Tire chains or other alternatives for 2WD

You cannot run any kind of traction aids on the front except *maybe* cables. There just isn't enough clearance.

 

+1 on upgrading to 4WD. Just did so myself.

 

Agree 1000%

 

I live in Minnesota, lots of ice driving experience. 4WD does help on ice, in one specific way.

With 2WD, if you hit the gas too hard on ice, the back end swings out because the rear wheels are spinning and the the front ones have (a little more) traction. You are now pointing at a new spot - you are spinning.

With 4WD, that does not happen. Both ends of the truck break traction at the same time if you give it too much gas, and at least you are still pointing in the same direction as you were.

 

Misread that part. So,do you really need a truck? If yes,trade it for a 4wd. You've stated that you physically can't install chains yourself,and no one can help you. If you don't need a truck,trade yours for an Outback.

 

He said they would allow chains.

 

I watched the videos on there website, those look pretty easy to put on. did you use the ones that you have to install the plate on the hubs or the other ones? Do they install as easy as it looks?

 

Chains are allowed on 2WD, that will get you in the gate.
A truck is a must here, need it for hauling shit.
I can install chains if they are the easy self adjust type. That’s why I’m posting here- real world experience.
I have neighbors who could help but don’t want to be bothering them every time it snows. They all work, I don’t.
I drive plenty- Home Depot is 40 minutes each way. We go through the gate almost daily, sometimes multiple times.
I’d love to buy a 4WD but will wait for now. Unless someone wants to trade yours for mine.............
This thread was about chains & to get real world experience from fellow Tacoma owners who are 2wd. It’s not about 4wd.
It’s not about snow tires, studded tires or anything else tire related.
So again- do you run chains & if you do, are you familiar with the ones that are easier to install?

 

Who told you studs arent allowed in Kern County? They are legal state wide, so it must be a HOA rule? If so thats hilarious.

27454. No tire on any vehicle upon any highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud, flange, cleat, ridge, bead, or any other protuberance of metal or wood which projects beyond the tread of the traction surface of the tire.

This section does not apply to the following:

(a) Tire traction devices of reasonable size used to prevent skidding when upon wet surfaces or when upon snow or ice.
(b) Pneumatic tires which have embedded therein wire not to exceed 0.075 of an inch in diameter and which are so constructed that under no conditions will the percentage of metal in contact with the roadway exceed 5 percent of the total tire area in contact with the roadway, except that during the first 1,000 miles of use or operation of any such tire, the metal in contact with the roadway may exceed 5 percent of the tire area in contact with the roadway, but shall in no event exceed 20 percent of such area.
(c) Vehicles operated upon unimproved roadways when necessary in the construction or repair of highways.
(d) Traction engines or tractors when operated under the conditions of a permit first obtained from the Department of Transportation.
(e) Pneumatic tires containing metal-type studs of tungsten carbide or other suitable material and which are so inserted or constructed that under no conditions will the number of studs or the percentage of metal in contact with the roadway exceed 3 percent of the total tire area in contact with the roadway, between the first day of November and April 30. The commissioner, after consultation with the Department of Transportation, may extend the period during which studded pneumatic tires may be used in any area of the state for the protection of the public because of adverse weather conditions.
(f) Pneumatic tires used on an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165, containing metal-type studs of tungsten carbide or other suitable material, if the studs are so inserted or constructed that under no conditions will the number of studs or the percentage of metal in contact with the roadway exceed 3 percent of the total tire area in contact with the roadway. Notwithstanding subdivision (e), authorized emergency vehicles are permitted the unrestricted use of studded pneumatic tires throughout the year.

 

Pickledpigsfeet, I love your approach, but I've fought battles with local government before over speed bumps on roads that the state deemed illegal on highways. The key word is highways. Local streets do not apply only roads that are designated as state (or federal) highways apply.

Like if you look at a map and it shows bobs rd. Doesn't apply. Now, when highways run through towns, map may state bobs rd/ hwy 555. Then state and fed regulations apply. Sorry OP, I don't mean to get off topic, just wanted to explain.

OP, is budget a big issue, or do you just love your truck and want to keep it?

It sounds like your only option is chains. Like someone previously mentioned there are some that are easy to install. How easy, I don't know, never used spider.

But man I think your low on options. Maybe check with local inspection folks, see if emergency chains will pass... Or, contact your local city council representative, show them that although you drive a '2WD' it is equipped with a locker, and will perform fine under conditions with proper tires. Have him submit an amendment to the council.

If it was me, personally and my truck, which I will never sell and had no other options, I'd just pay the security guard everytime I go through to put the chains on.

Sorry bro that's all I can offer, good luck.

 

I used the kind that had a plate mounted with the lug nuts. Once the mounting plate is there it only takes a minute to put them on.

 

Best bet is some regular old chains and some good bungee cords to keep them snug. Put them on at the beginning of the storm cycle and leave em on. And some sandbags

Or, if you're planning on removing/installing a quick style (spider) multiple times per day I'd seriously think about a cheap Subaru on Blizzaks. Or a 4wd tacoma.

Anything quick release/plastic is probably going to break after repeated use

 

Don't know about there, but *here* in terms of LAW, the term "highway" actually refers to ANY government maintained roads. So does not have to be a 6 lane interstate. It can be a slow road in front of a school.

 

To clarify my statement on studded tires-
I said studded tires are not legal here. Some cities also don’t allow while others are Nov 1 to Apr 30 only.
However- this is a quote from Caltrans & the police department here.

So- 4wd, Awd or chains are what will get you through the gate.

No need to respond, no one here has real world experience with the high-end chains.

 

That's a bold statement. I'm sure someone will prove you wrong.

 

I wouldn't take that too personally. He's just getting a little frustrated (understandably).

 

buy a 4x4

 

https://www.savantmag.com/best-tire-snow-chains-for-cars-reviews/

 

Get this no matter what else you do and you will be surprised with its traction along with a few hundred pounds of sand in the bed. Never got stuck in my 2wd Datsun unless snow was over the frame.

 

Lock up that rear diff and you will be surprised how far you can make it with studded tires or chains.

My grandpa lived in the woods in WA and had a 2wd s10 with a posi and never had issues with studded tires and some weight in the bed