Snow Chains?

I have a 2021 TRD 4X4 Off Road Tacoma.

I want to go to the snow but I’m not sure if I need snow chains .

Big Bear requires all vehicles to carry snow chains during the winter months.

my truck is stock. What kind of chains would I need and what size ?

This is a dumb question but I’m new to owning a 4X4. Someone told me I should drive my truck in 4X4 mode once a month for 10 miles in 4 high . Do I do this . Also how fast can I go? And do I only go straight with out turning?

Thanks in Advance

-Noe-

 

Yes it is good to drive in 4wd high for a few miles. Only drive straight though! Absolutely no sharp turns on pavement. I think the max speed is 65mph in 4wd

 

Your user manual should have information about snow chains. If this is your manual (2021 Tacoma Owners Manual) then it's on page 324 and 325. The important bit to note, besides the sizing, is that tire chains are only installed on the rear tires; never on the front, as they are likely to interfere with important suspension and driveline components in the front, as well as some of the bodywork. When you have chains installed, you should be in 4WD (4-Hi or 4-Lo), and you should keep speeds under 30mph.

For correct sizing, I would highly recommend going to your local auto parts store to pick up a set of chains. They can look at your tires, as well as your user manual, and help you pick out the right set. All chains fit a range of tire sizes, so once you get a set, you'll be able to use them in the future even if you change sizes slightly.

Also, I highly recommend practicing the installation of the chains before you find yourself in the cold, wet, snow on the side of the highway. Especially the first couple of times, chain installation can be a difficult (frustrating) task, so spend some time in your driveway putting them on and getting them tight. Drive a few hundred feet (down your street) and notice how they get looser. Loose chains are no good - they can cause a lot of damage. Tighten them. (Practice so that you know what you're doing when it's miserable out.)

As for driving in 4WD - the general recommendation is to travel at least 10 miles/month in 4WD in order to keep the various rubber seals in the transfer case and front diff lubricated. 4-Hi is fine - the idea is really just to get things moving. Ideally you would do this on a gravel road, but if no gravel is available, the next best option is to do it on the highway where any turns are gradual. You should be able to switch between 2-Hi and 4-Hi while in motion, under 50mph. Information about switching into/out of 4WD is on page 297-300 of the same manual.

Have fun at Big Bear!

 

What @turbodb wrote above is good advice. Just fyi, the state of California requires that chains be carried in chain control areas, 4wd or not. It’s not a Big Bear requirement, it’s state law. And, when chains are required on any vehicles, the speed limit here is 25 mph. The chain control regulations here are simple in concept but the details are weird (definition of a snow tire is M+S sidewall marking, not 3 Peak, with a minimum of 6/32” tread) and inconsistently documented between various CalTrans websites and the actual Vehicle Code. And then further mixed up by the personal opinion of the chain inspector. In decades of traveling in California mountains I’ve never been told to put on chains with 4wd, been asked if I had them a few times but never asked to show them, and have never needed them with 4wd or AWD. But I always carry them. I did try to fit low-clearance chains on the front of my stock 3rd gen with 265-75-16’s and there is definitely no room. Spacers required if you want to chain up all four.

 

Got these from etrailer.com same exact truck as you have. On the chains link you can see what tire sizes it fits. It does fit the oem goodyear 265/70R16.

take a look at this thread I made about them though… https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tire-chains.748236/




https://www.etrailer.com/Tire_Chains/Titan_Chain/TC2228.html

and a set of:

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories_and_Parts/Titan_Chain/TCMA2.html

 

Pretty sure those tickets are expensive for failure to carry chains in a control zone too.

 

I have used these chains for a few years.
https://peerlesschain.com/passenger-tire-chain/auto-trac

Super easy to put on, no retightening, and they work great. You can order them online on Amazon or Walmart usually carry’s them.

 

Never needed chains driving streets in Colorado snow, but I have used them while snow wheeling. Your state law will dictate if you need to carry them, but need to use is a different story. Stock tires might be a different story, but K02's work great. Finding chains for 33"+ tires is fun, I ended up with these:

$103 Security Chain Company QG3827 Quik Grip Wide Base V-Bar Type RD Light Truck Tire Traction Chain - Set of 2

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DKT3QS?ie=UTF8&th=1