Snow chains

David & Ann

David & Ann

Full Member
Posts
2,561
Likes
629
1) What is the maximum speed you can drive with snow chains on? 2) Do you put them on your drive wheels or the other or all 4 of them?
 
As per above, but you can put them on the steer axle as well if you've got another pair.

Removing them is the worst part - make sure you have a large plastic/waterproof tarpaulin to lie on.

When to remove - as soon as you see more bitumen than snow on the road. on the assumption the bitumen is not covered in ice.

Chains can get you into trouble by letting you drive into deeper snow than is normally safe. If you cant see the edge of the road be very careful about proceeding.
 
***** said:
David, unless they are to get you out of trouble, my advice would be that when it is time to put them on, it is time to draw the curtains and park up, or just enjoy the winter view.
Click to expand...

Graham, that is precisely what I did. Hopefully I will be able to pick up a nice fresh Tiger loaf of bread tomorrow. They have gritted the sidewalk but not the road where we are. I asked the guys, why? they said, " we do what we are told" I think that was a fair enough reply, though I find the Council would have been more sensible.
 
Where are You Going?

I'm also in the process of buying snow chains for my new MH as I intend to Travel through France to Andorra. The thing to note is that if you're abroad and you don't have snow chains they can insist you do not travel any further if the weather is so bad. moreover, if you're heading up into the mountains it's the law that you have them with you above 1400M. I've read that if you are above this level in winter they will fine you for not having them, even if it isn't snowing.

I've driven from Spain to Andorra in the winter twice now (in the car) and never needed them, but its better to have them and not need them, than need them and be stuck like everyone else!

The other thing to consider if you are buying some is that not all chains are the same. The links vary in size and you need the ones for your vehicle. i.e the ones that are made for a car may not be suitable for a 3.5 ton Motorhome.

Hope this helps you out.

Regards Poco Loco
 
Poco Loco said:
I'm also in the process of buying snow chains for my new MH as I intend to Travel through France to Andorra. The thing to note is that if you're abroad and you don't have snow chains they can insist you do not travel any further if the weather is so bad. moreover, if you're heading up into the mountains it's the law that you have them with you above 1400M. I've read that if you are above this level in winter they will fine you for not having them, even if it isn't snowing.

I've driven from Spain to Andorra in the winter twice now (in the car) and never needed them, but its better to have them and not need them, than need them and be stuck like everyone else!

The other thing to consider if you are buying some is that not all chains are the same. The links vary in size and you need the ones for your vehicle. i.e the ones that are made for a car may not be suitable for a 3.5 ton Motorhome.

Hope this helps you out.

Regards Poco Loco
Click to expand...

That is correct. I am certain you will find in Germany and France it is required by Law.
 
Chains are certainly required for Romania. The Police will fine you if it is winter, even if there is no snow about and you don't have chains and a shovel in the vehicle.
 
***** said:
I don't know if they could even be fitted to our van as on a Maxi chassis and very little space between the 16 inch tyre and the body:confused:
I wonder if anybody with a Maxi can clarify:confused:
Click to expand...

I have just been looking at snow chains. I read that you need to tell them what type of chassis you have. I take it there are different types of chains for various of chassis. CHECK IT OUT !!!
 
advice I received was to have them on all wheels, this chap sells them and is full of knowledge and will even give you a discount (ie... no postage cost)
Mike .... 01424 830727

I got mine for £120 delivered (x2 sets)
 
snow chains

The users manual for my (4x4) Ford Ranger says "use small link chains on the rear, drive wheels, only, do not exceed 30mph, remove them on snow free roads and don't use them with 235/75 or 265/7 R 15 tyres" (presumably because of lack of space between the tyre and chassis). So it's either winter or studded tyres - or possible socks, but I've no experience of any of these.

I suspect that anyone who recommends using chains on all wheels is just trying to increase sales - but I could be wrong.

Cheers
AyGee
 
I was told that socks are NOT an option for motorhomes/commercials and 4 chains are better than 2, makes sense if driving in severe snow filled roads, nearly had to use them last week but just managed to crawl into a car park for the night. 80 Euro fine for not having winter tyres in Germany, its either winter tyres at great expence or carry snow chains thats the law now in Germany and we saw a big polioce crack down in Germany.
 
Hello
Ebay is a very good place to buy snow chains.In lots of cases they have never been used and the owner is selling because he has changed his vehicle. I picked up an unused set of Weissenfels for about 20% of the price new. I have been advised not to buy cheap ones from Halfords etc. if you think you may have to use them in anger.Another forum said they fall to bits the first time you have to use them. I would look out for the German / Austrian makes after all they use them a lot more than we do in the UK.
Also learn how to put them on whilst parked on your drive.Half way up the Alps in a blizzard in the dark is know time to try to work it out. It is pretty easy with just a little practice.
My daughter lives in Germany and tells me that from mid November it is now a legal requirement to have winter tyres on. Don't know how this affects us motorhome owners with commercial vehicle tyres on.
Cheers
John
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0)

Back
Top