Basic chain set for emergency use

I've got a couple road trips this winter that take me over some mountain passes etc. Was thinking of having chains in the truck just in case. Anyone have any suggestions for a basic set, preferably a non-drive on set as I see myself being stupid and putting them on after i'm already stuck...

These are going to be for emergency use, not like I'm looking for repeated abuse, but more just to get me out of a stupid situation.

 

Your avatar shows you as in Langley. If so you might have experienced the snow storms the last couple of days. They happen sometimes there. And you say you have road trips. I don't know what you have for tires now. I live in Alberta and drove the Rockies and Rogers Pass for many years. I carried chains for awhile then went a better route with tires. I would use the money for chains and buy tires that have the winter 3 peak snow capability and that will work in the summer too. Maybe sell your current tires on line. I'm using General Tire Grabber A/T. They are snow rated and are fine the summer. We have a foot of snow and ice on the ground now and it's -25 C. The tires are great. They've been great on dry stuff as well.

 

There is not enough clearance on the front wheels and upper control arms to run chains on Tacomas, plus tearing off your abs sensors is pretty much going to happen. Not worth it.

You are 100% better off with Blizzaks.

 

I would think it would be best to run chains on the back wheels. In CA, even if you have a 4X4 you still need to have chains, if chains are required on the road. I've never had a CHP officer ask to see them. The only place I was ever required to show I had chains was in Yosemite, the park Rangers are a bit over the top their.

 

Thanks, that reminds me I should update my profile. I'm over on Vancouver Island now but really it's the same difference. I'm running stock size KO2 and honestly they're pretty good for my regular driving in the 1-2 feet of snow we get occasionally.
There's going to be a few trips around here on the island, and then heading down the I5 down the states that I was thinking of just having an emergency kit and thought having a set wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

Hadn't thought about the UCAs. good point.

 

The OP's avatar says Langley. If that's as in Langley BC they hardly ever get snow there so Blizzaks (winter tires) would not make sense. I still recommend General Grabber A/t's or something similar. Great for all seasons and conditions.
Oops ok now we have more info. Your on Vancouver Island and are on KO's.
I'd just run what you have and don't sweat it. Going down I5 isn't a biggee.

 

Just updated my profile to Nanaimo, but really the same climate as Langley. Ya a dedicated set of winters didn't make sense, but having a set of 3 peak tires have worked out okay.

 

Yeah, a lower mainlander with chains is an even worse idea..
Did you see the bridge yesterday?! Chains are not going to help when there are a thousand gridlocked cars with all seasons idling around you..



If I lived down there I would have a set of Blizzaks on steelies and swap them on for any storm days or trips to the interior. They would last forever, and get almost no use some winters. The problem is no one buys winters but they try to get to Big White anyways..

OP stick with K02, Toyo AT3, Wildpeaks or any other snowflake AT, some weight in the back, a shovel, and some winter gear. Be careful and keep it in 4hi in the snow.

 

Thanks ya, I'm generally good in regular conditions. It's going to be mainly when I head thru some passes in southern Oregon etc. I'll have my straps/shovel etc in my pack like normal, but as I'll be driving solo, I figured having a set of chains as a 'just in case' wouldn't hurt. But it's sounding like the initial consensus is it may not be necessary.

The irony of posting this just after the lower mainland got a dump and the normal choas ensued.

This was never intended for a 'what chains do I need to drive to the grocery store', but more of a, 'if I get stuck, is there a brand out there you'd recommend'.....

 

Look at the regulations where you plan to travel and ask some locals if you can. Even in a 4X4 and I was turned around at a chain checkpoint in Californian for not having chains. They didn't need to be installed but you had to have them in the vehicle. I ended up driving down the mountain and bought a cheap set at Walmart and returned them later. That was California soooo..... not sure any other states care.

As others have said, don't run them on the front, not enough clearance unless you find low profile and even that's iffy.

 

Most mountain pass check points require chains OR winter tires. KO's with the 3 mountain peak will be fine. TA KO2's are among the highest rated for ice and snow.

 

these are non drive on, have used this type in the past they work well.
https://www.tirechainsrus.com/car-d...y1Br0u-DSNYBSdy2-ePck2vVBVoaAj-4EALw_wcB#6004

 

I worked at an organization that required I have chains available in my POV... Every winter I bought mine from Les Schwab, and returned them unused year after year... Been a while now and don't know if they still do that deal or not

 

Your issues are more likely ice (compacted wet snow) than snow. KO2 are ok in snow, horrid on ice. Dedicated winter tires can't be beat. We run either Michelin X-Ice or Blizzaks on my wife's car for street use. You could be on the right track with a set of chains, but you'll have to use them.

I live in the Kootenays, work in the bush year round throughout BC and run Duratracs that I get siped when I buy them. I also carry chains.

Better AT's than the KO2's or a dedicated winter tire is my recommendation. If most of your driving is pavement Michelin LTX are great.

 

buy tires with the three mtn peak snowflake symbol, because in many areas, that counts as traction device. Keep a set of chains in the truck in case you need them.

 

None of those are close to 265/70R16 or 265/65R17 Tacoma sizes.

If you decide you absolutely need chains (for some strange reason) get vbars.
Also note you'll only be able to run two on the rear as per the manual, so you can go forward, maybe stop, but not turn..
Might want to throw in some earplugs, gloves, and Advil as well, if you've ever used chains you will know why..

 

Ive actually had better luck with traction on wildpeaks than bfg at ko3s surprisingly

 

When I worked in trucking, drivers hated chains. They're heavy and a royal pain in the rear to install and take off. They're never on just right and often cause damage to whatever or whomever get in there way.