TRD Sport 2WD w/ Chains or GMC 4WD for Snow

Hey all, I'll be heading up to Mammoth this weekend for some boarding. It's dumping right now and will be finishing up when we drive up there. Road conditions are expected to be pretty rough. We're debating whether we should take my 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 2WD with BFG KO2's and chains or my buddies GMC Sierra 4WD without chains. His tires are supposedly snow rated as well. Can't decide which would be better. 4WD I assume. Thoughts?

 

4wd + chains. Better to be safe than sorry

 

Take the 4WD and buy chains for it

 

AWD>4WD>FWD>RWD>Bike.

 

Won't have chains for his truck. Supposedly they void his warranty, so the dealer says. He had to sign something when he bought it.

 

Hey man just take the 4wd truck and avoid the pain in the ass chains. You're going to need the 4wd and imo it's more capable than 2wd with chains. Or go ahead and risk your trip being delayed with having to get your truck unstuck.

 

Mmm...I might would say 4WD>AWD for purely getting through nasty stuff. 4WD is effectively AWD with a locked center differential so...

 

His truck if you're scared, your truck if you're not. If you do take your truck I would recommend having some weight in the bed to help with traction.

 

You're on a Tacoma forum. I say take the Taco.
Besides, having only 2WD (w/ LSD) will make for a better story of how you were able to get up the mountain during a snowstorm in such a bad-ass truck!

 

Not worried about either one. I know both will be OK, we've both driven in the snow multiple times. Just wondering which would be better in general, ignoring the hassle of the chains.

 

That's fun to try on Spintires.

My opinion:

4WD>AWD>Bike>RWD>FWD.

 

This is a no brainer. 2WD plus chains plus added bed weight does not add up tp 4WD.

 

I like this one better. RWD imo is much better than FWD.

 

I don’t know about 395 (assuming that’s your route) but on I-80 they sometimes ask to see that you have chains in your possession even with 4wd. It’s the law to carry them and there is a California chain condition which legally requires chains even on 4wd. It’s not common but I have seen it posted in icy conditions.

 

Thanks. Even with snow tires, I had to back our FWD cars into the garage up our driveway with only a shallow slope. We also have a nasty intersection near us. FWD in any condition took planning to get out of. RWD or AWD are just a blip and go.

 

FYI, its illegal to not have chains in the vehicle even if its 4x4 with snow tires if road conditions mandate some sort of snow / ice restriction. I always carry chains with me in my truck when i go up there regardless of weather. That stated, 4x4 and some common sense and you will never need em.

If they are running chain control on the sherwin grade (which they probably will be) and they ask to see chains and you do not have them. You will be turned around even if you have 4x4 and snow rated tires.

Go out and get chains for your buddies truck.... they wont void a warranty if they are ran properly in the rear. You will likely not need them and you will have 4x4 and not have to deal with stopping to put chains on.

Either way, dont be that goon stuck causing traffic in my way on friday night as we head up, ill be pissed if i see some 3rd gen in the road causing us to have to stop.

 

Your buddy CAN run chains on his truck. Maybe not with the factory tires, but with a narrower tire for clearance they will work fine. Wouldn't own a truck that I couldn't put chains on.

If it gets really bad a 2wd with chains will be a better option.

 

My last Silverado, in the owners manual said I could not run chains on the front, only on the rear.

 

BTW the last time I checked California’s chain laws, the definition of snow tire didn’t require the mountain snowflake symbol, let alone real winter tires. It does require M +S sidewall marking plus a certain amount of tread, more than the legal minimum (wear bars) for normal use. And I have had the CalTrans guys check my sidewalls and tread on a 2wd, as well as my chains. In my experience, FWD with chains is great on the highways, as long as you have enough ground clearance. But 4wd plus decent tires is still best. And without legal snow tires, 4wd won’t get you past an inspector.

 

I think the mountain areas require you to at least have chains if your 2wd or 4wd doesn't matter. Must have them , may not use them but at least have them.