Anyone run tire chains?

looking for the good/bad of each.. looking at getting a set (at least a pair) to start, and go from there, but unsure whether to get V-bars, or standard twist link.. I'm staying away from the cable type. these would come in handy for deep mud, and snow/ice up here in Maine. any input would be great. I currently run 265/70/17 goodyear wrangler duratracs with no lift they clear the fenders, and i have roughly 1 inch of clearance up front. rears have plenty of clearance even at full stuf....

LOOKING AT THESE:

https://www.tirechainsonline.com/Twist-Link-Tire-Chain-with-V-Bar-p/2828cv.htm

https://www.tirechainsonline.com/Twist-Link-Tire-Chain-p/2228ct.htm

or even the diamond pattern:

https://www.tirechainsonline.com/Diamond-Pattern-Tire-Chain-p/2526d.htm

 

The distance you want to be careful with is between tire and upper control arm (at ball joint). Don't know what offset wheel your running, but check that clearance. Stock, there isn't even a fingers width, there.

 

they're Method Racing NV305NV 17x8.5 with 0 offset.. they easily clear the upper control arms (pic to follow of the spacing when i go on lunch break), but i believe i have at least an inch...with aftermarkets or griding It would clear easily.. I do only plan to use chains on the rear axle (TRD OR, lockers are your friend)..

 

I went with these in a 5.5mm square link

https://www.tirechain.com/Tire-Chains-Square-Alloy.htm

Toyota does NOT recommend chains. The clearance is pretty limited. If you're going to use them I'd strongly advise something made for close clearances and probably just on the rear. That probably eliminates V bar chains. Twist link would probably work, but I chose the square links because they are designed for closer fits and are still usable in mud. These are supposed to last longer too.

I've only needed mine once and they worked fine. Snow isn't a huge problem here in GA, but we do get some in the northern mountains where I live. And I carried them to Colorado for an elk hunt last Fall.

 

I have Fuel 8.5 x 17 with 265x65x17 Nitto ridge grappler tires and have tried many chains and none have been wide enough to fit. I carry a set of snow socks. If i hit bad ice i well see how the nitto’s work.

 

we'll see how my duratracs work on sheer ice.. its freezing rain right now... looks like glare ice everywhere.... find out when i get out of work, lol. but that is in 9 hours or so..

 

Konig Standard Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - D Link - XB16 - Size 265
https://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chains/Konig/TH01571265.html

I avoid deep mud like the plague but I carry these for ice/snow situations. Have not had to use them yet although I did do a dry install on the front and they clear just fine with the TRDOR stock 16" tires.

 

I have those tires and they are awesome. On sheer ice? They'll be just as good as any other non-studded tire, meaning not good at all. They are, however, pinned to accept studs.

 

oh I know... was just joking, used to driving on slick roads here.. just not much experience with these tires yet, only had them on for 3000miles. at 32PSI they are very stable, and with the wider stance from the new rims its nice to have a wider stance for stability.

I already had a "glare ice moment on a slow off camber downhill turn... (think "S" curve) out of a retail parking lot. rear end swung out towards a concrete curb... luckily it stopped swinging out to the curb 2-3 feet from the curb edge.. was soo scared I'd ruin my rims within 6 months of getting them.. lol.. if it gets really bad (driveability wise) I still have my stocker OR rims, and stock sized Yokohama Geolandar AT's. I ran them with 1.25" spacers for a while, stability was great, and the fender coverage with them (spacers) was great...