Snow Chain Recommendations

What snow chains would you recommend? I switched from a Pathfinder to a 4 Runner, and the tires are different sizes.
My new 4Runner is a Limited 2024, with lots of clearance.
Factory tires are 245/60R20.
I only put on tire chains when required by the Highway Patrol, and only use them on highways.
I travel in the Southern California Mountains near Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead.
Generally speaking, I rarely have to use chains more than once, maybe twice a year. My old chains are 265/60R18.

 

Why not the same brand you have now?

 

Well, they are over 20 years old. I can’t even remember where, or when, I bought them.

 

Not sure about the CHP laws in California, but are you not able to run a winter tire and 4WD in lieu of chains?

 

I am a CA driver and love rear chains due to lots of vehicles on snowy & icy roads sometime requires fast stops. Steel bites the roadway ice caused by frequent warm daytime temp melting and overnight freezing.

 

From what I recall, 5th Gen 4runners aren't supposed to have chains on the front tires.

 

California has 3 levels of chain control. R-3 is rare, hence I have only used my chains once or twice a year, and usually for a short distance.

• R-1
  Chains are required for all vehicles except passenger cars, light-duty trucks under 6,000 lbs, and vehicles with snow tires on at least two drive wheels.
• R-2
  Chains are required for all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels.
• R-3
  Chains are required for all vehicles, regardless of whether they have snow tires, drive type, or whether they are two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

 

R-1 and R-2 are what I have run into most of the time when traveling on I-80 over the summit and into Nevada. I always carry chains but have not used them thus far even in fairly decent snowstorms.
@Pentangler is correct, chains on rear wheels only.

 

My Limited has a mild lift with 285/70R17 A/T tires with 3PMSF rating I don't use chains on snowy days. I just drive with regular tire pressure.



Edit - Location = Denver CO

 

You shouldn't put snow chains on the front tires of ANY rear-wheel drive vehicle because the driving force comes from the rear wheels, so providing extra traction to the front tires won't help with acceleration and can actually hinder steering control, making it more difficult to maneuver in slippery conditions; the chains should always be installed on the rear tires of a rear-wheel drive vehicle to maximize traction where power is delivered.

 

Chains are mostly for ice, not deep snow. The issue is that modern 3 season tires do OK in the snow but poorly on ice. 4WD doesn't help you stop or turn on ice - you need traction for that and that comes from winter tires or chains.

 

I travel up to the Arrowhead area occasionally too. In 48 years CHP has never actually asked me to mount tire chains. They are satisfied to know that I have them in the vehicle. I recommend chains with a diamond pattern (rather than the ladder style), which will keep the vehicle from sliding sideways on those banked turns on highway 18.

https://tirechain.com/245-60r20-245-60-20-tuv-4-5mm-diamond-tire-chains/

 

Les Schwab carries tire chains for a lot of different sized tires

 

One time the highway Patrol told me to pull over and put on my chains. Most times they just ask if I have them. Two or three times I had to get out and show them my chains. I have also had to put on chains to get out of my neighborhood when the pipes broke and covered my street with a sheet of ice, and a few times to get out of my very steep driveway. Oh yes, twice up in Mammoth to pull through deep drifts. But mostly my chains just ride around in my vehicle.

 

It's a commodity item - just buy a set that fits and don't over think it.

If you want belt and suspenders, get a set, and run a tire that is rated as a winter tire.

 

Contrary to @bassist, I would never run a belt and suspenders. A gentleman chooses one or the other, not both.

 

And of course suspenders means something different across the pond.

 

Oh, you can have braces on your teeth and wear a belt. Perfectly acceptable

 

Sadly, for @Dougster and I, the suspenders are mandated by the state.