Anyone try auto Snow Socks?

Wondering if these may work on my front wheels for 4wd in deep snow while using regular chains on the rear since the stupid Toyota engineers designed our front control arms so that we can’t put chains up front… anyone try these yet?

If they work well, may also be a good lightweight emergency traction aid to just keep in the truck during winter. (I’m not sure if they are Highway Patrol/DOT approved for regular use on the rears for chain control requirements)

AUTOSOCK 685 - Snow Socks for Car, SUV, & Pickup - Easy to Use Tire Chains Alternative (Pack of 2)

$79 AUTOSOCK 685 - Snow Socks for Car, SUV, & Pickup - Easy to Use Tire Chains Alternative (Pack of 2)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MS96FY

 

doesnt look like it would work with any of the "normal" tire sizes ran by tacomas.

 

^^- This was my observation as well.

 

what kind of snow are we talking? there's about a hundred different types.

high mountain cold snow with the upper crust, i think airing down is more effective to distribute vehicle weight.

lower region high temp muck--slush/snow, they'd probably work better in scenarios where tread clearing is the main problem to moving forward

 

I’ve seen some Porsches wearing those to better manage icy slopes.

they seem intended for mild use…

 

i wouldn’t bother with the socks.

 

Better off with better tires.

 

What if we get a negative offset wheels? Just enough offset to clear the UCA?

 

That would be a lot of offset to fit chains on there.

 

I’m wondering how other company can do it but Toyota can’t. Maybe aftermarket UCA? How much is a lot or too much offset? I’m asking too much questions lol. Hopefully someone from Toyota or someone know a way around it.
My 2017 sienna has about the same clearance from the tires to the UCA and the manual say to chain the front (fwd).

 

The socks I have seen in use have a very short life to them. (Think emergency use only). They tend to be most effective in 'wet' snow conditions. (Think PNW) compact wet snow with water running over. They won't work with dry powdery snow very well at all. And they WILL NOT hold up for any kind of distance driven on them...
They might get you out of a jam, but they won't help you reach your destination. I wouldn't waste money on them, even if they do make a size that fits.

 

not suppose to put chains on your front tires per the manual, I have used chains on the rear to great effect.

 

Those look like something someone from the desert thought up..
Get real snow tires. Leave the chains behind.

 

It’s not likely that chains or socks are going to help in non-hardpacked snow provided you have decent tires. They are more for icey conditions. DISCLAIMER: I’ve never used chains, studs, or socks on a automobile except when I made DIY studded tires with junk yard tires, nuts and bolts, and tubes.

Studded bicycle tires are a game changer in icey conditions. You can ride on stuff you cannot walk on.

 

Siennas are front wheel drive.... although I should assume you knew that already. ( please don't beat me... at least not too hard)

 

Chains suck to put on, they're loud, and they beat the crap out of your truck. We used them to get through 2ft of unplowed forestry roads doing culvert surveys. Nobody is going to actually want to put them on a Tacoma, and if you ever did put them up front you would likely tear out your suspension.

Studded tires or modern studless like Blizzaks do everything you need on a road, and if the snow is deep you'll want flotation and paddles like an MT. If you are in CA get some cables.

Only people who have never used them drool about how great they are..

 

Cables are horrid, they’re only about half as effective as chains... and I’m quoting a CHP test report. I resort to using my double lug chains when things get bad, and yes I’m in Southern California. We only get a week or so of bad roads, especially on the back roads when it ices up when it actually does snow here, otherwise standard mud and snow tires are enough. There are some areas where we get several feet of snow on unplowed roads I have to go, and I used to be able to put chains on the front too but not anymore so I either had to walk or use a different vehicle in winter for work.

 

I live in an area that has snow 6 months of the year and I’ve never seen an automobile with chains, socks, or studs (illegal in my state). If you are worried about getting stuck, upgrade your skills, tires, shovel, and traction boards. The best things about snow are that you can dig yourself to solid ground and it doesn’t get your truck dirty.

 

I know and I did read the manual. Now I know the reason why. We might not need it, but was just wondering if there’s a way around it.

No one is gonna beat you lol. I know they are front wheel drive. I did put them in parentheses in my post (fwd). The only reason I’m bringing up the sienna is because it’s made by Toyota as well and you can put chain in the front where the Tacoma and 4Runner, you can’t.

 

Most manufactures recommend chains be put on the main drive wheels weather they are front or back, but I don't recommend tire chains on the front for any vehicle. The steering knuckle to frame brake flex line is just to exposed on the front tire, on the rear its a hardline farther in along the axle making it much harder to damage if the chain fails.

edit: also not every truck is 4x4 and the manual doesn't differentiate, imagine you put tire chains on the front in 2x4, so they say rear to save use from the idiots.