When are chains really needed?

I live in California and plan on taking my 2021 ORP up to Tahoe and Mammoth frequently. I don't want weather to hold me back. I have KO2s right now... but I'm wondering if I need to get chains as well. For most snow conditions, will I be okay without chains? Could I be required to put them on, or is it typically "4WD *or* chains required"? Thanks so much.

 

I carry chains as a backup to plan. Good tires and driving technique get me through most of things.

With snow, mud, and ice in Colorado, I am dang near 40 and have only used chains times I can count on one hand. And it’s not because I sit at home when the weather is bad…..

that said, if you carry them, put them on before you need them. Just be conscious on when/where it’s getting a little hairy

 

Also, if you haven’t used them before, be careful. If they aren’t connected or tightened correctly they can damage your vehicle.

 

I live in Oregon, from my understanding if your tires are snow rated ( they will have a snowflake on the side wall of the tire) they suffice as chains and you will not be required run chains, California may be different but I would check into it. I would rather have chains and not need them then need chains and not have them.

 

here's a link to caltrans
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/documents/chainrequire-a11y.pdf

 

I have used chains a bunch of times. A few times a year bunch. But haven’t used them on black top for close to 30 years. Always carry them through.

 

If it's actually snowing and CalTrans is actively plowing, you should be good. But, if it's snowing on top of layers of hard ice, you'll wish you had chains on.
Simply because the vehicles w/o chains will be sliding all over the place and possibly into you. A vehicle w/chains has a greater chance of powering and steering itself away from a possible accident.

Before I moved from SoCal, I plowed snow in the San Bernardino Mtns. for over 30 yrs. The consensus was, put your chains on to CYA and to greatly reduce the possibility of a lawsuit.

The type of chains that I use are the "X" type. They are really good for roads with a lot of curves, turns and hills.

Ladder type for straight and flat.

And I wouldn't waste my money or time on the "cable" type.

YMMV

 

You can get by with snow tires (M+S, ATs) or 4WD in R1 and R2 conditions. But in R3 conditions you have to install chains.

So you really need to carry chains all the time in winter driving just in case CHP declares an emergency R3. In over 40 years of winter driving in the Sierra I’ve only had to install chains once on a 4Runner.
Practice installing them at home before you need them.

From:
https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls

“There are Three Levels of Chain Requirements in California:

• Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
• Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
  NOTE: (Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
• Requirement 3 (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.”

 

You'll need some chains for your playlist on your trips for sure.

 

Thanks everyone! Does anyone have any recommendations for chain models they'd recommend (that would work on a 5th generation with KO2s)?

 

tirechain.com or e-trailer

 

Don't get the cable type. Make sure you have tighteners with them. Practice ahead of time. They're good in mud, too. If you only have a pair, install one on a front tire and the other on a rear tire.

 

Toyota recommends to not install on the front tires. Not enough clearance and they might slop around and damage brake lines etc.

 

I used really old weed tire chains, they were a pain in the ass. The higher end peerless (auto-trac series) tire chains are nice, they have a nice carry bag, instructions painted on a plastic sheet (this is really important when trying to install them in snow because the normal paper usually gets wet and falls apart), and the auto tensioner is a good addition (not all peerless chains have this, the walmart ones aren't so nice despite being made by the same company).

There aren't a lot of tire chain companies anymore. Whatever you get practice installing it once before you see snow. Bumbling around installing tire chains for the first time when its freezing out is the most frustrating thing you can experience.

 

This is my stock sr5 before I heavily modified. I did have to shovel out:


The stock 4Runner is heavily capable. But I agree… better to have chains than not in the event things get bad…. But better yet have a shovel or maxx tracks

 

I carry chains for both my 4Runner and Tundra (both 4x4) during the winter. KO2s on both vehicles. I have been over Donner Pass, Tahoe and Mammoth many many times over the years in some horrible snow storms and days after when black ice is all over the road. Chains are part of my gear that I carry all winter long no matter where I am headed out. There are times I-80 will require chains even if you have 4x4. Better to have then wish you had.

 

Should design an “On Spot” system! Probably make a million?