Snow chains on front tires?

[Espresso_OI]

5th Gen 4Runner here. I'm a member of the Colorado 4x4 Recovery Org.

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?

 

[Nobody Special]

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/uploads/2017/04/State-Chain-Laws.pdf

 

[spartacus]

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?

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.

 

[scfw0x0f]

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...)

 

[Buz06]

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.

 

[mrblah]

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...)

nah...

some states still require you to carry chains even if you have 3 peak rated tires or snow tires as a precautionary measure (due to whatever snow advisory requires it such as california).

I personally never had to put on chains w/ BFG ko2's and 4hi. Although it doesnt mean I wasn't sliding all over the place in certain conditions (new snow/non-plowed mountain/resort road). Chains would have made it less butt puckering until i made it to the highway/freeway.

3 peak tires are cool for people who dont want to have 2 sets of tires, or who don't live in an area with a real winter (such as me).

I still carry a set when i go up to the resort towns.

 

[ABDave]

I run chains on all 4 going to the cabin, it’s a narrow trail with short steep hills. 4 low and slow!! I had to trim the bottom of the front bumper but everything is good now.

 

[mrblah]

I run chains on all 4 going to the cabin, it’s a narrow trail with short steep hills. 4 low and slow!! I had to trim the bottom of the front bumper but everything is good now.

i personally wouldn't put chains in the front, if the chain accidently hits the spindle and deflects into the brake line or speed sensors.......you will get the christmas tree dash lights.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Chains or Cables which one do you prefer and why? Thanks

Chains, because I’ve had people with cables beg me to rescue them when they went down the wrong driveway. I assessed the situation and suggested they flag down one of the big Caterpillar tractors doing driveways. Just a big grade they were stuck below and it was solid ice.

 

[clee2]

Thoughts on chains in rear AND snow socks on front?

So if chains on the front are not recommended due to clearance and safety concerns, but you want maximum traction for turning/braking, what do you folks think about using snow socks on the front (in conjunction with chains in the rear)? TIA

 

[4skrunner]

I got stuck recently in some thick peanut butter mud and had to resort to putting snow chains on. I ended up putting them on the front and had 0 issues. I kept them on for a few miles and locked my steering side to side multiple times. I was a bit worried about the chains catching my abs wire but that would be a cheaper fix than calling a tow. I am lifted 3” on the front with stock size tires. All in all, it was not an issue for me but depending on your set up you may or may not be able to run chains in the front. I say throw them on the front and drive em around your street slowly and test for yourself. Maybe have someone else drive real slow while you watch the wheel well to see if you’d have any clearance issues.


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[4skrunner]

I got stuck recently in some thick peanut butter mud and had to resort to putting snow chains on. I ended up putting them on the front and had 0 issues. I kept them on for a few miles and locked my steering side to side multiple times. I was a bit worried about the chains catching my abs wire but that would be a cheaper fix than calling a tow. I am lifted 3” on the front with stock size tires. All in all, it was not an issue for me but depending on your set up you may or may not be able to run chains in the front. I say throw them on the front and drive em around your street slowly and test for yourself. Maybe have someone else drive real slow while you watch the wheel well to see if you’d have any clearance issues.


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And by snow chains I mean cable style.


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[CutthroatSlam]

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.

Dude, I broke every condom I used. These autosocks are a joke. Please stop recommending them.

 

[stiles_s]

So if chains on the front are not recommended due to clearance and safety concerns, but you want maximum traction for turning/braking, what do you folks think about using snow socks on the front (in conjunction with chains in the rear)? TIA

As others have noted, the manual is pretty clear about not using chains in front.

I think what you're asking is whether socks would a) be an improvement over a general LT tire and b) whether socks are safe to run on front?

If you're able, I'd highly recommend the other path which is a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter. I have driven through some nasty, nasty stuff with dedicated snows on 4r, Gx, Audis and the traction is incredible.

Chains do ultimately increase grip in an emergency situation, but there are major downsides including being rear axle only (recommended).

 

[clee2]

As others have noted, the manual is pretty clear about not using chains in front.

I think what you're asking is whether socks would a) be an improvement over a general LT tire and b) whether socks are safe to run on front?

If you're able, I'd highly recommend the other path which is a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter. I have driven through some nasty, nasty stuff with dedicated snows on 4r, Gx, Audis and the traction is incredible.

Chains do ultimately increase grip in an emergency situation, but there are major downsides including being rear axle only (recommended).

Thank you. Yes, I have 285/70/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on my lifted 4R and would only use my chains on the rear, per manual. Maybe when I retire and move from CA to WA, I'll get a dedicated set of snow tires.

With some of the other posts in this thread about maxing out traction on all fours, but knowing the concerns of chains on front, I wanted to throw out the idea (for purely academic purposes) whether snow socks on the fronts (with chains in the back) made sense or was a stupid idea for perhaps only marginal improvement?

 

[JoeBand]

Two weeks ago, we were with 4 other families, expecting 2-3" of snow about 20 miles outside of Yosemite... the resulting 4 1/2'+ snow on the ground made snow removal assistance a requisite.

after it was plowed, snow tires still acted like skis as we pinballed off the snow banks on the side.

buttpuckering.

 

[stiles_s]

Thank you. Yes, I have 285/70/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on my lifted 4R and would only use my chains on the rear, per manual. Maybe when I retire and move from CA to WA, I'll get a dedicated set of snow tires.

With some of the other posts in this thread about maxing out traction on all fours, but knowing the concerns of chains on front, I wanted to throw out the idea (for purely academic purposes) whether snow socks on the fronts (with chains in the back) made sense or was a stupid idea for perhaps only marginal improvement?

I just searched for ‘how good are snow socks’ on YouTube. The first 3-5 videos seem aimed at answering your question. Added to my weekend watch queue. Would recommend folks take a look.


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[spartacus]

The caveat with the snow socks is that they have to be the correct size. I have the authentic auto sock 699, bought them for the ease of use. Have not used them yet.

 

[El Dusty]

Dude, I broke every condom I used. These autosocks are a joke. Please stop recommending them.

Dude, Sounds like you have a size and girth problem. If you read my comment again, I recommended snow tires you dingus.

Autosocks or chains are a legal requirement if the DOT decides its necessary in CO. I purchased them to have IF it is implemented.

 

[patkelly4370]

Studded tires, no clearance issues.

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