Tire chain setups
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BobsTrail
Senior Member
You may not need chains. I have a set of cable chains but have not needed them on roads with packed snow. Our 4WD system does fine. If you are going off road or on icy roads, then regular chains or even chains with V bars for ice may be needed.
No chains needed in this photo last winter:
No chains needed in this photo last winter:
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jdubb2386
New member
As long as you have M+S rated tires you will be fine. I live in Washington State and you are required to carry chains during the winter unless you have 4x4 and snow rated tires. I carry chains, but have never been close to needing them. The 4x4 systems on the 4Runner can get you through some really crazy stuff.
MaddoxPics
New member
I have chains. Never have had to use them. Keep in mind while you may not need them, some areas like here in California will ask you to show them, and if you don't have them they turn you around wherever chain control is in effect.
Granted they normally close the roads down once it gets bad enough where 4WD/AWD vehicles need them, but I've seen some occasions where they've kept the roads open and required everyone to have them on.
Granted they normally close the roads down once it gets bad enough where 4WD/AWD vehicles need them, but I've seen some occasions where they've kept the roads open and required everyone to have them on.
It's pretty hard to fit them on the front unless you have wheel spacers or very narrow tires. Otherwise there's not much clearance between the tire and UCA/steering spindle for normal chains. Cable chains or a snow sock might work.
For the rears, I just have a set of regular chains. They fit fine, but I've never used them on the highway. I was really wishing for them in an ice storm in the Midwest last December, but unfortunately did not have them along.
For the rears, I just have a set of regular chains. They fit fine, but I've never used them on the highway. I was really wishing for them in an ice storm in the Midwest last December, but unfortunately did not have them along.
ayeyothisiskyle
Member
As many others have said, the 4Runner is very capable in snow. I lived in Mammoth for this past winter season and it's required by law to keep chains in the truck but I never had to use them. One day they were doing chain checks going up to the top of the Mt but they just waved me through. At the time I was running the stock deullers.
Just for reference, Falken Wildpeaks are snow rated
From Tapatalk
Just for reference, Falken Wildpeaks are snow rated
From Tapatalk
Nostrathomas
New member
Echoing others comments.
Live in WA state. Past winter went through at least three separate passes requiring chains for non 4WD. Have not had an issue on road or during winter outings in snow.
Do have a set in the back should WSP want to check.
Live in WA state. Past winter went through at least three separate passes requiring chains for non 4WD. Have not had an issue on road or during winter outings in snow.
Do have a set in the back should WSP want to check.
Jetboy
New member
My general opinion is that they are not worth the weight and space to carry around. They are useful on ice. I don't think they have any useful function in snow. Low air pressure is better for traction and flotation in snow. Plus it's easier, cheaper, and safer. If you spend much time on ice, I would try to use snow tires. There are unique situations where chains perform well, but they are few and far between. The only place of really want them is in the jungle where slick hard pack clay and wet logs are common. For the very infrequent issue of warm ice (cold ice like we get on northern roads has pretty good traction) I'd just get some cheap cables or whatever is lightest and smallest to carry.
Good luck!
Good luck!
MTN4RNR
New member
If you are in deep snow situations, they are fantastic to have. If snow wheeling is your thing, you will definitely get farther with them on. I went on a trip last year and made it much farther without chains than two built Tacomas who needed chains to keep up. I will likely be buying a set for this year as all it takes is one time without them to make you wish you had em.
NoOneBetter
Member
tire choice is a big factor as well. An AT tire thats rated for M+S will perform better than any mud terrain and get you farther without chains.
If you are in deep snow situations, they are fantastic to have. If snow wheeling is your thing, you will definitely get farther with them on. I went on a trip last year and made it much farther without chains than two built Tacomas who needed chains to keep up. I will likely be buying a set for this year as all it takes is one time without them to make you wish you had em.
We almost slid off the side of one of the roads coming out after a morning hunt. Lol. Not having them really hurt us on where we felt safe to go.
True, but to clarify... AT tires are rated for M+S. It is the Severe Snow Service rating is what you really want. The BFG KO2s and Goodyear Duratrac's both have this rating, as do a few others I assume.
HERE is an article (granted its written in 2013) that explains the difference.
I ha K02s on my FJ and Nokians on my wife's Q7. On 2 occasions I couldn't make it up my driveway in my VT pad while
My wife in the Q7 went up the hill without barely a slip. The K02s are a great tire......but compared to a dedicated winter there not even close......at least in my experience
My wife in the Q7 went up the hill without barely a slip. The K02s are a great tire......but compared to a dedicated winter there not even close......at least in my experience
Coler2002
Member
I wonder what the clearance would be if your running 285s?
If you were to run one set would you run them on the front or back??
We get plenty of snow here in Maine i've never felt the need for chains in snow, but I did experience really bad ice a few years back. I wished I had chains that day.
If you were to run one set would you run them on the front or back??
We get plenty of snow here in Maine i've never felt the need for chains in snow, but I did experience really bad ice a few years back. I wished I had chains that day.
Jetboy
New member
They simply don't work as well as low air pressure in deep snow. I'd be happy to do a side by side comparison in deep snow this winter if anyone in the SLC area has a set of tire chains. I've done it many times before. Low pressure always wins in deep snow. Chains are great on ice, but that's not something I ever really run into in the backcountry. If you have 20" limited wheels and can't air down much - maybe chains would work a little better. Similarly if you want to go highway speeds - you can't do that aired down. You'll ruin your tires pretty damn quick. Chains would be better for that.
- And I used to use chains a lot before I started airing down. I had a custom rear bumper on a minitruck that had built in tool boxes with drains in the bottom just to store my tire chains. They're better than full pressure tires - and might be pretty cool if you could use them in combination with low pressure - but between the two - I've never seen chains work as well as low pressure. I was a trail guide for the biggest offroad club in Montana, so I have had a good bit of experience in deep snow with a wide variety of vehicles.
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