Do I need chains?

N

NViejeP

New member
I'm planning on going up to Lake Tahoe next week. I checked weather reports and its actually supposed to be sunny and the last day of snow should be Sunday and I won't be leaving until the following Saturday.

I don't have 4 wheel drive on my car, nor do I think I have snow tires. Even if it isn't snowing, do I still need chains?

I'm pretty low on money and this is just a high school trip and my first of going up to Tahoe in the winter.

Also, I know that people install chains on the highways, how much does that cost? And if I do need chains, how much will they cost if I buy them here? Do I need them for front and back or just 1 pair?

Thanks
 
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You will be fine unless another storm comes in and you have fresh snow. It'll all have melted off of the roads in 6 days.
 
The only time I have been to tahoe and had chain control, was when it was near white-out and cars were sliding backwards going up the passes. If there aren't any more storms for that many days, it will be gone.

I just checked checked weather.com for you and it looks like you have a very sunny week ahead of you. You will be fine. You may want to keep a set of chains in the back of your truck for future trips to the snow though. Best to be prepared.
 
Appreciate it. And apparently my tires say they are good for snow also. So I don't think I'll be getting any as it looks very sunny for the next week and a half. Anyone else got an opinion before I just decide to do without the chains?
 
Looks like i'm the only one who cares. Haha. Have you priced a set of chains near you that will fit your 4runner yet?
 
Nope, I looked on Craigslist and ebay for some used ones but I really can't find any cheap that will fit my 31x10.5x15 tires.

I was always confused by tire sizes and how they worked, from the 265/xx/rim size and than my 31x10.5x15 lol it just never really made sense to me.

I think I'll stop by Kragens tommorow after school. Do you know how much they cost, and do I only need them for my rear tires right?

And I do appreciate your help.
 
Honestly bro, I have no idea if you need them for the rear, or for all 4. I've always owned a 4X4 vehicle. Just ask the place when you stop by after school. You mentioned that you are going to Tahoe for High School? How old are you?
 
NViejeP,

Couple of points. If the weather is going to be good I wouldn't worry about it. They're nice to have, though, and if you decide to get some, I'd recommed something that's easy to put on. I bought some chains last year and took them back (Costco) after putting them on in the garage because they were such a bear. I bought the ones linked below at Pep Boys for about $90 and they go on pretty easily which is huge in my book. Size is 747.

On a 4th gen you don't even have the option of putting some on the front. Don't know the issues with a 3rd gen but I would only get them for the back, anyway.

http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction Pages/Trac_SZLT.html
 
ah okay. too bad. I live off of I-80 and you could've stopped by and borrowed mine 'just in case'. But I have 17's and BFG's so my chains would be waaay to big for your tires.
 
NViejeP,

You will need chains, if the conditions call for it. It's up to Caltrans and the CHP. I've been up at times during and after a snow shower and chains were required and other times they were not. You can check the reports to see if chain requirements are in effect. If they are not and you get up to the summit and it's required you will not be allowed to continue on. Chains are installed over the drive wheels, rear wheels for the 4Runner. 30mph is the fastest you can go with chains (not advising going faster with 4WD either) and you should recheck them for tightness every 25-30 miles.

I would recommend you find chains that fit your tires. As of yesterday's news, they said the "chain monkeys" did not have every size and some folks were caught without chains. Don't let that happen to you.

You can probably get by chain controls and fool them because you have a SUV and they probably think it's 4WD, but I would strongly advise against that. If you need to be pulled out or cause the highway to be shut down, it'll be a huge fine. The best advice is get a set of chains, practice putting them on in your driveway and be prepared. Drive slow and take it easy and you'll be just fine.

Have fun in Tahoe.
 
josh220 said:
what size chains do you need for 4th gens?
Click to expand...

Are you SERIOUS? Or it's for the sake of the post count and your goal of acheiving 'X' number of posts before year's end?

You mention a few posts back that you have 4WD, so you really don't need chains. In CA, the highway will most likely be shut down before 4WD are required to have chains on.

For the benefit of the doubt, you'll need chains that fit your tire size, 265/65R17. Most likely the chains you come across at the store will cover a broader range of tire sizes. Either look up the 4Runner in the fitment book and it'll give you a sizing code and buy those chains, or you can just look for your tire size chains packaging label and go with the ones that list your tire size.
 
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