I recently picked up a used Toyota Tacoma (small) pickup truck. I needed a good little "farm truck" for around the property; and it could be useful as a BOV too.
As I've been working on stocking the truck with various emergency kits and items, something else that's been in the back of my mind is whether it would be a practical purchase to get some Tire Chains to keep in the truck?

I am located in Middle Tennessee, so we don't see much in the way of Wintery road conditions. But, when we do, it's often an Ice storm instead of snow.
And, when we do get snow or ice, the majority of drivers in this region are so inexperienced with it, that they totally freak out.
Through the years, I have had to make it home from work a few times when the weather and roads were "bad". Usually, avoiding other drivers is the biggest challenge; but, there have been a few instances where the roads have been treacherous.

I imagine I might never use tire chains; but, if they saved me from being stuck one time, I would be glad I had them.
I am just starting to research, so any tips and comments you can share are welcome.

if you decide to get them, go for the cables instead of chains. I understand they are easier to use and store. I have also heard they are better on ice. (Information provided by Colorado residing friends who let me know what to bring when visiting.)

I am a huge fan of tire chains.

Link chains are great on ice, good in mud, sometimes useful in sand. The bigger the links, the better they dig, but the lumpier
they are to drive.

The cable kinds are easy to put on and work good on ice, tho don't
have the digging power for snow, mud and sand.

Keep it under 25 mph.

Bring a shovel.

Learn the right way to install, every now and then someone around
here gets squished putting them on with a jack.

Jack??? You just "pull-up" after laying them on or out I thought?

I've used both, and never found much difference. Interestingly, folks in cold weather climates don't use them (?!?!) I don't get it. I never saw them once, living in Pennsylvania, Michigan or Missouri, or while passing through Wisconsin and Idaho.

Also, don't assume 4x4 helps. It's OK for snow, but does absolutely nothing on ice.

[/quote] Jack??? You just "pull-up" after laying them on or out I thought? [/quote]


Exactly -- DO NOT JACK UP THE CAR to put on chains.

Cable type are required on many cars because of a lack of
tire/wheelwell clearance.

They are banned in some states on large
trucks because they are not as effective as link chains.

Cable chains will not get you out of a hole or the ditch
like large link chains will.


Flatland states have less need of chains for the highway,
but if you are going bumper to bumper over a mountain pass
with ice or packed snow, you can appreciated being able
to stop. Also that the other cars are required to
have them on too. They help reduce the overall
speed of the traffic to safer levels.

Mr Kim probably could have driven back out if he
had thought to carry chains and a shovel.

And remember to grab a good supply of various sized bungee cords as well. It can make a big difference in how long the chains will last by keeping the slack parts from flopping around excessively.

Generally for city/highway use cable chains are preferred, for off road or rural areas where snow can accumulate, link chains are the better choice, generally.

While living in northern Canada for the better part of 10 years where annual snow is measured in feet (around 8' on average), we never had to use chains...even in the highest mountain passes nor did anyone else we knew .

The best investment for the money is a set of 4 winter tires mounted on spare rims.
Where we live now, there has been 17 inches of snow in the last couple of days and with winter tires mounted on the car, it is no problem driving around on unplowed roads and streets.

The reality is that you can be safe if you:
1) Have winter tires
2) Maintain sensible driving habits, including knowing when not and where not to drive. (see # 4 below in case you forget this)
3) "It won't happen to me attitudes" are left at home
4) Be prepared for the driving conditions by having the proper emergency gear and supplies in the vehicle.

Take one or more of the above points out of the equation and you are on a fast track to being another statistic...

I've always carried the link type, never tried cables, and almost always(since 1981) in a two wheel drive Toyota Tacoma. Never put any extra weight in the back--didn't need it. Bring repair links, bungees, some wire to tie down loose ends of chain, and a grubby jacket to wear, while you're laying on the ground hooking them up.
Ditto on the 25 mph.

Info from CA DOT site.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/ops-guide/chains.html


Funny how California requires chains and Northern
Canada doesn't seem to use them.