Tire chains or cables?

[Rack]

Snow Chains

I carry snow chains. I also have a spare tire. I don't intend to use either one but if needed I have them. I own a 4Runner because I like to go places other can't. I try to be prepared.

Pewag Brenta-C 4X4 self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains for light trucks and SUVs. Purchased at E-Trailer it took 2 months to get. So if your in a hurry for chains look elsewhere.

I test fit these and all seems to fit. I have not had the opportunity to use them in snow conditions. Every year I take them out and practice installing them. If you have never used chains I recommend doing this. In a cold snow storm is no time to learn how to install chains. I also drop my spare tire and check air pressure at the same time.

 

[4Rman]

A couple of tips

Had to chime in, we just got dumped on two days ago 12-13 inches in Minnesota.

Here are a couple of things that probably fall in the common sense bucket but I can't tell you how many times I see people ignore it;

1. Learn the behavior of your vehicle in snow - OVER CONFIDENCE IS YOUR WORST ENEMY
2. Leave more than plenty of distance between you and the car in front - this is key because you don't want to panic stop and cause a chain reaction or end up in the ditch
3. Ease up on the throttle when traction is low not the other way around - best if you can keep momentum
4. GET GOOD TIRES - Studded tires/chains are not allowed here in MN but I understand why they are needed in the mountains
5. Most Important - SLOW Down and watch "Highway To Hell" before your trip !!! You will enjoy driving the 4Runner in the snow​

If you have the stock Grand-craps, get rid of them as they are not good in the snow. I have Yokohama GO15 standard load... pretty decent in the storm, did not got stuck... sometimes I don't even put it in 4HI. Hope it helps.

 

[Rack]

Had to chime in, we just got dumped on two days ago 12-13 inches in Minnesota.

Here are a couple of things that probably fall in the common sense bucket but I can't tell you how many times I see people ignore it;

1. Learn the behavior of your vehicle in snow - OVER CONFIDENCE IS YOUR WORST ENEMY
2. Leave more than plenty of distance between you and the car in front - this is key because you don't want to panic stop and cause a chain reaction or end up in the ditch
3. Ease up on the throttle when traction is low not the other way around - best if you can keep momentum
4. GET GOOD TIRES - Studded tires/chains are not allowed here in MN but I understand why they are needed in the mountains
5. Most Important - SLOW Down and watch "Highway To Hell" before your trip !!! You will enjoy driving the 4Runner in the snow​

If you have the stock Grand-craps, get rid of them as they are not good in the snow. I have Yokohama GO15 standard load... pretty decent in the storm, did not got stuck... sometimes I don't even put it in 4HI. Hope it helps.

Cheers, I Always watch " Highway thru Hell" This is educational TV at its best. Check it out on the weather channel

 

[Rack]

Had to chime in, we just got dumped on two days ago 12-13 inches in Minnesota.

Here are a couple of things that probably fall in the common sense bucket but I can't tell you how many times I see people ignore it;

1. Learn the behavior of your vehicle in snow - OVER CONFIDENCE IS YOUR WORST ENEMY
2. Leave more than plenty of distance between you and the car in front - this is key because you don't want to panic stop and cause a chain reaction or end up in the ditch
3. Ease up on the throttle when traction is low not the other way around - best if you can keep momentum
4. GET GOOD TIRES - Studded tires/chains are not allowed here in MN but I understand why they are needed in the mountains
5. Most Important - SLOW Down and watch "Highway To Hell" before your trip !!! You will enjoy driving the 4Runner in the snow​

If you have the stock Grand-craps, get rid of them as they are not good in the snow. I have Yokohama GO15 standard load... pretty decent in the storm, did not got stuck... sometimes I don't even put it in 4HI. Hope it helps.

4RMan You are correct about the Dunflop tires. My photo of the chains has a date stamp of 2012 with the OEM tires. I went to a Michelin defender LTX. I posted a review of these last summer. Great tire. I stayed with the stock tire size so I would not have to buy New Chains.

 

[Waldo1979]

I've done a fair amount of winter mountain driving in California, Oregon and Washington state. Putting on chains is a pita, but sometimes you have to do it. Tires with good sipes is usually enough, my preferred are KO2. Having limited slip differentials (LSD) is also a great traction devices for snow driving.

I ended up buying SSC Z-579 Z-Chains which is what i kept in my 05' Tacoma. I chose them over the LT474 Z chains because they come in a bag that should fit under the drive seat. I never had a need to use them in the Tacoma other then to show a state patrol/CHP officer that i have them.

I only purchased 2 because i don't plan on using them often and potentially front-tire clearance issues.

I'm eager to see how the TRD Pro does in the snow. The Nitto Grapplers seem to have some sipes, but i'm wondering if the rubber compound is a soft as KO2. Plus I'm wondering how well it will get power to all four wheels without LSDs.

 

[Pathfinder!]

I lived in Tahoe for 4 years, there was a couple times that I had to chain up even with 4wd and snow tires. what exactly the criteria is I don't know, a certain level of carnage maybe?

Really? Been out of the state the last 2 years but before that I've been driving to Tahoe for 20 years, usually in as big a storm as I can find, and I've never had to put chains on a 4wd. What road did they require them on?

 

[vipers28]

I have had a Pro now for a year+ with Nitto's on it. Snow isn't an issue for them, but they have done pretty good when I have needed them to and in the hills. Now, the nice rain coating we get and the traction control is on. Not my favorite tire for our weather but all round they do good. I have run it two summer seasons in the hills and haven't had any issues.

I've done a fair amount of winter mountain driving in California, Oregon and Washington state. Putting on chains is a pita, but sometimes you have to do it. Tires with good sipes is usually enough, my preferred are KO2. Having limited slip differentials (LSD) is also a great traction devices for snow driving.

I ended up buying SSC Z-579 Z-Chains which is what i kept in my 05' Tacoma. I chose them over the LT474 Z chains because they come in a bag that should fit under the drive seat. I never had a need to use them in the Tacoma other then to show a state patrol/CHP officer that i have them.

I only purchased 2 because i don't plan on using them often and potentially front-tire clearance issues.

I'm eager to see how the TRD Pro does in the snow. The Nitto Grapplers seem to have some sipes, but i'm wondering if the rubber compound is a soft as KO2. Plus I'm wondering how well it will get power to all four wheels without LSDs.

 

[YNPCA]

somebody told me if i put chains on my front tires that it will rip apart my brake lines can anyone confirm