Do i need snow chains for my 2017 4x4 tacoma

Road to Yosemite is not 12" of packed snow. Roads will be closed if not plowed in that kind of road conditions. Are we not overly exarrgerating here?

People, you are not driving on a remote stretch of road with no plowing and less frequently travel roads. The main roads to Yosemite are not scary even during harsest winter conditions. Tell that to tens of thousands of travelers with FWD mini vans that travel these same roads.

Also, I've mentioned both Sierra and San Bernardino mountains. Our family owned a cabin up in Mammoth and reason why frequented Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite. Big Bear was closers recreational cabin and winter trips. I never denied or there was now no such laws. Just letting OP know from my years of winter driving experience on these mountain roads and never needing to chain up when driving 4x4

 

I've lived in the Sierra's for about 40 years and have never had to put chains on any of my 4wd vehicles. It has been my experience that when conditions change to the point where they would require 4wd to have chains they simply skip that and close the pass. The one exception was on a trip to Cruise Moab. CHP stopped me and said I would need to put on chains because I was towing my FJ40 on a trailer....only had one set and he was not OK with me putting them on the braking axle of my trailer so I simply waited until the plow came through. Scary as shit as they didn't sand the road so it was very slick...would have been easier with the 2-3 inches of fresh snow on the road. But in normal driving I have always been waved through..though the majority of this is on Highway 50.

 

I am not exaggerating shit. With 12' on the road it was closed and I was in a tracked BV. I have never used chains either but if the OP is inexperienced enough to ask the question it would be a smart investment non the less. You should not assume all persons have your experience or that the roads are always passable. Depending on where the OP turns they could end up quite remote. The point is to answer the OP's question. Your stance that CA roads don't get that bad is just BS. A couple years ago when CA had no money they did not plow 395 for an entire weekend and I broke trail through 14" for 13 hours of what is normally a 3 hour trip. In am glad you are a winter road bad ass but I would expect the OP would be well served to make the $50 investment if not for the piece of mind alone. The actual law is that you must have a 4wd along with tires bearing the winter rain snow and ice symbol and last I checked stock Tocomas don't have that.

 

Dude, no need to get so emotional. I never said do this or do that to OP. Just providing my two cents here. Everyone has choice to make their own cognitive decision. I also believe OP is not a immature child who will believe and do everything what the people in this forum tells her to do. It's her decision and her's alone. Me, going about my past experiences without a need for a chain and some of you with perpetual scare tactics will not sway anyone and hopefully not OP.
Is it wise to have a back up plan and keep a chain in the car for 'Justin case scenarios'? Of course, Yes! Is this do or die decision, Hell No!

I think OP has enough information from all of us to answer her original question. If she gets one and never use it for next 10 years, good for her. If she use a chain on the next trip to Yosemite, good for her again. If she makes her trip without a chain just fine in her new 4x4, this post threads are meaningless and she just saved herself $50 and cleaner looking wheels.

 

Well after this shit show I'm guessing OP is on toyotanation.com putting up her first post on that forum.

If the law says carry chains, do it. The salesman was an idiot. Your truck can handle chains on the rear tires just fine. Your truck with chains will be capable of truly glorious things. Enjoy your trip. Welcome to TW @Olio3702

 

It's not emotional man. You are the guy planting his flag on every hill in Ca. I doubt she will need chains either but at the end of the day I was just being a dick. No hard feeling, happy trails. Deep snowy FN trails! JK

 

I carry chains, I've needed them a couple times in the lowlands with a 4x4 when it was very icy and slick. 4wds are also required to carry chains in Washington State.

Too bad OP isn't closer I have an extra set of chains for sale https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tire-chains-for-tacoma.463921/

 

Haha, yeah saw your chain ad earlier!

 

I carry chains in Montana. I have needed them on occasions, several times on all four wheels, but never on state maintained roads. They are relatively inexpensive and not difficult to put on once you learn.

If they require that you have them- it's best to have them on hand, IMO.

 

I live in the middle of Idaho and do all sorts of outdoor things throughout winter. This morning 5" of fresh snow was broomed off my Taco. My 2007 Tacoma went 137,000 miles with a set of V-bar chains under the canopy that were never installed (after I made sure they fit). Those brand-spanking new chains don't fit my 2016 so I just ordered a new set from eTrailer and I hope to never install them (except to make sure they fit). Yes, I've got a set coming for my peace of mind in making it off a steep ugly hill some dark and stormy night.

If you get to the point you need chains with your 4x4 Tacoma–on public roads–then it's a BFD of a national-news storm that's probably beyond pushing snow with your front bumper.

Somebody mentioned cheap. I'll disagree. $100 for something you'll probably never use isn't cheap. Easy to put on? Give me a break, they are a pain in the ass.

(They are easier to put on in the front since you can turn your wheels but there isn't enough room for chains up front in the 3rd gen.)

Need some peace of mind? Buy 'em and make sure they fit, but know that nothing will beat up your brand-new truck like loose chains.

SB

 

$80 at Murdoch's for 265/70/17, includes V-Bar. They're not that expensive.

Why do you turn your wheels to install? I install them without having to move the wheel, lock them down, then drive 3-4 rotations and then tighten them once more. Just make sure you're not on top of the adjustment cam.. 5-10 minutes tops.

 

It's a mute point on a 3rd gen Tacoma since there isn't enough room (and the manual says not to). But if you were putting them on the front, once you have the chains on, but not clipped, you can turn the front tire to expose the backside to snatch the clips.

You have to put them on the back anyway on this truck.

SB

 

I've never had to do that. I can hook them up, outside and in, then drive forward a bit and tighten the slack.

I agree- I would not throw chains on the front of the Tacoma under most circumstances. Not a great idea..

 

Ok this may be a dumb question and I will probably get a rash of fecal mater for it but...why not use cables?

 

In my opinion they are about as useful as tits on a boar. And i say that from experience.



(cables, that is.. Not the tits on a boar thing)

 

HAHA, might be better off using the the russian log trick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj1n_W6g64o

 

I have used chains a couple of time in Utah trying to get up mountain roads in conditions I really had no business out in - but, live and learn. Not sure if it was mentioned earlier but if can chain up before you get into the crap if you carry a couple small pieces of 2"x4" (or similar) lay the chains out, put the 2"X4" in the center and carefully drive up on to it. Then you can wrap your chains around the tires a bit easier. Kinda a redneck way but I have found it makes it a lot easier. I have used this method to chain up tractors as well.

 

Buy the chains - they aren't that expensive and it's one less thing to have to deal with if the Po Po stop you and tell you that they are required.

A few bags of sand in the bed also helps with keeping the back planted.

 

What topper is that in your picture dman?

 

ARE Z Series.