Tire Chains or Cables

Hello All new to the site and new taco owner as well. As i am going through my papers there is a sepcific paper that says do not put tire chains on and if i do that may void my warranty. Can anyone elaborate as to why i cant put chains on?

 

On the front wheels the chains may rub on the UCA's. The rear wheels may be ok if chains are kept tight. YMMV.

 

I've used chains on the rear. Clearance is tight and I specifically bought chains made for close clearance vehicles. The V-bar or heavy duty type chains might not clear with factory tires. I know some guys are running 235/85/16's to keep the height, but get a skinny tire that works better with chains. If in an off road situation where there were a lot of flexing the chains I have may contact sheet metal. Forget them on the front. Cables MIGHT work on the front, but I've never tried.

I know a lot of people diss cables. But for some applications they work very well. They aren't great in deep snow, much over 3-4". But in lighter snow or ice work quite well. Here in north GA some years we get zero snowfall. On average we get 2-3 snows ranging from 2-4" a big 6-8" snow every few years and I've seen 24" plus. The main roads are cleared, but back roads are never touched, just not enough equipment. And we actually end up with more ice than snow. Cables work better in patchy situations where you may have clear road for a few feet, then shady spots that are iced over. If the icy spot is on an incline you won't get up it without chains or cables. And I live in the mountains, flat landers can get by without chains with good tires.

 

Where do you live and why do you want chains?

Yea, I know that's not your question, I'm just curious. And depending on your answers, there may be very good alternatives.

 

Live in So Cal. Head up to the mountains here and there during the winter months.

 

If you have 4x4 you shouldn't need chains in so cal. I'm up in Big Bear almost every month and I've never needed them

 

Mines a 4x2 so didn't know what to do if they were required.

 

There are times if your 4x4 or not chains will be required on all vehicles depending on snow conditions and chp/cal Trans requirements. Also you must carry them in your vehicle when traveling in the mountains especially during snow storm conditions by law. They do have check points during the winter months and they check your vehicle to make sure you have them.

 

I need chains on all 4 to get to my cabin in winter. My 1993 (should have never got rid of it) could take chains on all fours and I had lockers (also needed). My 2010 has the rear lock and front atrac, but that will not be enough. Only two of us make it up there out of 9 cabins because we are locked and chained in each corner. I am thinking of those thule linkages. I only run about 2-5 mph, so unless I slide or hit the polyurethane plastic on them I should be ok. The rears should be fine. You have to have lockers to get up there in the summer, let alone the winter.

My wifes 08 4runner is leveled and putting chains on the back with center locker is very difficult. When there is any snow when going in her runner, my pucker factor is through the roof, especially going down. It amazes me to hear some of you guys think we don't need them. Do you guys go up to the local forest park to camp and think that is 4wheeling?

 

I have chains. RUD Grip 4x4 for my 235/85-16 tires. I haven't needed them yet, but I have test fit them. No way will they work on the front.

 

Run your hand behind a front tire and you will see how little clearance there is. The problem isn't just with the UCA either. There is a bump on the knuckle that is very close to the sidewall. In my case with stock OR wheels and 265/75 Duratracs there is only around 1/4" of clearance there. And I believe it would be very easy for chains to destroy the ABS sensors too. In the rear there is more room for chains. First go here and look at their standard and limited clearance options to see what's out there. https://www.peerlesschain.com/brands/traction/technical-information/limited-clearance-issues/
Then go to your truck, inspect it carefully, and measure how how much clearance you have with your wheel and tire combo. I absolutely hate spacerz but may buy a 3/4" set just for use in the winter so I can fit a set limited clearance chains or cables on the front. Going down steep mountain trails when they are frozen without front chains can be very dangerous.

 

I think they mean for street use or dirt roads. I grew up in Maine and no one uses chains there and we would get plenty of snow. Snow tires for the winter would get and still gets people through the winter. I had studded winter tires on my early 90's Saab 900 and made it up my parent's 1/2 mile inclined dirt road with no problems for four seasons including the ice storm of 98 and blizzards that had a lot of accumulation.

I've been out here in CA for 16 years and I know that chains are status quo - however I've seen a lot of people with their cars and trucks stuck on the side of roads (counted 4-5 my first trip up to Alpine Meadows) with and without chains. In my opinion it's lack of experience. Anything can happen anywhere though. I remember riding the bus to high school before I got my license and seeing my algebra teacher in the ditch on the side of the road. Luckily she was OK, but there was no math class that day

What I will give CA over Maine in difficult winter driving conditions is the amount of snow that can accumulate and the incline of some of the mountain roads. Maine's got black ice and ice in general more, but roads that are less steep and typically less accumulation per storm compared with Sierran storms. I've never driven with chains though so I can't say for sure if they are a necessity over a good set of winter tires and experienced driving in the snow and ice. If there's any doubt as to what can or can't get you where you want to go just get one of these

 

I have never had to use chains on the road, and cannot remember when I had to use h4 on the road. I have driven what should be a 1/2 drive become close to 2 hrs due to car pile ups and ice.

I am talking about 19-21 degree inclines with rocks outcroppings that stop you without snow. 2-5 mph driving.

I have felt that knuckle and uca. Anyone try those expensive chains that dont go on the inner side, but just on top of tire?

 

Chains that just go on the top of the tyre and not the inside of the wheel. Oh do tell, I need to see these, aka buy as I am looking for a set right now.

Steve

 

Check out

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Volv...chains&refinements=p_36:1253497011,p_89:Volvo

Pricey.

 

Thule z series.

 

Oh I like, saves me having to buy spacers to stick chains on the front wheels, hmm. Ming you spacers and chains for four wheels here in Canada is probably just as much as two sets of these. Hmm.

 

The Titan low clearance chains look hopeful.

 

I run standard peerless chains on the rear. none up front. 265/75/16 32". run fine but truthfully I used them once and only cause I wanted to see if it helped, didn't really need them. nice to have here in CO though. As was stated it's better to have and not need...
09 dcsb 4x4

 

I live in FC, CO. I cannot get to my property w/out lockers. Cannot get there w/out chains in winter, or tracks on quad.

I have chains for the rear, just need to find out about a type I can put up front.

Regular driving I dont see the need except when I-70 requires them in the passes.