chains for 4x4 - just for front tires or all 4 tires

[Iamddn]

Hey people, not being from a snow place, I just don't know the added value of using 4 chains over just 2 on the front (over the engine weight)

Thanks.

[Gbcue]

With the RAV, you only put them on the front, since those are the drive wheels that are always on.

That and the small clearance for the back with the ABS cable, you don't want them on the back.

[djw479]

If you are just going to use occasionally, why not try a snobootz or autosocks...much easier to install than chains. Both should give you more clearance for FWD struts, etc. IMO, if you need them on all four wheels, you are getting into some mighty tough environments for a Rav4...watch the ground clearance!

Also, check out the state laws on tirechains for wherever you plan to use...some tickets are high due to the potential for additional road wear with chains.

Links are just the first I found for either product, there are many results via google search.

http://www.snobootz.com/

http://www.amazon.com/AutoSock-Stand...7196887&sr=8-1

[we5leyz]

OMG VELCRO?! SnowBootz are secured by velcro!

[It's A TieOta]

Originally Posted by Iamddn

Hey people, not being from a snow place, I just don't know the added value of using 4 chains over just 2 on the front (over the engine weight)

Thanks.

Do you not have AWD?

[dtaski]

If you need more AWD traction than normal all-season tires, get a set of Blizzak snow tires !

[Gbcue]

The SCC Super-Z6 chains are very easy to put on and off. You don't even have to move your car.

[sukhoi_584th]

I'm almost certain if you have AWD you need to use chains on all 4 wheels to avoid messing up the AWD system. But just RTFM as it should tell you.

[John E Davies]

Originally Posted by sukhoi_584th

I'm almost certain if you have AWD you need to use chains on all 4 wheels to avoid messing up the AWD system. But just RTFM as it should tell you.

This is not correct. Maybe if you were driving on a lot of dry pavement.... but on a slippery surface the wheels won't stress the system at all, even if they had different diameter tires.



You shouldn't use chains or cables on the back of the RAV4 or you will possibly wreck your ABS wire harnesses: http://www.spokanister.net/vehicles_RAV4_ABS.htm

I can't say if this clearance problem was corrected on later models, but it exists on '06 and '07 trucklets. Take a look at your own vehicle to be sure if you contemplate cables or chains on the back.....!.

[ReplacedMyVW]

Originally Posted by John E Davies

I can't say if this clearance problem was corrected on later models, but it exists on '06 and '07 trucklets. Take a look at your own vehicle to be sure if you contemplate cables or chains on the back.....!.

It's the same on my 2010.