Recommend me a set of chains?

Im after a set of chains for my 2011 Taco (essentially stock), on 17in BFG KO2 TA tires.

Ive been looking at these

Konig Distribution 2004705245 THULE XG-12 PRO 245 Snow chains, set of 2

Konig chains (I know these arent the right size, just as an example).

They've got good reviews, but definitely not cheap, especially when you need two sets!

Im also in the PNW, if that helps.

Thanks in advance!

 

I cant speak for the Konigs on a Taco, but I have them for a VW Golf wagon and they are great. Wife was able to put them on a time or two and is now a pro. I have more basic chains for the Taco for backcountry/mud travels, as I have needed them a time or two when things were a little bogged down.

The ease of install and quality of the Konigs are top notch and I would highly recommend them.

-Scott

 

So as long as we’re talking chains, can anyone explain the logic behind not having chains on the front wheels?

Toyota doesn’t recommend it, yet every set of chains I’ve ever bought had four in the box.

 

Just guessing here but might there be clearance issues at full turn? I've wondered the same thing.

 

They dont recommend it as there isnt much clearance at all between the UCA and tire or the ABS wires.

You can get away with it with some low profile chains and skinnier tires.


Chains on the front are amazing as thats where all the weight is... that stated with good tires (with lots of siping) on plowed roads, some common sense and you shouldnt need chains.

 

I wanted something rated for mud and snow. These, in the 5.5mm size are mud and snow rated and are also advertised as being suitable for close fits. They fit my Tacoma even with LT265/75/16 tires.

https://www.tirechain.com/Tire-Chains-Square-Alloy.htm


They are a close fit on the rear, would never fit on the front.

The ones you're looking at would probably be a better snow chain.

 

I run the heavy duty chains from O’Rileys. I forget what exactly I’m running. I’ve never had to chain up due to the tires I’m running (General Grabber ATX) and the fact that both my trucks are 4x4’s. They’re more so if there’s a chain requirement I at least have them on me.

Fitment is as expected with chains on bigger than stock tires. I clear everything.

 

I have never needed chains in the quite a bit of snow driving i have done, that stated i always carry a set when im going to the snow (it is the law in ca)

so i got some, "worst case" chains....

$128 SCC SECURTYCHAIN QG2828CAM Quik Grip V-Bar Light Truck CAM LRS Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Chain-Company-QG2828CAM-Traction/dp/B00HRI5MQA

Vbar crazy ones. talk about some extra grip.

 

This is new to me. I was on my way to purchase to sets of the Konig chains to the tune of $1000, and then checked this out. So, even if Im in 4x4, only a set of chains on the rear wheels?

 

Check state laws. Last time I looked California had three different levels of chain requirements. The selection of level seems pretty arbitrary.

 

R1: any car with m+s or snowflake tire does not need chains
R2: 4wd/AWD with m+s or snowflake tire does not need chains
R3: ALL vehicles need chains

I was in an r2 a few weeks back in a Jeep, they didnt even check my tires and just let me through. Also, everyone had chains on their drive wheels only (2).

 

Les Schwab will sell you a good set of z chains for $100. I have a pair and they sure look great. I've mounted them once just to see how they fit but never actually used them. They are extremely easy to fit. I have used this style chain on other vehicles and they will give you all the grip you need, especially if you run them on all four tires.