Snow chain recommendations.

06 RWD Access Cab with stock 215/70/15.

Had cables but they ended up snapping. Was wanting to get real chains to get to some trailheads, nothing too crazy.

Was thinking about these but read some reviews from Taco owners saying the sizing is incorrect:

$100 KÖNIG CB-12 100 Snow chains, set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/KONIG-CB-12-100-Snow-chains/dp/B000UNKGHE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1544406514&sr=8-4&keywords=konig+chains&th=1

Any input? What are you RWD folks running?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

If you are looking for off-highway chains, I reccomend something with a v bar. I use mine for getting to ice climbing and skiing spots in deep snow, and they work great. Probably a bit much if you want them on road. This isn’t my picture, but that is the idea.

 

I would simply recommend to not take your truck places it should not go.

2wd + off road in snow =

Just asking for trouble

 

In general, for road use, are actual chains or cables preferred? Is one safer/better performance/durable than the other?

 

I live in one of the snowiest provinces in Canada and I’ve never used chains, always been interested in getting a set tho. I haven’t gotten stuck in my taco yet thanks to the auto lsd that thing is pretty awesome I must say

 

Also curious what would be recommended for trips and such.

Nothing back country, just to get past the highway chain checker and possibly up a hill/driveway in the middle of the night before the plow comes through.

Always previously used cable chains in passenger FWD cars or had AWD.

 

Some places, particularly out west in the mountains, require chains during the winter. I’ve driven pretty reliably in over 24” of fresh snow without chains. But I’ve also never tried to go up a 18% grade at the same time.

 

V bar and other such heavy duty chains are great at very slow speeds on frozen/ sloppy surfaces. They suck at higher speeds on hard (on road) surfaces. If you want highway chains for driving on the road in snow and ice, go with cable chains. I have a lot of experience with both.

 

I have 4x4 and have never needed chains in all my snow skiing adventures.... that stated i ALWAYS carry some GNARLY vbar chains like above just in case shit really hits the fan, definitely would not want to use them full time on a 2wd vehicle that is just on icy roads though.

My vote is for cable "chains" and stick to the icy / light snow pavement if 2wd.

 

Rid Grip 4x4 chains. Diamond pattern for lateral stability. Very easy on and off. Reversible and can be installed without moving the truck, though like most others you will need to adjust and tension them after driving a short distance. Approved for snow and mud use. I use them on my work van and my Tacoma. I can have my van chained in three minutes. Truck takes longer due to the tire sidewall lugs.

 

On roads in light to moderate snow stay with cables. They are cheaper, easier to use and work fine. Chains work better in off road situations or really deep snow and mud. Also keep in mind, most modern vehicles don't have enough clearance to run chains without them hitting sheet metal or suspension components. Cables will usually work. If you're going to run aggressive chains you may need to go to a skinny tire, or add wheel spacers.

On fairly level terrain with good tires, especially with front wheel drive there is probably no need for chains or cables. And all snow isn't the same. If you're in an area where it truly gets cold and the snow stays frozen it is relatively easy. Here in GA we don't get a lot of snow, but they don't clear it off most of the roads either. Only enough equipment to clear interstates and main highways. Where I live we are on our own and there are a lot of steep hills and mountains so chains or cables are a good idea. Or just stay at home. It usually melts within 24-48 hours. Also since it normally warms up above freezing during most days, and drops below freezing at night the snow goes through melt/refreeze cycles and ends up being more ice than snow.

And the moisture content is different. Here in GA, 4-5" of snow equals about 1" of rainfall. In Western states it takes about 20" of snow to equal 1" of rainfall. 6" of snow here is a lot harder to drive in than 6" in the Rockies.

 

Good post

 

Could not agree more. The snow out here on the west coast doesn’t even come close to the wet snow on the east. And nobody should be on a hwy with bar chains. Your just asking for trouble.

 

what if any modifications are needed or recommended for putting those tire chain on the front wheels also as to not interfere with UCA etc.?????? (2nd Gen Tacoma)

 

Just an FYI in California if you have 4WD with mud/snow tires they don’t make you put chains on. When going over the mountains like highway 50 or 80 and the other ones.

 

1-1.5” spacers should clear the UCa. However depending on tyre size you may rub against the back of the fender or front. I’d avoid a studded chain up front just in case.

 

Well idk, our typical snowfalls are 4" on a normal day. The our snowclearing is absolutely one of the worst in canada aswell. Takes about 2 days for most roads to be somewhat hit. The snow will melt into a slush / ice mixture in some spots and just deep snow in others. Also newfoundland is all hills, only "flat" peice of road is maybe the trans canada highway for like 10km in some sections across the highway. We just had 2 feet of snow in 24 hours the other day. Went out for some drifting fun . When you're born and raised in one of the snowest places, you can easily get around almost anywhere in a open diff rwd car, its 99% driver experience when it comes to snow. I dont understand the "need" for 4wd. many people here have 2wd cars and are just fine.

 

Yep, were the most eastern province in canada, and also one of highest snowfall places in the world

 

thanks for the advice.... and yes i've put a 1.5" spacer..... but i've also put a taller tire on, which rubs that back fender.....uhg, ..... also putting on the most agressive chain is the point