How does the 4Runner handle in the snow/ice???

[wilsoncwil]

This is the first 4Runner I have owned and I am wondering how does it handle in the snow? If I am in the mountains and see "chains required" signs do I really need to put on chains or is the 4Runner capable of getting through without them?

Thanks for your help!!


'05 SR5 V8
Stock Bridgestone Tires

 

[pat161]

On just plain ice these trucks do fine, I drive through a state forest in MA and the road is plowed but it forms a coat of ice several inches thick. I just go real slow in 4wd and I have no trouble at all. With snow it depends on the makeup, w/ light fluffy stuff you'll blast through several feet w/ no trouble. But in the heavy wet slushy stuff we get here it can be a bit of a problem. I can usually push my way through but my truck will pretty much ride the ruts and is hard to turn and maneuver. When it is late season crap with ice and slush under 10 inches of compacted snow then it is a real PIA. My truck is a 3rd gen so the low weight does not help, it doesn't really cut through w/ the larger tires. As you have the 4th gen you may have an easier go with the extra weight. Mt truck will go anywhere my sisters Excursion will but that truck is so heavy it just cuts right through and requires less skill to keep moving.

 

[armabill]

I just got mine too so we'll have to see how it goes.

 

[charlier180]

This is the first 4Runner I have owned and I am wondering how does it handle in the snow? If I am in the mountains and see "chains required" signs do I really need to put on chains or is the 4Runner capable of getting through without them?

Thanks for your help!!


'05 SR5 V8
Stock Bridgestone Tires

I bought my 4Runner in late November of 2004. Personally, I found the Stock Bridgestones (Dueler H/T 840s) to provide adequate traction to climb snow covered (6-8") hills. The challenge I had was stopping and steering coming down those hills (at about 5-15 mph). To me, it seems that the stock tires are simply too-wide and lack an agressive enough tread pattern for use on snow of more than a few inches in depth.

A few weeks ago I bought a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-3s in size 245/75/16. These tires are more narrow than the stock size tires, have a much more agressive tread pattern and will keep my speedo accurate. I mounted these tires on a set of slightly used 16 inch steel wheels. I used regular valve stems so I expect the tire pressure warning light to come on once I mount these tires on the 4Runner but I will just ignore it.

 

[GYoter]

You will be fine without chaining up. As long as you have tires rated for snow the chain controls will let you thru. The roads will usually get closed before they make people with snow tires chain up.

 

[AlexJet]

The 4Runner has a great 4wd system with plenty of electronic aids to keep you moving in snow.

The only problem is that you need tires with good traction to make it all work. The Dunlops (standard on my 4Runner) have the reputation of being one of the worst tires you can own for driving in adverse weather such as snow/ice. I believe the Bridgestones that you have are not much better.

With the right set of tires, the 4Runner might be one of the most capable vehicles around. If you have to drive through a lot of mountain snow, maybe you should plan on buying snow tires or at least a good all-terrain tire for your 4Runner. One of the most popular all-terrain tires is the Bridgestone Dueler Revo. Everyone that has them raves about them.

I've tried Revos on snow - awesome result. The truck was handing as good as my friends Grand Vitara on Yokohama I/T and my boss FX on Bridgestone Blizzak DMZ3