snowchains . . . .

got my '11 dc LB trd sport taco last week, and with winter around the corner I'm slowly looking for tire chains . . . i had cables on my accord and it scratched up my rims pretty good. can anyone recommend any good chains for the winter? I mostly go to mammoth (california) and I would like to keep my rims scratch free if possible. thanks in advance

 

x2

 

I'd like to know too.. But for some reason, my dealership made me sign some waiver saying I was never going to use chains on the tires, cables only. I got free tire service for 5 years when I bought my truck. Why would they say no chains? And if I go with cables will they jack everything up?? I just spent $$ for the TRD Sport "Upgrade" and if the cables jack up the rims I'm gonna be pissed!!

 

bump for any advice

 

around here with your 4x4 i think you dont need chains, they wouldnt hurt but not needed.

 

I have SCC Z-Chains. Go on easy but I haven't used them yet. I am 4wd with snow tires so they sit in the bed of truck ready for a rare R3 road condition.

 

when my dad bought his truck the dealership told him the same thing (not a Toyota). he put chains on anyway and it was fine.

 

I put on snow cables that I got from walmart, they work really good. Chains are good, but if you're only going up a few times a year, cables are the way to go.

Chains are more expensive, but will last a lot longer, the reverse for cables. Hope that helps.

 

Sub'd for future reference. Report back if you get to use the chains.

 

If you have four wheel drive, why do you need chains? Did you put low profile tires with a smooth pattern on there?


Even when I go upstate (northern NY where the ski regions are) to go hunting, no chains needed.
I live in NY and we get plenty of snow. Even last years strom that dropped a few feet on the roads couldnt stop the Tacoma. I actually drive around with a tow strap in the bed of my truck just to pull people out of the snow to feel A) helpful and liek i did a good deed and B) like a manly man who pulls out helpess young maidens !!! I didnt get stuck once last year, and havent gotten stuck since Ive owned it. (talking about snow)

Now that i have a lift and bigger tires i am going to see what it will actually take to get it stuck.

but like i said, what do you need chains for? Are you plowing?

 

I got a set of cables from pep boys and i used the heavly in the winter of 2008. Like every day for a month. No scratches, good traction, but i could only go up to 30mph according to the warnings on the snow cable box.

 

Also, some states require chains even if you have 4wd so they're always good to have.

 

four wheel drive is far from a cure all. 1( Ice, chains help immesly in ice, no tires or lift will (unless they are studded) 2) freshly plowed streets suck they are worse than plowing through powder because they ice, see number 1) and 3) Packed Packed snow is the same. I have run alot of cheap wal mart chains, They beat up tires a little, and rims but work well. The only advice I can give you is carry a shitload of bungy cords. Bungy across the wheels to keep them tight and off your wheel wells. If you are worried about your rims dont drive where you need chains

 

This!

Between (I think) it's Oct-Mar, driving through the Rockies between BC and Alberta it is required that you have some sort of chains in your vehicle.

 

From my experience in the Mammoth area, if the road is bad enough that a 4x4 Taco can't make it without chains, they close the road anyway. I have to drive in the Eastern Sierra snow everyday over the winter, don't have any chains.

Also, just for better traction on a snowy road that isn't closed yet, cables aren't bad. Just be sure that you retighten them 1 mile after install, then check them every 20miles at least.

IMO, good chains on a 4x4 are just for snow-wheeling, or for folks that live in the mtns and don't get their roads plowed.

Nothing wrong with chains, they're awesome, but again, if you absolutely NEED chains to get down the highway in a 4x4, it will be closed by that point anyway.

 

also keep your speed appropiate- if your running chains conditions do not warrent going 60. Some with 4wd, if you got to put it in 4 you should slow down. Also ALWAYS check your chains when you stop. they get loose, bungies break wheel wells will get fucked if you dont

 

Not sure about cables, but from my past experience there isn't enough clearance between the front upper control arm and tire to clear chains. You can run tire chains in the rear just fine. Check your owners manual, IIRC there is something in there about chain use.

As far as when and where you need/don't need chains, thats a case by case basis. And like some have said, some states require it by law, regardless of 4wd or not.

 

I picked up some RUD grip 4x4 chains last December after doing the research. I had to use them in Washington at Christmas time with no problem, easy on and off with a short time out side. I purchased them at a tire place in Castaic since I needed them before mail order could get them to me.

 

Just because you have 4wd, doesn't mean you shouldnt use chains. I plan on running my chains only on my front tires. It will help with steering and stopping, along with 4wd for traction

 

I believe this is the reason you can't use chains. Not enough clearance. If you want to run chains and don't want to ding up your nice rims, I'd suggest picking up a set of steelies for the winter. Most chains will leave marks or at least have the potential to leave marks. Why risk it if keeping your rims in good shape is a concern?