Kick in the gonads

Just got a 2012 Prerunner. Didn't think the 4x4 neceseary, as doesn't snow that much in DC, cost was significantly less, and I don't do any intense off-roading.

Now, there is a strong chance I am moving to Denver. F! Snow chains here we come I guess...

Perhaps investigate convert to 4x4... hmmmm...

 

Can you fit chains ?

 

Search for conversion to 4x4 there are several threads. Most suggest trading. Depending on when you move you might have a year before it snows again. You can wait and see if you need it.

 

Rear locker?

 

Thats why I paid the extra 1500 and got me a 4x4 just in case.. plus I do a little off roading but when I move to seattle and go down to OR will def come in handy but dont know how to do the exchange but you will love denver

 

That won't help in snow on road

 

Can't trade as it is a special circumstance (direct lease from TMS). So, not even sure I would legally be allowed to mechanically alter the truck.

I wanted the 4x4, but Prerunner is all they could get me without a superlong wait.

 

Never put chains on in my life. Fan-freakin-tastic, right? I am sure I will learn quick though.

 

#1 - buy dedicated snow tires for winter

 

Trade in and get a 4 x 4. You may have to take a little hit financially but I've never heard of anyone not be able to get out of a lease or financing on a vehicle.

 

My parents and brother live up in Idaho and have two 2WD 4runners and a minivan which they drive up into the mountains to go skiing with all the time. Buy a good set of snow tires and you'll be fine, the things work like magic on the snow.

 

Yeah...I wouldn't freak out quite yet. I drove a 2WD minivan in Upstate NY for a couple years in HS and never had any issues. Keep your limitiations in mind and use the right gear and you'll be fine.

 

Thanks for the info-we don't get a lot of white fluffy stuff out here.

 

We use "Z Chains" at work. They are great. I can put them on in less than 5 minutes without having to jack up the truck. You can also drive up to 30-35 mph without a problem. They are not as good as the old school chains, but they work real well and don't rattle your fillings out of your teeth.

 

I would not PANIC...normal driving with about 200 lbs. in the bed and the need for 4x4 is minimal....

Good snow tires should work 95% of the time and if you really need CHAINS,

Go to Amazon;look up tire chains and find ;

Cable chains specifically for Tacomas, $59.05 for the pair....very easy install and 4 star reviews....

If and when you do need to move,settle in ,try the Pre-runner and if it is REALLY needed,lean on TMS in Denver....be surprised what a good paying customer can get out of them !!!!

 

Can you clear cables with stock tires? Anyone know. Pretty sure I wouldn't run chains on the front.

 

If you have to "chain up" all 4 your in serious SNOW...

The Amazon listings provide info for stock vehicles,so yes to oem tires....

 

I lived in Colorado for 23 years and Denver for 17 of that. I can count on both hands and part of one foot the times i "needed" 4x4 for snow.
Most times the snow is less than 6 inches and melts very fast. Yes there have been some major snow falls, like 2003 when we got 31 inches. Very few 4x4's will make it in that.
The biggest problem is ice and 4x4 only helps some there. Not sure what you do for a living but I used to take the light rail in on ice days cause it was faster that driving and I don't care if someone hits the train.
Now if you want to hit the trails, there are some you can do but 4x4 is necessary for most. Talk to the guys in the CO BS thread and get their opinions.
So my opinion is it is a light grazing, not a full on kick.

 

studded snow tires are probably best

 

Good to know! Thanks!