have the 4WD, but I don't have snow tires, so I wonder if they will let me pass. Would rather have the chains in the back just in case.
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Uneek
Super Moderator
r32,
I have stock Michelin CrossTerrains, haven't been stopped yet and waved on to pass so far by chain controls.
I think cable traction devices are better than chains as they make less noise and provide better clearance with suspension components. Not sure if chains will clear the upper control arm as for those that went with wider tires usually go with different rim offsets or aftermarket UCAs. S-clearance chains or cables are probably the lowest clearance traction device available.
That last pic are chains used on those large earth mover type dump trucks and front-end loaders. It's to protect the tires since they have a whopping price tag of $250k.
I have stock Michelin CrossTerrains, haven't been stopped yet and waved on to pass so far by chain controls.
I think cable traction devices are better than chains as they make less noise and provide better clearance with suspension components. Not sure if chains will clear the upper control arm as for those that went with wider tires usually go with different rim offsets or aftermarket UCAs. S-clearance chains or cables are probably the lowest clearance traction device available.
That last pic are chains used on those large earth mover type dump trucks and front-end loaders. It's to protect the tires since they have a whopping price tag of $250k.
borgzman
New member
Uneek,Uneek said:
What are Cable Traction Devices? I wanna have a good traction device as mine is not a 4wd. I wonder why Caltrans didn't stopped me last Feb. when I don't have a 4WD emblem and with Dunlops at that time.. as if that Caltrans guy in the station just let all 4runners passed without inspection
abp79
New member
Portland had a storm on Sunday req. chains for all vehicle (even traction tires were not good enough for ODOT) which is why I have chains.
I have the stock Dunlop AT20s, and according to average site user, I may die using these in ice ; )
I bought Les Schwab Quick Fit chains.
Haven't had to use them yet.
Barc, why do you feel that chains work against the four wheel drive system? If I use two pairs, whats the difference?
I have the stock Dunlop AT20s, and according to average site user, I may die using these in ice ; )
I bought Les Schwab Quick Fit chains.
Haven't had to use them yet.
Barc, why do you feel that chains work against the four wheel drive system? If I use two pairs, whats the difference?
Uneek
Super Moderator
borgzman said:Uneek,
What are Cable Traction Devices? I wanna have a good traction device as mine is not a 4wd. I wonder why Caltrans didn't stopped me last Feb. when I don't have a 4WD emblem and with Dunlops at that time.. as if that Caltrans guy in the station just let all 4runners passed without inspection
I called them "cable traction devices" because cables aren't technically (tire or snow) chains, IMO. Amazon has cables. I haven't seen anyone use this type of traction device yet. Costco carried it for a few winters a couple years ago. GoClaws
Chain controls don't really look that hard to make sure your vehicle is a 4WD or AWD. I got waved passed as well last Dec during a snow shower, my buddy asked are there markings on the 4Runner indicating I have a 4WD? They assume if you're in a SUV or truck and you're not chaining up, more likely than not you have a 4WD or AWD and you know what you're up against. Before I got my 4Runner, I was going to take my PreRunner Tacoma (2WD truck with a 4x4 stance) to Tahoe. I asked my friends if chain controls would hassle me or look at the front end. They said they're not going to bother. What's more likely to happen if I spun out and cause the highway to be shut down, is CHP could fine me for the closure.
borgzman
New member
Thanks!..Lol! I don't even know which agency are implementing chain inspections..Caltarns? or CHP..ha..ha.Uneek said:
I have a traction device, and just found out that its a low end product. I haven't use it and would like to buy a better one.
Here is a site with installation videos of different types of tire chains:http://tirechaindealer.com/
borgzman said:Thanks!..Lol! I don't even know which agency are implementing chain inspections..Caltarns? or CHP..ha..ha.
I have a traction device, and just found out that its a low end product. I haven't use it and would like to buy a better one.
Here is a site with installation videos of different types of tire chains:http://tirechaindealer.com/
It's usually the CHP doing the road checks, unless your in a national park, then it could be the rangers from the park doing the road checks. I've also seen Sheriffs at the checkpoints.
I drove up the hill to Yosemite last weekend and there were 3 road checks.
2 checkpoints were set up on the way up and and the last one was as you were leaving the valley floor to drive out of the park. All 3x I got asked "is this 4WD (yes)? Is your 4WD engaged? (yes) Do you have tire chains with you? (yes).
Then came the usual warnings of ice on the road, especially in shady areas and bridges and not to exceed 25mph and I was allowed to drive off.