Tire Chains recommendations

[CutthroatSlam]

I looked into chains last winter and recall reading that chains will damage 4Runners. My reccollection is they hit the break line, but I could be wrong. I would love to get a set, but was turned away because of that article.

Has anyone used them on a 5th Gen? How about with 285/70/17's? If so, what kind?

We have v-bar chains for the 2014, but so far have not needed them. Have installed them and they work fine with no damage, but these chains have the cam tighteners as opposed to rubber cords.

We have a home in Big Bear Lake, CA and a ranch in Stevensville, Montana, so plenty of snow driving experience.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Not even close to a "5th gen" But I love tire chains for winter wheelin. The traction and confidence they add over a non chained tire is incredible.

I have these on my 92, I made them from old plow chains we had laying around. 1/2 the cross pieces are studded, 1/2 are v bar. They did awesome and completely changed how I winter wheel. Currently sourcing new parts to build a set closer resembling skidder chains.

I suggest getting a plain and simple set of chains, they dont have to be fancy, and practice putting them on well before you need them. The worst part about chaining up is lying in the slush to put them on. Keeping a small tarp in the chain bag makes for a dryier place to lie down.

Nice job on building your own chains. Most of the snow removal equipment guys do the same.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

These are the chains that I would recommend:

 

[stephan07]

I was just wondering (I'm from Jersey, no mountains and very little snow compared to you guys) but do any of you run studded snow tires? Here, we usually get more ice than snow, and they are an absolutely amazing advantage.

I run Studded Nokians on my 4runner in the Winter. Having had BFG ATs and now Nittos, the truck was very slippery on the highway in the snow. Good for driving slow in deep snow, but Ive had 3 RRs in the past that all handled 10fold better in the snow than the 4Runner. In less than 10 inches I think my wife Q7 with Blizzaks does great as well.

With the studded Nokians tho, the 4runner is a tank. And it will certainly handle the ice we get.

 

[mistervague]

For me it's not about whether CHP or Cal Trans will let me through. The only thing that matters to me is my family's safety. Whatever I can do to maximize that, I will do, including not driving sometimes.

So: Blizzaks get installed in November, and I always carry chains. If I never need the chains, that's great! That just means -- whether due to good luck or good decision-making (it's rare, but it happens) -- I didn't get into a bad enough situation.

I also carry --
- waterproof work gloves
- tarp to lay on the ground
- bag of kitty litter
- entrenching tool
- little snow shovel
- couple of mylar emergency blankets
- flashlights
- matches
- 1st aid kit
- car blanket or two
- battery booster pack
- water
- official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time

 

[cascadiarunner]

I've lived in the Mountains of Northern California for most of my life, with 4wd and AT tires I've never actually needed them. I just carry a cheap set I found in the garage which don't even fit my tires for going through checkpoints, to verify I have chains on board. I've never actually had to show them to anyone.

For the people laughing about us Californians worrying about this stuff, believe me, some parts of California (like where I live) get a LOT of snow. In the first pic of my old house, so many trees were down we lost power for a week.

This pic was from Feb 2019, a few miles from my place (admittedly a few thousand feet higher as well).

 

[MaddoxPics]

Do you need chains? IE; are you going to be wheeling in deep deep snow? If the answer is no, then you don't need chains. By the time the highway gets bad enough in areas where they force chain control on 4WD vehicles they close it down.

Now if you need chains to enter a chain control zone (most times illegal to do so without them), then just find cheap ones, unless you seriously want to spend the money. Of course, if you don't know how to drive in the snow then I'd recommend getting ones that fit, and you will need to do this if you have a 2WD model.

Otherwise, the 4x4 system in these vehicles is great and you shouldn't be worried. Of course, don't drive like an idiot. Make sure you do whatever speed limits they enforce with chain control, usually 25mph max, and you'll be fine.

I have an old old pair from my wifes 2WD vehicle that I carry with me just to *show* I have them when asked, but usually I'm waved through without any questions. I will drop the tires low low before I run chains.

 

[mistervague]

This pic was from Feb 2019, a few miles from my place (admittedly a few thousand feet higher as well).

Ha it looks like that poor kid was catapulted into the snowbank.
#Februburied