Snow chains

speaking of that. i'm going to need you to skip a workout then come down here and hold my bumper up so i can get mine installed. i'd ask if you'd want to do the wiring but i think i know the answer...

 

i have mine strapped to the tie down rails on top of my decked set up.

 

wait. so you gave some random dude a hug in the middle of the street but i get a cold shoulder and a bro shake?!?

 

ditto. that's why i have a top.

 

You don't want a hug from Sean; you will get the wind knocked out of you.

 

i had an '84 300z in high school that was always falling apart. got stuck all the time. it definitely blows.

 

Interesting, they are a nicer version but similiar to the solution in the thread @Sean266 posted a while ago about "creative way to get unstuck". These have some bad reviews though, some people saying they broke on the first use.

 

I use the same brand for my truck and SUV. Bought off ebay. $80 ish for the set.

 

I have a pair of heavy duty V-bar chains with cam tensioners sized up for the tundra, but haven't used them yet. Never had (or caused) the need last winter.

In 6 winters I owned the Tacoma, I chained up at least twice a year. I like to hunt late season on steep, unmaintained forest service roads, and I like to make it home again too, so I like chains.

 

on my 80, i use freebies from work. they were semi truck chains that i cut down. i've seen quite a few fleets giving away one at a time when the mating pair breaks. fit's my budget.

 

I got a set from Les Schwab. Having 35's limits my options but they are the heavy duty chains. Cost around 160 i think for a set of two. As for storage if you don't use them they will take them back at the end of the season. I had decided after last winter to just keep them. I bought a big heavy duty plastic tote at Costco for my tool bag/chemicals/chains/jumper cables. Stays 100% dry all year. Last weekend i had to cut the bag and own those chains for good. Snow is one thing but in the PNW ice is our nemesis. I stopped to help 2 Subaru's stuck in the snow bank on the way up to Timbeline lodge and that was it. I got out once but I was trying to make it up the hill and ended up getting stuck up to my doors on the passenger side. Those chains are a huge PITA but after everything else didn't work it was nice to just drive out after i got the passenger one on. I will be purchasing a set of Tred pro boards or whatever they are called. The guy in one Subaru said it was going to cost him 260 bucks to have his car towed out. That would have probably been closer to 3 or 4 hundred if I didn't get out.

 

Being in NY, we are not allowed to "chain up" on roads. It damages the roads pretty bad. Having a good snow tire really helps , so much better than "all season" tires, pretty much night and day.

 

CA is weird anyway, but when I bought my Tundra a month or so ago, I had to sign a paper saying something like, "I understand that I can only use cable chains on my 2018 Tundra". WTF - I assume this is some kind of CYA for Toyota, but why? Won't chains clear with stock TRD Offroad tires and suspension?

So, has anyone used cable chains on their truck? CalTrans is part of the feeble pain in the ASS NANNY STATE. And they require chains sometimes even for 4X4s. Nobody puts on snow tires here unless they live in the mountains and not many of them run snow tires. So as soon as there is a tiny bit of ice ANYWHERE they require chains. This is even when there are spots with NO SNOW or ICE. I have never put chains on my 4X4 vehicle, but now they will ticket you if you don't HAVE THEM WITH YOU.

Usually I sneak past the check points, but one of these days they are gonna catch me and ruin my ski weekend, so I'm gonna buy chains or cables.

What would you BUY? Thanks

 

I wonder if it could be an attempt from CDOT to have people use cables(maybe chains) instead of studded tires. I know in Oregon it is a ticketable offense to drive around on studded tires before Nov 1 and after like March or April. Up here it’s because they are trying to save wear and tear on the roads. Anyway can’t answer your question about if they fit on stock suspension but I would assume they would on a truck. I was forced into chains(heavy duty type) because it’s all they had when I went to Les Scwab.

 

Scott, don’t waste your money on chains unless you plan on going Offroad in the snow. Only time you need chains on a 4x4 is when it gets to level R(3). But they’ll close I80 and highway 50 before it even gets that bad.

 

I've never aired down in snow. Maybe I'll give it a try and see how fast I can go

 

I actually bolted mine to my bed rack. If they brought an impact and a socket then they can have em. My guess is that if mine get stolen at least they know what they are

 

I grew up in San Diego. Went to big bear all the time. Used to go up there in a 78 Honda Civic. Only had to use cable chains once because of a late start and chp at bottom of hill. Cables are good for one or two uses then they’re all frayed. They’ll tear your hands up, but they’re numb, sooo.
After getting a 4x4 I would carry the cables, for the Honda, just so they could see them and get past the checkpoint. I’ve never REALLY needed chains. For piece of mind to have them, I wouldn’t invest in the cable chains. They do not last.
If stuck on a patch of ice just to get moving? I’ve heard a little kitty litter works great. Never tried it.

 

Same concept as sand. Glamis is my backyard.

 

I hope it DUMPS this year. I love the snow. We might get a little tonight....

I've never needed chains before but it's good to be prepared. Subbing to this thread and thanks to others for some of the great suggestions here already.

 

Yep, I knew that portion, I've just never tried it in deeper snow.