Snow chains/cables recommendations?

[lauren01]

How are the stock tires on the top trims doing in the snow? We have a Trailhunter. Hope I don’t feel compelled to buy a second set this year. We are in CA in a beach town but snow is only 1 hour away and really gnarly snow 2 hours.

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[Truckeeskibum]

I'm at 6,800 ft in CA and will run studded snow tires all winter. I will also carry chains per Caltrans requirements. With that said, I will offer the following advice.

Tires are the biggest difference maker with snow traction. And the issue is not getting moving, it is stopping. If you come up to the Sierras often (every other weekend or more often), I would consider investing in a set of Blizzaks, Ice-X or similar snow specific tires. The rubber chemistry is different than 3PSF tires and their performance is pretty impressive. However, you don't want to run them all year long, because they are very soft and the rubber wears quickly in warm weather.

You can buy cables and they will get you through the Caltrans checkpoints, but they wouldn't last very long with the weight of a Tacoma.

Diamond pattern chains will give you a slightly smoother ride than ladder chains. Ladder chains are easier to install with a couple of tricks.

For ladder chains and cables, cut two pieces of 2 x 6 (one for each side) that is just smaller than the opening in the chains. For installation, lay out the chain and put the 2 x 6 in an opening. Drive up on the 2 x 6, it will make fastening the chains more snug alot easier, especially the backside. If you have the clearance from your suspension, put the chains on the front tires. More weight on the front of the vehicle and you can turn the steering wheel to make getting to the backside of the tire easier during installation. If you can, throw a piece of cardboard in the bed that you can kneel on to keep yourself a little drier.

Make sure you have the rubber chain tighteners. Carry some stronger zip ties or rebar tie wire and a pair of linesman pliers or wire cutters so you can tie off something that breaks or gets loose. Velcro straps might work in a pinch also. You dn't want anything flopping around. After initial installation of the chains, drive a few hundred yards and then stop and check everything. Retighten the chains if necessary.

Don't plan on driving over 25 or 30 mph with chains on. It's not a race and the idiot in the AWD Tesla with crappy tires that just passed you will soon end up in a snowbank on the side of the road.

The snow in CA is highly variable. The warmer storms (6000 foot snow levels) have snow that is similar to the east coast. and you can fight through it with 3PSF tires. The colder storms with the lower snow levels (2000-3000) are completely different. The snow is alot more slippery. These are the storms where the snow just packs into the grooves in the tire and doesn't release.

Last thing, practice putting them on in driveway in clear weather. Makwe sure everything fits and you know how it works. You don't want to go through a learning exercise on the side of I-80, getting cold and soaked.

 

[oinker]

Put it in 2 wheel drive 'till ya get stuck then put it in 4wheel drive and get the hell outa there!

 

[Chico]

My best recommendation is to check with your Department of Transportation to find out what are the requirements first, before you spend any money on any equipment. Then if chains are required, make sure that you buy the appropriate size for your tires and make sure that you install them and use them appropriately as to not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others and/or damage to your truck. I live in Colorado and when the traction law is in effect, my Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter meet the requirements as it is (AWD or 4x4, M+S tires or winter tires w/snow flake icon and tire tread depth of at least 3/16 inches, if none of those then chains or another approved traction equipment is required).

 

[lauren01]

I'm at 6,800 ft in CA and will run studded snow tires all winter. I will also carry chains per Caltrans requirements. With that said, I will offer the following advice.

Tires are the biggest difference maker with snow traction. And the issue is not getting moving, it is stopping. If you come up to the Sierras often (every other weekend or more often), I would consider investing in a set of Blizzaks, Ice-X or similar snow specific tires. The rubber chemistry is different than 3PSF tires and their performance is pretty impressive. However, you don't want to run them all year long, because they are very soft and the rubber wears quickly in warm weather.

You can buy cables and they will get you through the Caltrans checkpoints, but they wouldn't last very long with the weight of a Tacoma.

Diamond pattern chains will give you a slightly smoother ride than ladder chains. Ladder chains are easier to install with a couple of tricks.

For ladder chains and cables, cut two pieces of 2 x 6 (one for each side) that is just smaller than the opening in the chains. For installation, lay out the chain and put the 2 x 6 in an opening. Drive up on the 2 x 6, it will make fastening the chains more snug alot easier, especially the backside. If you have the clearance from your suspension, put the chains on the front tires. More weight on the front of the vehicle and you can turn the steering wheel to make getting to the backside of the tire easier during installation. If you can, throw a piece of cardboard in the bed that you can kneel on to keep yourself a little drier.

Make sure you have the rubber chain tighteners. Carry some stronger zip ties or rebar tie wire and a pair of linesman pliers or wire cutters so you can tie off something that breaks or gets loose. Velcro straps might work in a pinch also. You dn't want anything flopping around. After initial installation of the chains, drive a few hundred yards and then stop and check everything. Retighten the chains if necessary.

Don't plan on driving over 25 or 30 mph with chains on. It's not a race and the idiot in the AWD Tesla with crappy tires that just passed you will soon end up in a snowbank on the side of the road.

The snow in CA is highly variable. The warmer storms (6000 foot snow levels) have snow that is similar to the east coast. and you can fight through it with 3PSF tires. The colder storms with the lower snow levels (2000-3000) are completely different. The snow is alot more slippery. These are the storms where the snow just packs into the grooves in the tire and doesn't release.

Last thing, practice putting them on in driveway in clear weather. Makwe sure everything fits and you know how it works. You don't want to go through a learning exercise on the side of I-80, getting cold and soaked.

Thank you for the scoop! I had wire type cables for my former ‘93 Mazda truck so it has been a long time since I had to put anything on tires.

I have heard all good things about Blizzaks on other car forums (tiny Hondas). Would only run them to go to the snow.

 

[Pappy]

I used to blow off the use of chains ... until I started using them. Now, I don't play in the snow without them. I use twisted-link chains on both my 4Runner and FJ40. I think the square link chains work well too. Which reminds me ... I need to get a second set for the front.

A good selection, and a bunch of information, at www.tirechain.com.

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