Owners Manual says no snow chains on 265/70R18 tires. Anyone use cables that will work without damaging?

[Joe Dirt]

I would question why we cannot use chains or cables? I think that deserves a call to Toyota Technical Services. They will probably say that if they come loose they will damage the vehicle.
Probably risk management being put into practice. But I digress.

Sponsored

 

[Tarekith]

To be fair, there's not a TON of clearance on the 4runner when it comes to chains. It's doable, but I'd be careful about what chains I used.

 

[Joe Dirt]

To be fair, there's not a TON of clearance on the 4runner when it comes to chains. It's doable, but I'd be careful about what chains I used.

That's exactly why I mentioned cables. Cables are lower profile and fit tighter on the tire. Years back I had a Mercedes that would only take cables and a BMW was the same way. Never had to use any on those cars, but it was mentioned cables only!. No longer have either one.

 

[repins05]

Ok....wtf no chains on my trailhunter? Was just about to purchase new wheels and tires and did a quick "what chains to use". So where I go in the winter I have to put on chains or I will get stuck. Tried and failed.

Anyone have any experience and recommendations for chains? I was planning to go to a 275/70/17. But now rethinking this and staying with the 265.

 

[vready]

I use the low profile cable chains from Security Chain Company (SCC). They are designed to work in tight clearance situations, and install with no looseness or play. Had them on my 5th Gen 4Runner and now on my 6th Gen TRD ORP and they've always worked great — never any damage to the wheel wells or rims.

For the 265/70/R18 tires, you would use their Super Z6 (Model SZ451) chains:

https://amzn.to/462EWQR

 

[Nodak]

As mentioned above, The SCC chains fit just fine on the 4Runner. I’d get some winter tires anyway, you will never need to actually put any chains on then.

Fellow Oregon snowboarder here.

some parts of colorado require chains or equivelent. they will not let you past the checpoint if you dont have them period, no exceptions.

thats when its a R3 weather restriction in place.

i bet some colorado folks can chime in with actual stories

 

[Nodak]

I would question why we cannot use chains or cables? I think that deserves a call to Toyota Technical Services. They will probably say that if they come loose they will damage the vehicle.
Probably risk management being put into practice. But I digress.

To be fair, there's not a TON of clearance on the 4runner when it comes to chains. It's doable, but I'd be careful about what chains I used.

its a hardware clearance issue (specifically the brake system) on the 17in wheels there was a TSB for even mud caking causing issues and the 18in are not much more space to play with.

toyota says chains (in general, they are a few alternatives to the old fashion bulky chains) but it just the lawyers and liability issues.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Of course clearance I get that.
But what about cables. Has anyone used them?
Specifically with a 2 inch lift and factory 18-in wheels and factory size 265 70 tires.?

 

[mfoga]

I have found most MFGs now have no "chains" rule for most vehicles. And that means what it says no chains. Cables are not chains. I know people use the terms interchangeably but they are not the same when it comes to clearance, possible damage to sensors ect. In my experience if you cant use cables or chains it will say something about using alternative traction devices.

I don't know any states that require chains but traction device but will still say chains.

 

[Nodak]

I have found most MFGs now have no "chains" rule for most vehicles. And that means what it says no chains. Cables are not chains. I know people use the terms interchangeably but they are not the same when it comes to clearance, possible damage to sensors ect. In my experience if you cant use cables or chains it will say something about using alternative traction devices.

I don't know any states that require chains but traction device but will still say chains.

colorado some of the moutain passes during R3 conditions will require chains or equivilents, no exceptions.

https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw

https://csp.colorado.gov/chain-law-information

i guess they changed the rules somewhat from what i remember...

When the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law is in effect, 4WD/AWD vehicles must have one of the following:

• Tire chains for two or more drive tires; or
• An approved ATD for two or more drive tires; or
• Tires with at least 3/16 inch of tread depth that are rated by the manufacturer as:
  • Mountain-snowflake (3PMSF); or
  • M&S / M+S / M/S; or
  • All-weather

4WD/AWD vehicles can comply with winter-rated tires alone if the tires meet the 3/16-inch tread requirement and the appropriate manufacturer rating. Chains/ATDs are still recommended during severe storms.

but i can see them getting into a grey area if they wanted and force chains/atd's

Sponsored