Snow Chains: Who Runs Them?

thank you

 

I live at 7000ft and run Wildpeaks for 3 seasons and switch to dedicated winter tires in October. Though the Wildpeaks are 3PMSF rated the performance isn’t nearly as good as a winter tire especially on ice. I don’t find myself wanting or needing cables or chains on the winters but as far as I am aware your only real option is low clearance cables on the rears (and make sure you’re in 4HI).

Chains aren’t all that much better than cables if that’s your concern. And if you’re talking off road in winter… both are pretty useless in the deep stuff and only helpful on icey asphalt.

 

If my buddy wants to chime in he will give you the rundown on his setup.
I’ll let him know.
Could be what you need.

 

I run chains off road only getting out to my buddy's cabin. I've run them on stock 2nd gen rims with P245/75/16 Blizzak tires with no issues. This year I intend to run them on GY Wrangler Duratracs size LT235/85/16. Comparing the P245/75/16 to LT235/85/16, conceptually I believe it will work. Clearance with the front suspension towers is close, but they do clear. I would NOT run this set up high speed. I'm generally running less than 10 mph. Chains definitely make a huge difference. That's all I can tell you from my experience. Check my "Shack" thread (link in sig) for pics of my truck with chains mounted. I'll post pics of the new tires with chains and performance report after the snow flies later this year, albeit all too soon.

EDIT: Stitch is a 2019 DCSB Offroad.

 

My manual says you SHOULD add chains on the rear. I'm in a '17 OR, is that somehow different than the others whose manual says not to use chains?

 

I think they clarified that you're not supposed to run chains on the front tires due to potential clearance issues with the UCAs and wheel wells. If you're lifted, have spacers, larger tires, or otherwise modded the front tire and suspension setup, then you need to check the clearance yourself to verify they don't rub anything.

my understanding was that chains on the rear are pretty fine no matter what, since there's much more space back there, plus you're supposed to put chains on the drive axle. I've seen plenty of Tacos in the winter using chains.

 

People saying not to run chains on the front, clearance isn't the issue, provided you have anything close to stock tire size. The problem is when chains fail in the front they have a nasty habit of deleting the front brake line, the rear brake line is a solid line and much closer the the center on the wheel meaning its less likely to be damaged. Also keep in mind the manual is for both 4x4 and 2x4 trucks and it has to be written for both, imagine putting front chains on a 2x4 vehicle.

 

things can have multiple reasons, that might be part of it as well. but there are flex lines on the rear brakes, theyre not solid lines all the way to the drum, but they are farther from the wheel than in the front.

 

The flex lines are alot farther away from the wheel on the rear, much less risky. Plus even the solid line on the front stick out were it meets the spindle, probably even that can get ripped off by a rouge chain. On the rear its tucked in much more tightly to the back of the wheel and axle.

 

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm saying clearance and risk of damage to the brake lines could both be reasons they don't recommend putting chains up front. Its not an either/or.

 

Thank you! I look forward to seeing your pics.

 

Here's one at trailhead Mar 2021. That's on Blizzaks P245/75/R16. I have the Duratracs LT235/85/R16 bought and in my shed; I plan to have them mounted in Sep and adjust my chains to fit.

 

Testfitted the front driver's side. I need to remove one link, that's the "clink" you hear. Clearance is close, proceed at your own risk. I only do this at extremely slow speed off road. You will hear an occassional clink in motion off road which is the chain barely contacting the UCA. It's never been a repetitive "clink-clink-clink". I'll report back when their use becomes necessary.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ufssBM165VI?feature=share

 

Do you have any pictures of the siping you mention? Is it extra siping beyond what comes on them already?

 

I have the tire shop do it when I buy them. Lots of extra grooves cut in.

 

Locker and chains on the back will get you into some trouble

 

I’ve lived 52 years in an state that has a chance of snow 4-6 months out of the year and I’ve never seen or heard of anyone running tire chains on an automobile driving on the road. I used to think they were illegal in my state, but I learned more recently they they are not. Studded tires are illegal.

So anyway I find these tire chain threads curious. I’ve read/watched a fair number of articles/videos on the subject and my conclusion has been that tire chains are very inconvenient, restrict you to very slow speeds, and have dubious benefits accept in icey conditions.

I am however familiar with studded tires on automobiles and bicycles and have found them to be game changing on ice, but with zero effect on snow.

I would never cancel a hunting trip because I didn’t have tire chains. When I drive into extreme winter conditions, I bring good tires, a shovel, and some traction boards.

 

This video from dirt lifestyle has good info on grooving and siping.

https://youtu.be/TnsHW9Fch9Y

 

I watched that video. I remain skeptical that aftermarket siping has advantages over an OEM tire. Tire manufacturers have much bigger budgets and smarter engineers. The only doubt I have in my head is why there isn’t an obvious off-road snow tire on the market. Dedicated snow ties seem designed for the road and mud terrains seem designed for summer. There may be too little market for a off-road snow tire. In my area, winter is snowmobile season.

 

I live on a mountain in northern VA. My house is above the frost line and everyone up here STRONGLY advises having tire chains in the vehicle and that you’ll have to use them to get up/down the neighborhood a handful or more times a year. I have blizzaks on our outback and my FWD malibu. 4 tire chains in both of those cars. For the taco i was hoping to just avoid it all together but was planning on 4 tire chains. For the other two I’ve bought Titan Alloy Diamond pattern square link chains from e-trailer.

So from what everyone is saying here is id only be able to run rear chains on the taco?

For reference i grew up in NW PA with a ton of snow/ice but not much elevation change. I then lived in central WV for 10 years but in an area with limited snowfall and not as drastic elevation change. Here in VA we dont get a ton of snow but ice happens frequently and my neighborhood has VERY steep and Very curvy roads. 1800ft elevation change from the gate to my driveway.