Tire Sizes With Snow Chains

[sroodtuo]

I'm curious as to who has run snow chains on their truck and with what size tires.

I've always carried chains during the winter months and while on backcountry trips in the snow country. I have had to use them on more than a few occasions but never on a lifted 4Runner with tires larger than stock.

Has anyone ran chains on a lifted 5th Gen with larger than stock tires and what was your experience?

 

[Jetboy]

Haven't used them on the 5th gen. My guess is the rears fit easily. Fronts are going to be an issue. I'd guess you'll be ok with stock, but much bigger and they'll be rubbing.

 

[philsey]

Guessing [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION] knows something aboot this.

 

[Intruder]

Nope, I've never even owned a set of chains let alone used them on a vehicle.

 

[AudiTech]

I run Blizzak DM-V1 snow tires on my factory 20's, I'm looking for snow chains to toss in the back just in case.

 

[sroodtuo]

I run Blizzak DM-V1 snow tires on my factory 20's, I'm looking for snow chains to toss in the back just in case.

I've been running the RUD Grip 4x4 chains ever since I read an article where Bill Burke recommended them. They work good and are pretty easy to install.

 

[AudiTech]

I'm leaning towards Thule XG-12 Pro in size 267

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

I find 2 Chainz does the job.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Nope, I've never even owned a set of chains let alone used them on a vehicle.

Like Intruder; I have never had to use chains on any of my 4x4s..... However, I have to carry a set as the California Highway Patrol sometimes checks to see that you have a set in the truck.

By the way - even in California, if you are in a 4x4 with snow tires they let you through without installing them. If the snow is too hazardous for that set-up the CHP just closes the road.

In Nevada - They require either snow tires or 4x4 - If you slide off the road it's your problem.....

 

[LandCruiser]

I've never used snow chains.

Bilzzak DM-V1s are your best bet for non-studded.

If you're really insistent on studs, any studdable tire will work fine--you'll either have to invest in a studding tool or have someone do it for you.

Some states don't care if you run studs year round, but you have to be an idiot to.

 

[delloro]

...I'm looking for snow chains to toss in the back just in case.

In case what? Getting stuck? If so, get good quality square-link or v-bar chains. Good for snow and ice. Also, in my experience, the EZ-on chains are just as bothersome to install as the regular drive-on type. If not a bit more annoying.

I like regular ladder chains. They are easier to stow, as well.

If you want chains just in case you are asked if you are carrying them, then get whatever you want. Cable chains are light and inexpensive.

 

[Jetboy]

People often don't realize how well chains can work in mud as an alternative if you don't have proper mud tires. They're a lot more common than you might think in the jungle. Surprisingly effective too. I don't carry them though. I hate to say it, but I guess I'm just too lazy to put them on. My tires already rub slightly on the shock reservoirs, so they'd be an issue at full turn for me even with stock size tires. I have a winch so I can usually get out of whatever I get into - but there are surely times where I might not go as far down a trail as I could with chains on.

One thing I saw recently that I thought actually looked pretty interesting was a set of big zip ties with some molded in traction. Probably works like a charm for one-time use.

 

[Range]

I swear I read somewhere that chains on the all-wheel drive (LE's) can cause mayhem on the computer system and drive train. I know 99% of the guys here have a TE, SR5 or PRO but the 1% that have LE's is this true?

 

[m85476585]

I swear I read somewhere that chains on the all-wheel drive (LE's) can cause mayhem on the computer system and drive train. I know 99% of the guys here have a TE, SR5 or PRO but the 1% that have LE's is this true?

I'm fairly sure chains are allowed on the 4th gen, which has the same AWD system as the Limited. If the limited slip center is a problem, just lock it. If conditions are so bad that you need chains, it should be locked anyway.

There is plenty of space on the rear. On the front of the 4th gen with stock tires the clearance is limited by the space between the tire and a nub on the end of the UCA. I don't know if they've increased that space on the 5th gen, but I would suggest at least "class S" clearance chains or better for the front. There is a paragraph in the owner's manual about chains, so see what that says.

I had a set of Peerles Super Z cable chains for my last car, front wheel drive. I never used them. If I was going to get some for my 4runner, I would get four (2 sets) of:
Auto-Trac
But I don't see the need on any roads that get at least some maintenance in the winter. On the road you'd be better off with snow tires because you can drive as fast as conditions allow, they are on all winter, and you don't have to stop and put them on.

If you need tighter clearance chains for larger tires, look at the Peerless Super Z6. They claim that they are as good as the Auto-trac chains for everything (handling, etc).

 

[AudiTech]

In case what? Getting stuck? If so, get good quality square-link or v-bar chains. Good for snow and ice. Also, in my experience, the EZ-on chains are just as bothersome to install as the regular drive-on type. If not a bit more annoying.

I like regular ladder chains. They are easier to stow, as well.

If you want chains just in case you are asked if you are carrying them, then get whatever you want. Cable chains are light and inexpensive.

I'm an avid skier who lives in the Rockies and I love powder days This is going to be an El Nino winter which historically has brought record snow to the region. The just in case is in regards to not getting stuck. My wife's aunt and uncle have a place in South Park (which is a flat valley at 9,000 feet surrounded by mountains), in the winter the snow gets pretty extreme. The house is off of some unmaintained dirt roads, they plow the main paved stuff but not the side roads. Last year for 2 weeks they had to park along the main road and take snow mobiles back and forth between the house and car.

These are the Thule's I'm looking at, I need to see if one of my riding buddies can still hook me up with a "pro deal"

 

[Bilbo]

I swear I read somewhere that chains on the all-wheel drive (LE's) can cause mayhem on the computer system and drive train. I know 99% of the guys here have a TE, SR5 or PRO but the 1% that have LE's is this true?

[MENTION=6047]Range[/MENTION] The LE with center differential locked is mechanically no different from a TE, SR5, or PRO in 4WD. So if it was a problem for the computer in the LE, it would be a problem for all models.

When unlocked, the torque distribution to front and rear axles is a completely mechanical function of the Torsen center differential. No computer system mayhem could result because the ECU is not involved.

Perhaps there are other vehicles, AWD, where the ECU is involved in controlling the distribution of power to front and rear axles, and mayhem results?

 

[delloro]

I'm sure those thule's will be awesome, but I am too cheap to ever find out.

I have chains like these: Whitestar Alloy they have worked fine in snow on my 2wd, I am sure the thule's will work even better.

but the ladder chains are easier for me to install than the diamond chains I have. YMMV, they are all good.

 

[Range]

[MENTION=6047]Range[/MENTION] The LE with center differential locked is mechanically no different from a TE, SR5, or PRO in 4WD. So if it was a problem for the computer in the LE, it would be a problem for all models.

When unlocked, the torque distribution to front and rear axles is a completely mechanical function of the Torsen center differential. No computer system mayhem could result because the ECU is not involved.

Perhaps there are other vehicles, AWD, where the ECU is involved in controlling the distribution of power to front and rear axles, and mayhem results?

Very good to know. Thank you for the explanation.