Snow Chains on 3rd gen...anyone found a way?

I don't think you understand chains at all if you suggest "slowing down" as an alternative. If you try to go fast with chains on, you will die.

 

Uggh. Feeble? Whatever.

 

You might want to consider a narrower tire.
There are two sizes of tires that come on these things from factory... ones with 265mm tread width, and ones with 245mm. That's a difference of 20mm, which to some degree extends through the tire's body. Naturally, the 245 will yield more clearance.

So if you go with something like 235's, along with some rims that are also narrower than the factory ones, you could potentially gain an additional 15 mm between the tire and the control arm.

 

I was suggesting that 1 pair of chains would be enough for most situations if you don't try to drive too fast.

 

This. It doesn't matter if you think you need them if the chain enforcement thinks you need them.

 

You're compounding the problem though. If you try to drive too fast with chains, YOU WILL DIE.
Chains are for driving EXTREMELY slow in HORRIBLE conditions where you absolutely need maximum traction.

Further, unless you're carrying around a huge amount of payload, chances are that the front, withOUT chains, will still grip better than the back will WITH chains. Having chains on the front would be an enormous advantage.

 

I kind of get your point, but you are coming across as kind of a dick to me.

You are correct. Driving fast with chains is a bad idea for multiple reasons. I'm not suggesting anyone drive fast. Further, I agree that two pairs of chains would be beneficial, especially if our truck was designed for it. Unfortunately, our truck is not designed for it so if you want to go through the expense and trouble of putting chains on the front, go for it. Its a free country. For most people, in most conditions, chains on the back will be enough if you don't try to go crazy. Toyota seems to think so too, though I have not verified by checking the user manual.

 

V Chains and turtle your way out! good luck me, might run into a snowstorm on my next trip hahaha

I have stock UCA up i barely have 1inch of space between the tires and UCA. but i also have a two inch lift up front.

bump for winter campers !!

 

I'm that guy.

As much a people repeat and repeat how terrible K02's are in the snow I do just fine. I put three sand tubes in back, drop it in 4Hi and drive just fine in slush, snow, ice, glop, powder.

My point: Tires.

 

This will be my first time driving in snow....sooooo and i'm running KO2. I want to get some cooper sst Max before the trip but that ain't gonnna happen $$$$$

 

Just go easy man, think all your driving skills. If you can practice in a lot or even on some empty road. Put some weight in the back, but nothing crazy, even 100 pounds helps. Too much will make things worse if you get sideways and plan on getting (a little) sideways and knowing how to correct out of it.

Don't depend on your brakes, stay way back, and this is what I expect of others (never happens!) .

Just don't go too fast (or too slow!!) and you will gain confidence without getting being cocky.

I'll never forget the time on a straight downhill I did a complete 180° in my 1985 2WD SR5 pickup.

 

Wait.... so what do i do if i go 180 downhill..... . I know i'll be driving though the mountains. Also will have more than 100lbs due to camping gear.

 

Yeah I spun perfectly so I was facing uphill. Those trucks were so light. Summer tires. No weight in back.

It happened REALLY quickly. Like THAT. Bam. Luckily it was relatively close to the bottom and no other cars. I got it pointed down hill and off I went. This was in the late 1980's. I've driven just about every vehicle out of and into fun situations since then.

One thing I HATE is FWD cars UPHILL in snow. Just when you need traction the front end is coming up.......

 

I decided to pick up some heavy vbar chains for my Pro.

Test fit on the front for shiiits and giggles. On a stock Pro setup (with Hakka R3 tires) there is about 1 finger width of clearance between the chain and spindle. UCA clearance doesn’t look to be an issue. Could probably get away with running chains that used a cable around the perimeter, or definitely with a full cable set on the front.

I had to move the last cross link to tension the chains properly. Still need to trim the excess. I did not drive like this, and won’t use this set on the front.






Seems to be enough UCA clearance assuming proper tension

 

dammm.. thats way too close for my taste...but everyone thanks you for show and tell....

 

I have a 2020 TRD OR but haven't really taken it too far north yet (the border is closed to get into CA). Great resource here with lots of interesting suggestions. Really appreciate the pic. I had no idea that Toyota doesn't recommend snow tires on the front of the Tacoma.

I guess I have two options -- either much lower profile chains (there are some good ones on the market now that I have been looking at) or maybe I just get a pair of studded snow tires.

 

Your chains should be on the rear tires. Says so in the owners manual.

Are you already running some on the rear and adding more to the front?

 

I think that has been established already ... but thanks for confirming it. I am curious why Toyota says chains on the back two only? Most of the folks that I know with chains on trucks, especially off road in the extreme winter, use for. I know it is in the manual that way ... totally get that ... but I wonder why that is the recommendation? Is it because the front two are not needed or they won't fit?

Of course, I can't wait to do a little off road driving on a few trails but that is just me ... I love a good snowstorm !