Has anyone used snow chains?

[LandCruiserFE]

Hello ladies and gentlemen!

I’m curious as to if anyone has used snow chains on their LC yet and did you run into any installation/general issues? I plan on heading up to Tahoe sometime later this year. While I don’t expect to need chains. I definitely want to be prepared. Looking into getting a set of König XG-12 Pro 266 for my BFG KO3s. Looking forward to hearing about your experience. TYIA

 

[NoMe cruiser]

Sorry, no I haven’t used chains on the lc. Toyota specifically states in the manual to not use chains. If your tires are any taller or wider than stock I would imagine you will have issues. If just for recovery I would maybe try a couple on the rear. No way I would put them up front. However with your choice of tires you are gonna want equipment for recovery on ice/snow if you’re planning to go off the beaten path. I use coal ash on ice. Shovels and a chainsaw are also good things to carry. You can cut trees and stuff them under the tires.

 

[Mikie]

Note that the owner's manual states that use of tire chains may be permitted depending on your wheel/tire size...

 

[Vvs's]

Nope

 

[Minttedd]

Not advisable to use chains buddy.

 

[brap]

Looking at the same chains.

For the nay sayers, it is literally required by law on some roads and you're not going more than 50kmph.

I have the XG12s for another vehicle. They're great. Super fast to install.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

Exactly, going up Wasatch (Little Cottonwood canyon) etc when lights flashing I always thought chain were required. What would be the biggest fitment issues, width or height. Doubt it is height with all the 33/34s on stock ride height vehicles. AWD system issues with snows on rear and none up fronts??

 

[Nor Cal Cruiser]

I was in Tahoe last winter in heavy snow with a hilly drive to my house and to sledding and skiing areas for my kids and did not need chains, 4 low, or even MTS ever. Standard 4 high mode was perfect at all times.

 

[CowboyKid]

Note that the owner's manual states that use of tire chains may be permitted depending on your wheel/tire size...

View attachment 50427

What the hell does this even mean? I have to bring my metric ruler to AutoZone and start ripping chains out of boxes while taking notes on a premade matrix form?

 

[SD_Driver]

Not advisable to use chains buddy.

Bad advice. There are areas in the country where chains are required during certain weather conditions. Tahoe is one of those areas. They even have pull off areas for people to stop and put their chains on/off.

For OP: I’ve never used Konig chains myself, but I’ve heard great things about them. I have used Peerless before on my car. I always looked for a brand/style that was easiest to get on/off. And practice before the season. You don’t want to be learning when you’re already out in the elements and need them.

 

[RUN-8]

The manual advises against chains for potential clearance issues on any of the 265 width stock tires and suspension components.

The smaller in both diameter and width 245 width rubber on the 1958 has more clearance between the sidewalls for example to control arms etc.

Why is this so hard to comprehend?

 

[AustinLC250]

Will the Highway Patrol accept “my manual says chains cannot be mounted”?

It’s been 20 years since I lived in CA and drove up to the Sierras, but I thought the signs said Chains or Snow Tires.

 

[Sugarloafer80]

The manual advises against chains for potential clearance issues on any of the 265 width stock tires and suspension components.

The smaller in both diameter and width 245 width rubber on the 1958 has more clearance between the sidewalls for example to control arms etc.

Why is this so hard to comprehend?

Notice I specifically asked what the limiting factors could be. We know the LC can climb but for those in a chains mandated area, sounds like only 2 choices exist.
1. back off to 245/70R18s (No thanks)
2. If clearance is tight inside the wheel to chassis area, might spacers do the trick? I had to do this on my Kubota tractor because my Tryggs were catching the inner frame flange. 2 inch spacers did the trick made it more stable on my hills to boot.
3. Again I doubt it is the OD.

Would kind of suck being all loaded up for a powder day at Alta, only to be told you can't go up without chains because of remnants of an avalanche........even if you were running severe service snow tires that were studded.....I did look it up and it seems chains are no longer mandated, but I know the Sierras also have strict requirements as our friends to the north have .
Try to comprehend somebody asked this because the LAW may require it. I am just trying to find what it would take to make it possible on our vehicles. I have never put chains on an SUV as I have found snows to be plenty, but.....you are only as good as your traction...

 

[SD_Driver]

The manual advises against chains for potential clearance issues on any of the 265 width stock tires and suspension components.

The smaller in both diameter and width 245 width rubber on the 1958 has more clearance between the sidewalls for example to control arms etc.

Why is this so hard to comprehend?

It's easily comprehended, but it is pretty poor on Toyota's part. This is marketed as a go anywhere on road / off road vehicle. Part of that does require chains in certain conditions.

I haven't bought a LC yet, but this is a big negative for me if my large off road vehicle can't get me the mountain for skiing.

 

[Minttedd]

Right.

 

[CowboyKid]

In WA we only need to CARRY chains if you have AWD/4WD; not mount them when “chains required”. In over 30 years I have never had to actually use them on my Outback, Audi or Bronco. But I still don’t understand the manual. Is it saying we can chains on bigger or smaller than stock tire width/diameter, or only smaller?

 

[fatsocells]

I used auto socks last winter going up to Tahoe but I think it was overkill given I have all terrain M+S 3 peak tires. Nonetheless, with the socks it did exceptional going up and down 50.

Textile Snow Chains | Official AutoSock USA Online Store

The tire socks give you superb grip on snow and ice in winter driving conditions. Compatible with all cars and trucks. A legal alternative to tire chains.

autosock.us

 

[RideWithYanu]

It's easily comprehended, but it is pretty poor on Toyota's part. This is marketed as a go anywhere on road / off road vehicle. Part of that does require chains in certain conditions.

I haven't bought a LC yet, but this is a big negative for me if my large off road vehicle can't get me the mountain for skiing.

It’s funny if you think the vehicle can’t get you to the mountain for skiing. Keep on deliberating, and we owners will keep on going anywhere in the vehicle.

 

[RideWithYanu]

In WA we only need to CARRY chains if you have AWD/4WD; not mount them when “chains required”. In over 30 years I have never had to actually use them on my Outback, Audi or Bronco. But I still don’t understand the manual. Is it saying we can chains on bigger or smaller than stock tire width/diameter, or only smaller?

Smaller tire, more clearance for chains.

 

[CowboyKid]

Smaller tire, more clearance for chains.

Agreed. But that isn’t how the manual reads.