Which tires to put snow chains on?

Hello,
I’ll be heading up to the mountains soon and while I don’t expect needing to use my chains, which tires would they go on?

My truck is 4x4, and I’ve seen people say front or back and haven’t been able to get a solid answer.

 

If you're going to be using them with it in 4WD; put the chains on the front so you can get some steering traction.

 

Well, nobody agrees on anything other than 'both' is best.

Myself, I've been running chains on different vehicles my whole life, and I always run them up front. It lets you pull the front end up, over, or around problems while the rear end just shoves you forward into them (and on a truck has a fraction of the traction of the front tires anyway.)

The exception would be if you are towing or otherwise heavily loaded in the rear.

The owners manual doesn't care if you get stuck. They are just going to give you the answer the least likely to result in anyone suing toyota.

 

I would put them on the back. I don’t think there’s enough room in the front between the upper a arm and the tire. Too close for comfort. I actually think there may be something in the manual talking about it.

 

I really did try this option, but didn’t see anything on it.

 

Also I’d like to point out that I have just a slightly larger than stock tire. At full lock turning the wheel, my tires get pretty close to everything, front and rear mudflap as well as body mount. Chains in front would be a bad idea on my truck.

 

Thanks guys!

 

Thanks!
Page 247 for me. Previously I had only been able to find info if your vehicle was stuck.

Manual says rear wheels, but also didn’t specify for 4X2 vs 4X4.

 

I installed the chains in the rear. I felt more comfortable in rear due to sharp turns in the mountains and was afraid of chains getting caught up with front suspension/ brakes etc...didnt want them to come loose as I turned my wheels..

 

Here in CA if cal trans goes to R3 (4x4s must put on chains) they’d likely close the roads anyway. I do carry them with me to the mountains because technically I’m supposed to have them just in case per chain control regs.

Ive only had to use them once many years ago because CHP required them at a checkpoint. I put them on the rear of my 4x4 Tacoma. It was complete overkill and not necessary at all, but what do I know.

Unless you’re planning to be anywhere off a local road/highway, I’d look at getting some cables. Lower profile, easier to install and meets the requirement of having them if needed (at least here in CA). I have Z6s for my truck and the wife’s suv.

 

When I bought my truck, I actually had to sign a waiver saying I was aware that I should only use cables, and never use chains due to the TRD Pro Wheels.

 

Yup. Had to do that for my wife’s suv. That form said no chains or cables at all. It’s awd, so I likely will never need to put them on.

I bought my tundra used, so I don’t recall having to sign anything re chains.

Although my favorite is the authorized chain installers that sit on the side of the highway in the Sierras and put on chains all day at $60-$80 for 15 minutes of work. Good gig if you don’t mind the weather.

 

We made it! No chains required! Lol

 

Where did you end up going?..nice pic!

 

Thanks, rock tub hot springs.

 

I’m not doubting that this happened, but if it was a purchase and not a lease, why on earth do they care what you do with your truck once they get their money?

 

They’ve had people come back and complain that they were never told that chains would damage the TRD Pro wheels, this way they have proof otherwise.

 

I bought a set to fit my 295s when I was passing the base of the road up to Big Bear (330). Saved me $75 shipping. I used them on the rear once so far. The last 5 miles of road to my place are dirt and there are steep hills. I had to put them on after a big snow made the roads all muddy and slippery as snot. I know there is not enough clearance up front.