Best temporary snow solution for tires?

[kemxns]

R1S 20” A/T - going to Tahoe for the holidays. Experienced snow driver but I rarely spend more than a few days each season so I’m not going to buy winter tires. What’s the best solution for a week in Tahoe? Carry low profile cables? Snow socks? Risk it nekked cause them A/T can do their job?

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[jjswan33]

IMO the 20" tires will be fine, Ive got 5-6 snow days under my belt on the 20s and they have performed great. Just drive conservatively and you will be fine.

If you didn't know R1 manual says no chains on the 20s so if you want that just in case security look at a set of snow socks.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Best solution would be to stay home.

 

[Leo]

How about air down to 35 psi or so. Someone should test that as everything I have seen up to now is standard 48 psi levels in snow. More of a traction test vs. range but it would be good to know. I'd do it but still a year away from delivery.

 

[Inkedsphynx]

It really depends on what the conditions are like up there, since it can be pretty variable. Tahoe gets a variety of different types of wintery conditions, from light powdery snow to thicker wetter snow, ice and snow covering ice, etc.

In general I think you'll be fine. As @Leo said, I'd consider airing down a bit as well, if the conditions call for that. Drive slowly and be cautious on any steep slopes.

If you are feeling particularly nervous, I'd go with tire socks. If you've got some MaxTrax (I always have 4 in my truck) that could be useful as well. Maybe a recovery strap too in case you need to pull anyone else out of a ditch

 

[kylealden]

I bought two sets of AutoSocks for the Rivian and I haven't used them in this vehicle, but they've performed well on my Tesla and in the US they are usually legally acceptable anywhere chains are required. They're not cheap but very compact - I keep them in the sub-frunk all winter for emergencies.

Between those and driving conservatively, I'd expect you to be fine on the 20" ATs. Just be aware that, though the ATs are three-peaks rated, that is just an acceleration test in snow - it doesn't necessarily mean they'll brake or corner particularly well. Slow down and be cautious. They're better than all-seasons, but they're not made for packed snow and ice.

I'm picking up a set of Blizzak LTs this week since I plan to do a lot of winter driving this season.

 

[BillyBob]

This is one of my key items for my R1S as to whether I take it or not, and what wheels to get. Staying home is not an option (Can't do that and Ski) and I really don't want to have two sets of tires and wheels. So this (along with insurance) is a major concern.
(Are you listening, Rivian?)

 

[mikehmb]

I lived in Tahoe for 20 years and never had more than ATs on any of my trucks. YMMV of course. LONG gone are the days when they’re going to even flirt with the idea of going to R3, at least on the California side.

For those who feel a lot more comfortable just using brakes to control deceleration: you can just put the truck in neutral going downhill and it will completely disconnect regen. Stopping is then completely up to the left pedal. (It’s also useful for when you want to scrub the gunk off the brakes since they get used very little.)

 

[johstacy]

R1S 20” A/T - going to Tahoe for the holidays. Experienced snow driver but I rarely spend more than a few days each season so I’m not going to buy winter tires. What’s the best solution for a week in Tahoe? Carry low profile cables? Snow socks? Risk it nekked cause them A/T can do their job?

I run a R1T with 20" AT's and I live in the snow. I carry chains because I am required to by Wa state law but have never had a need for them and I get feet of snow. Just set your regen to standard and drive like your in snow and your Rivian will do fantastic.

 

[Arky]

R1S 20” A/T - going to Tahoe for the holidays. Experienced snow driver but I rarely spend more than a few days each season so I’m not going to buy winter tires. What’s the best solution for a week in Tahoe? Carry low profile cables? Snow socks? Risk it nekked cause them A/T can do their job?

Air the tires down a bit if you're worried. Going down to 40PSI shouldn't cause much uneven wear or range loss but it will expand your ground contact by 20% and let the tire flex a little easier. If you're mostly concerned with traction when driving locally around tahoe itself you won't notice either downside and could go even lower if you want.

Additionally - just about any snow traction problem can be solved by just driving slower. If you're regularly driving fast in snowy conditions you should consider another tire.

 

[moosehead]

If you're regularly driving fast in snowy conditions you should consider another tire.

Or another vehicle. Unfortunately traded this sled in, which made many a first chair.

 

[kemxns]

I'm not nervous, I just see enough posts groaning about the A/Ts that I figured I'd ask around, especially since I haven't taken the Rivvy up there yet. I'm annoyed they officially say "no chains" and I told my guide as much very early on, but that's shockingly common for those who read your manuals so it's not the end of the world. Got my straps coming in my other vehicle (caravan with my Gen2 Raptor) sooo... it'd take quite the situation to get the convoy actually stuck, lol. That's on the stock KO2s and they're awesome in winter. I'm a careful winter driver and don't need speed, just figured I'd see how we here feel about snow and chains in case the weather.

Good calls all around on the snow socks (a neat backup idea), airing down, and the brake regen settings. Good job and thanks, team!

 

[Monkey]

The 20" ATs perform very well in snow. Not as good as a dedicated winter snow/ice tire, but still rather well. Their weakness is slush/ice, which is where most AT tires fall short vs. dedicated winter tires.

Rivian says to NOT use chains on the R1T, but recommends snow socks for the rear wheels when running the 20" ATs.

They recommend 16mm low-profile tire cables for the 21" and 22" wheel/tire options and once again only on the rear.

 

[Scoiatael]

I have the 21" wheels and just bought autosocks for them. I used them before on my Chevy Colorado and they worked completely fine in Tahoe.

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