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And no winchPersonal opinion is I don't think the stock tires at 48psi help the situation.
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And no winchPersonal opinion is I don't think the stock tires at 48psi help the situation.
Bummer, but what a thrill to be able to use such a capable vehicle to its full potential to save the day. Thanks for sharing this story.The bad news is that while trying to make it up the hill to leave we slid a little off track and bashed into a rock probably 2’ in diameter.
What did you decide to get? If chains, can you share your experiences with them?Anyone have a recommendation for good tire chains that fit the 20” ATs?
What tires & chains did you choose?I’ll definitely have a set of chains regardless of our final wheel choice, 20” or 21”
Has anyone tried to compare the performance of snow socks vs bare feet on the 20" ATs?Looks like Rivian owner says not to use chains on the 20” AT or body damage is likely. Saw an excerpt in another thread. They recommend textiles (snow socks) on 20” and cable chains on 21” and 22” wheels.
This may apply to California drivers too. If troopers want to hassle you or impose the rare All Vehicles Chains Required rule in WA, you'll need something to avoid a ticket.That “no chains on AT 20s” is kind of a non-starter, and they really need a better answer there (“raise your ride height” or something). Tire chains are a staple of Pacific Northwest winter travel and often non-negotiable if you want to go over the pass.
Also, is a ticket cheaper than voiding the warranty? I'll need to research if snow socks are an allowed alternative when Chains Required is imposed.From that link, 4WD vehicles under 10,000 lbs with M+S or mountain/snowflake tires are exempt from "Chains Required" signs as far as actually mounting the snow chains, but you are still required to have chains with you.
Interesting question if chains that don't fit without rubbing would count as having chains with you.
Have you experienced the socks in snow or ice yet?Yes, they fit, and that's what's recommended in the Rivian user manual.
I don't know how well they work in snow, yet, but these textile "chains" have been around for years and there's plenty of videos showing them working.
Size AL69
https://shopautosock.mcgeecompany.com/truck-autosock-69/p24412/
How fast can you go in the socks before they start to quickly show wear?Very quick to install (2 minutes) and remove (30 seconds)
I tested front and rear, no touching or rubbing.
I plan on fitting them again with the R1T in the air so I can check between the tire and suspension to be sure there's no risk of a snag (this textile would surely destroy anything it caught while moving.)
From what I've seen textile traction aids are very good in most types of snow, "ok" on ice, but suffer when used on mixed surfaces (snow on gravel.)
At least for the 21s some say both. Maybe I'll do the same. Sounds like I'll be outside every 30 minutes clearing the headlights, so I might as well fuss with the tires tooSo with no apparent snow tire solution and winter approaching quickly, I decided to go with chains and wheel socks to at least hold me over till next season where hopefully a tire option becomes available.
These are not a great solution because they can only be used below 30mph, have a chance of damaging your suspension or brake components, and you need to go out in the snow and mud and install and remove them on dirty tires. But it beats getting stuck and not making it up the icy hill to get home.
I wanted to decide between chains and socks so...I researched then ordered both.
I’ve decided to go with 21” wheels, which will allow for low profile chains/cables. That extra 40 miles of range makes the difference for charging/not charging for a common route for me. I have yet to source a set because I won’t take delivery until Q2/Q3 next year. Perhaps Rivian will sell a set in the gear shop eventually.What tires & chains did you choose?
I didn't want to offend anyone by not doing my due diligence. I prefer to offend people with my humor.edit/p.s.: I think you take the prize for most quotes in one post!
Chains are not prohibited and do not void the warranty at all. The document states not recommended and resultant body damage is not covered (nor is it covered for any vehicle.)Would chains or snow socks have helped at all? Chains are forbidden for the 20" ATs, but I'm considering getting low profile ones for conditions so bad that I would be driving slowly in Off Road / Highest. Has anyone tried this?
There are so many threads about chains, snow and tire choices. I'll try to cherry pick them into this thread to stay on the topic of handling in very slippery ice.
What did you decide to get? If chains, can you share your experiences with them?
What tires & chains did you choose?
Has anyone tried to compare the performance of snow socks vs bare feet on the 20" ATs?
Also, is a ticket cheaper than voiding the warranty? I'll need to research if snow socks are an allowed alternative when Chains Required is imposed.
Have you experienced the socks in snow or ice yet?
How fast can you go in the socks before they start to quickly show wear?
I'm still torn, chains or socks for the 20" ATs.
No discussion of chains here, but it's a good writeup of snow driving with 20" ATs: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...ving-on-snow-experience-in-r1t-on-20-at.9528/
Thank you. It looks like Autosock is approved in WA as an alternative traction device.I put on the Autosocks AL69 size
I think the cables would suffice for "probably never use these" or that one unlucky day it's too icy, or get the HD version of those cables in case they're a bit tougher under a heavy truck. I think there are cheaper vendors than Peerless, just a matter of how much shopping it's worth on a $200 purchase. Maybe Black Friday deals?Thank you. It looks like Autosock is approved in WA as an alternative traction device.
https://www.wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Alternative-Traction-devices-April-1024x626.png
For the Peerless chains I'm thinking of going with SZ468 SUPER Z-8: https://peerlesschain.com/products/super-z8#19555
"Diagonal-Pattern Cable Chain provides performance for vehicles with VERY limited operating clearance around the drive tires."
The rim damage is really just cosmetic - but I’ll admit it, I want my truck to look perfect… just who I am. The wheel will go into the spare tire hole, and the spare will come out, and it’ll be all good.It looks like you just have some more "character" on your rim now. I've got some scratches similar to that from some rocky off-roading, but maybe not quite as deep. I like to think of them as evidence of fun / use.
Is the rim damage causing any functional issues, or is it just cosmetic? Depending on the force of the impact I'd be more worried about the suspension and alignment.
Let me try to be clear - I think the Rivian is amazing in the snow and wet weather. I think that for _most_ drivers in _most_ situations, it’s going to be stable and reliable. I have no qualms about keeping my Rivian - it’s by far the most capable and comfortable vehicle I’ve ever owned.So for someone who lives in a pretty warm climate where it rarely ever snows, but when it does you are royally screwed because it's also in the mountains, what would you recommend I keep in my Rivian? The weather isn't bad enough here in East TN to require dedicated winter tires, but for the one or two times a year it might snow enough would you recommend the auto sock or cables? I think chains are way overkill.
Also would you recommend a set of two for the front or all four because it's 4WD?