LT285/65R18 KO2's and Chains? (1 Viewer)

[gaijin]

The unanimous consensus on this board is, and has been for some time, that the LT285/65R18 BFG KO2's on the OEM 18" +60mm offset wheels will fit without modification of any kind to the stock LC200 - i.e. no rubbing.

I have been unable to find any reference, however, to the use of these oversize tires with chains.

We know Toyota approves chains for use on the stock 285/60R18 tires on the OEM 18" wheels (rear only), but can chains be used on the larger LT285/65R18 tires on the OEM 18" wheels.

Since I will most probably have to use chains, albeit only occasionally, my tire decision between the LT285/60R18 and LT285/65R18 KO2's boils down to whether or not I can use chains with the larger tires.

Anyone have any experience/thoughts to share?

Much appreciated.

Edit: I am talking about a stock 2013 LC200 - no lift, stock suspension, stock 18" wheels.

 

[kreiten]

Not exactly the information you are looking for as I never ran 285/65 R18's on the factory 18's but I did run 275/70 R18's on the factory wheels with chains on the rear, zero issues and no rubbing. I also rain chains with 285/70 R18's on the rear with my Fuel 18x9 wheels.

 

[Mogwai]

Where do they require chains if you have 4x4 + "snow" tires? Just curious.

 

[FerzLC]

In Cali. It is my understanding that even if you have 4wd you still need snow tires or chains. Although, when stopped by Caltrans they only ask if you have chains in the vehicle, which I always say “yes, of course”.This question is not asked every time but has come up more than once. Usually the chain stops are just to make sure you have 4 wheel drive and they send you on your way. Which brings up the next point of the law. If you are ever stuck and are caught by law enforcement while being stuck and don’t have chains, then they will ticket you.

 

[gaijin]

Where do they require chains if you have 4x4 + "snow" tires? Just curious.

Any snow covered mountain trail - take your pick of locations - where chains are required to make it through.

 

[Mogwai]

Right. I'm in CA as well and that has always been my experience too - 4x4 w/ snow tires exempts you from having to put on chains MOST of the time but not always. I've been SF --> Tahoe countless times in my old BMW325xi w/ Blizzaks, in harsh snow storms and never put on chains, and the guys always check and then wave you through. Just read up on Cal-trans website to confirm. And I was asking since the KO2s carry the "snow/mountain" designation they are considered snow tires. If a A/T or M/T tire does not carry this symbol, it is not a snow tire. So 4x4 + snow tires for anyone running KO2s like the OP should not actually need to put on chains in most cases - they do however need to be kept in the truck for at least 1-axle..

 

[gaijin]

Not exactly the information you are looking for as I never ran 285/65 R18's on the factory 18's but I did run 275/70 R18's on the factory wheels with chains on the rear, zero issues and no rubbing. I also rain chains with 285/70 R18's on the rear with my Fuel 18x9 wheels.
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Thanks for the info, but you're right, doesn't quite get to the exact point of my question. I'm not interested in new wheels or suspension mods, just LT285/65R18 BFG KO2's on stock 18" wheels.

Appreciate the input anyway. It has made me look at possibly the LT275/65R18 tires, but not excited about going narrower.

 

[gaijin]

Right. I'm in CA as well and that has always been my experience too - 4x4 w/ snow tires exempts you from having to put on chains MOST of the time but not always. I've been SF --> Tahoe countless times in my old BMW325xi w/ Blizzaks, in harsh snow storms and never put on chains, and the guys always check and then wave you through. Just read up on Cal-trans website to confirm. And I was asking since the KO2s carry the "snow/mountain" designation they are considered snow tires. If a A/T or M/T tire does not carry this symbol, it is not a snow tire. So 4x4 + snow tires for anyone running KO2s like the OP should not actually need to put on chains in most cases - they do however need to be kept in the truck for at least 1-axle..

I'm not interested in using chains onroad, just offroad.

 

[bloc]

I haven’t run chains but if you can wait til tomorrow I can get some pictures of the clearance around my 285/65s

 

[M1911]

Sorry, can't help you. I've never run chains.

 

[gaijin]

I haven’t run chains but if you can wait til tomorrow I can get some pictures of the clearance around my 285/65s

I've waited almost 70 years to get where I'm at today, so sure, I can wait. Lots of pics, please! Also pics of the fronts - particularly at the UCA and at the front/rear mud guards when wheels are turned.

Thanks a lot!

 

[MikeVpdx503]

Interested in those pics as well! I have run Z Chains, rear only, on LT285/70R17 KO2s with no clearance issues, but thinking of putting some dedicated snows on my OEM rims and would prefer LT285/65R18 over stock size or narrow tires.

 

[indycole]

There are three levels of chain control (pasted from Caltrans):

• Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires1 on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
• Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices2 are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
  NOTE: (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
• Requirement 3 (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

The last level would require chains even with snow tires though in my experience they close the highway before reaching level 3.

 

[coleAK]

There are three levels of chain control (pasted from Caltrans):

• Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires1 on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.
• Requirement 2 (R2): Chains or traction devices2 are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
  NOTE: (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
• Requirement 3 (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

The last level would require chains even with snow tires though in my experience they close the highway before reaching level 3.

I grew up in Tahoe. I remember R3 a handful of times in the 22 years there and in addition to chains required its local traffic only. So if you are trying to go east better have a Tahoe address on your license. Also remember NV dosnt do controls.

I left for good in 2000 but back then M+S counted as snow tires and studs counted as traction devices.

 

[pchLC]

Def would like same answer @gaijin

Go to big bear often and its hit R2 levels at least once a season. R3 once in last decade.

I remember that R3 day distinctly because there were 50 dude bro trucks with 35+s stuck in Angeles Oaks as caltrans wouldnt let me continue without chains..they didnt have them or wouldnt fit.

Just 3 weeks ago it was R2 and we had chains in back and 4x4 (different vehicle). wondering if i was in the LC if i could even fit chains with the same 33 on stock wheel.

 

[bloc]

Got under the truck today to get some pics.. front will need to wait until tomorrow. The rear looks like it has plenty of room for even regular chains, s-class or low clearance or whatever they are called isn't required.

For the record my suspension is stock, though I had 2nd and 3rd row seats out so I’m probably sitting a bit taller than normal.

These pics are of the rear drivers side.. I chose it because the frame-side panhard mount was more obtrusive than anything on the pass side. Still not a problem. Other than the panhard mount the pass side appears identical.. no extra protrusions or anything to worry about.

And to be clear these are approx 17k mile LT285/65r18 E-rated KO2s running 42psi cold. They have worn some but are far from worn out.

I don’t think chains will work well on the front from eyeballing it.. but will get some measurements tomorrow.

 

[gaijin]

Got under the truck today to get some pics.. front will need to wait until tomorrow. The rear looks like it has plenty of room for even regular chains, s-class or low clearance or whatever they are called isn't required.

For the record my suspension is stock, though I had 2nd and 3rd row seats out so I’m probably sitting a bit taller than normal.

These pics are of the rear drivers side.. I chose it because the frame-side panhard mount was more obtrusive than anything on the pass side. Still not a problem. Other than the panhard mount the pass side appears identical.. no extra protrusions or anything to worry about.

And to be clear these are approx 17k mile LT285/65r18 E-rated KO2s running 42psi cold. They have worn some but are far from worn out.

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I don’t think chains will work well on the front from eyeballing it.. but will get some measurements tomorrow.

Perfect! Just what I am looking for - thank you very much for your efforts. Very much appreciated.

I'm still very interested to see the same measurements on the front, especially around the UCA and wheel well with wheel turned.

You, sir, are a real help. Patiently waiting for your pics of the front.

Thank you.

 

[TeCKis300]

I'm often in snow country all over CA for ski trips. Was just in Big Bear couple weeks ago when every route was shut down except for the back 18 route, as it was R3 conditions on the other routes at which point they just shut them down. To protect us Californians from ourselves as we are an entitled and often unprepared group.

I've never had chains that actually fit with me. Not that my vehicle will ever need them with 3 peak snow rated tires, which I got because of liking to visit snow country. But that won't get through the checkpoints here in CA, in the rare instance of declaring R3 and an open road. It's either chains on, or no pass.

So what brand and type of chains are recommended?

PS - avoid cables at all costs. They really suck as they can often act as bearings under your tires, as the barrels will spin on the cables.

 

[Haggis]

^^^Thanks, I'm in the market for a set of chains as well, would appreciate some sources and recommendations.

 

[GordJ]

And I was asking since the KO2s carry the "snow/mountain" designation they are considered snow tires. If a A/T or M/T tire does not carry this symbol, it is not a snow tire. So 4x4 + snow tires for anyone running KO2s like the OP should not actually need to put on chains in most cases - they do however need to be kept in the truck for at least 1-axle..

This is a common misconception. M+S means that it is a snow tire. Period. Stop.
I have had this discussion in BC quite often and now it is on the road signs. And from your Cal-Trans website

SNOW TIRES
The California Vehicle Code, Section 558 defines a snow-tread tire as follows:
"A 'snow-tread tire' is a tire which has a relatively deep and aggressive tread pattern compared with conventional passenger tread pattern". Snow-tread tires can be identified by examining the sidewall of the tire where the letters MS, M/S, M+S or the words MUD AND SNOW have been stamped into the sidewalls.​