Snow chains - any advice?

[Gullible]

Hi,
I got the Aldi snow chains the other week and just found out that they do not fit my D2 (my fault for not checking the tyre size before I bought them). I do like the way the Aldi snow chains worked, easy to fit, colour coded elastic tensioners.

I did notice that the Aldi chain links were quite small to how I remember snow chains, although that could have been my memory as it has been a while since I used any. I only wanted a set for insurance as I have 2 small kids and we only go to the snow 1-2 days a year.

So I thought I see what other peoples experience of snow chains has been and if there are any brands/types to avoid? Hints and tips would also be nice. :D

[NavyDiver]

I have them but never put them on my D3. Usually put MT tires on which sort of make chains obsolete when going to the snow. That said I would always have them with me in AT tires and do carry them for just in case moments.

Getting one to fit your tires takes advice IMO. post your tire size and type for help from the forum might help.

Also I think buying them from the hire shops is always an option at least at the end of the snow season.
All vehicles must carry chains in Vic resorts. Don't get caught without them you'll be fined. NSW might have a recommendation only.

Only one of my 4wd mates has had to fit chains in the last several years. He did mention he was very glad he had them that day:wasntme:

[Roverlord off road spares]

I'd be interested in responses also.
Last time I went to BAW BAW it was a requirement to carry chains.
The Chain Hire place at Icy Creek seemed a bit clueless when I gave him my tyre size, he then just grabbed some and handed them to me. I don't think they would have fit as they looked a tad small.

[Xtreme]

I've used chains a number of times on both my Defender and Disco. Haven't used any of the newer styles as I have a set of the older ladder style pattern which have served me well and fit both the 235x85 (Defender) and 235x70 (D2) tyres. They fit both sizes firmly but still but still have sufficient 'slack to break up and throw off snow, ice or mud.

Here's a photo of them at Mt Pinnibar (with temp at -7deg :() fitted to my D2 - stock standard 2001 model with AT tyres and no CDL.
Photo taken 2 days prior to track closures in 2011.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/488.jpg

[simonmelb]

Hi - I've used chains a bit here in vic. The Aldi and other cheap brands are a copy of the Italian Konig brand - which several reputable ski hire shops hire out as they are well designed and last.

Search on EBay for a used set if you can, as most sellers will have hardly used them. The set I bought a few years ago looked new. They are very easy to fit.

[MR LR]

Be careful with what you buy as some resorts place restrictions on what style of chains may be used. Aldi chains do seem good value though.

In Victoria for example, I believe ladder chains are not allowed, in favour of diamond pattern chains.

Also, as an FYI, whilst mud terrains are good in soft snow, a decent set of AT's is almost always better on ice, which is where you really need a set of diamond chains to get anything resembling grip, without winter tyres.

I have an ancient set of ladder chains, which incidentally don't fit since I changed tyre sizes, so I too, am shopping :)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

wasnt there a huge thread on this in the D3/4 Forum?

[MR LR]

wasnt there a huge thread on this in the D3/4 Forum?
I believe so, but you aren't allowed in if you don't have at least 6 loyalty cards to different cafes you frequent to sip lattes ;)

[jimr1]

Be careful my Land Rover handbook says DO NOT FIT SNOW CHAINS TO THE FRONT OF THIS VEHICLE . as It effects the ABS . There could be an insurance issue !!..

[Gullible]

You can always fit them to the rear.

[Xtreme]

Fitting to front retains steering. Although I did have chains fitted to both front and rear of a SWB 88 years ago - went everywhere the snowcat went. ;)

[Roverlord off road spares]

wasnt there a huge thread on this in the D3/4 Forum?
In the monocoque chassis section:o, we drive Ladder chassis vehicles so might not be allowed to spy in that forum.:p

[MR LR]

In the monocoque chassis section:o, we drive Ladder chassis vehicles so might not be allowed to spy in that forum.:p
So do they :P

[jimr1]

You can always fit them to the rear.
You were asking for advice !!..Jim ..