Chains or Cables for snow

I have a 2011 Double Cab Prerunner and have read about not using chains because of clearance but have also seen some posts that the clearance isn't an issue if properly installed.

Im looking at Z6 cables
http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction Pages/Trac_sz6.html

Is there any other cables I should consider? I live in SoCal but snowboard a lot and go to Mammoth sometimes. I have never had to install chains on my personal vehicles but Highway Patrol does require it at times, the times I didn't have to do it was because I had a 4x4 which I no longer have.

 

i hope whatever you get you dont throw them on the front wheels only...

 

I was planning on getting two sets for all four wheels and if its very light snow and required to chain up by highway patrol I would probably just put on the rears instead of all wheels.

 

SHould have gotten a 4x4

 

I'm selling a set if you're interested.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/buy-sell-trade/109625-fs-tire-cable-chains.html

 

I've never heard of clearance issues with chains when using them on Tacomas.
I use cables and they work great, they are cheaper, but aren't as durable as chains. But would be good if you're only using them once and a while.
I don't know much about the different companies, I purchased mine at Wal-Mart.

 

If you have a 2 Wheel drive truck putting chains or cables on the front aren't going to help much. I'd just get a set for the rear wheels. We get snow up here once or twice a year that is deep enough to require traction devices and cables seem to work fine. With a truck you can just go to Home Depot and get some sand bags and throw them in the bed right over the axle and that will help a lot.

 

x2.

 

Sounds like I should stick to the 1 set and I am considering doing the sandbags. The 2wd Tacoma definitely feels different from the 4x4 truck I use to have. I may be driving with sandbags most of the winter.

 

You can cut those bags open and use the sand for traction too!

 

If you go with chains, get low profile ones. The wheel well liner and mudflaps are closer to the tires than you might believe. Ask me how I know.

It only becomes a problem when you have some snow/ice build-up inside the wheel well, which often was the case for me during a wet snow.

 

I have the same truck but an 06. Bought the 2wd in the south before moving to Maine. All you need are some good AT tires, and a couple of hundred pounds of sand in the back and you're golden

 

x3

 

The sandbags I can definitely do, the tires im not so sure. Since I would have to drop close to $800 for the tires. Unless I can sell the stock tires.... I hear the stock tires are crap though. I'll have to find some empty lots when it starts snowing and practice driving with the stock tires. If it scares the hell out of me then I have no choice but to buy the AT's. I use to drive 18-wheelers and 10 speed trucks with tanks that had the near indestructible tires, I remember how important tires are but with the big down payment I just put down on the truck I don't think I should buy tires for another 3-4 months.

 

had to do that once up near lake tahoe lol


as far as cables...i bought a brand new set and had to take them back 2 days later...they broke after i drove 5 miles! had to buy some from the chain guys along the highway and pay out the a$$.

 

Some cable chains in the rear and sand in the bed and you will be good. I've driven in 2 feet of snow with a 2 wheel drive truck with no problems. Take it easy on the gas, no big steering adjustments, give yourself a lot of room for braking and don't hammer the brakes and you will be good.

 

The fact that they are new should help get you through the first year or so with the added weight.

Not to pile on, but having had a 4 wheel drive in the past, i'm surprised you didn't go that route again. Not real familiar with DC weather though, or how it is affected by all of the hot air that comes out of that area.

 

woah...they broke!? that sucks...what brand were they? crap maybe I should get the chains instead, I just have to be careful with the snow/ice buidling up, I have had that happen when I lived in colorado and driving through utah

 

Yeah I know, i wanted the 4x4 but I live in SoCal, the only time I see snow is when I go snowboarding, that happens about once a week when the season starts. I read that the LSD works better on the 09+ Tacoma's unless I completely misread it so I thought maybe it won't be too bad.Especially after reading some people had Prerunners in areas where they get real snow. More MPGs, less maintenance costs for me. Although the RWD is pretty different from the 4x4 I had and the FWD cars, has a nice turning radius though

 

What brand cables chains did you use?