Snow Chains - MY2021.5 HSE - 20in Wheels

[AlM]

I have ordered the 221KW diesel HSE, which will come with the standard 20in wheels and 255/55R20 tyres. Neither the dealer or JLR Corporate (Aust) could advise me if I would have issues fitting snow chains to this vehicle.

The official, ie online, handbook states that "half-chain traction devices" can be fitted that wheel/tyre combo. I have not heard of that term before, but I suspect it refers to "spider" chains, ie something like Snow Chains for Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2013 onwards) using tyre size (https://snowchains.co.uk/snow-chains-fit-guide/products/'make=Land-Rover&model=Range-Rover-Sport-(2013-onwards)&tyreSize=255/55-20&m=fg&id=66) . These are not legal in Victoria - for the purposes of access to Vic snow fields during the declared winter.

Based on talking to 3 ski shops, I am inclined to go for the Konig XG-12 Pro - Konig (https://konigchain.com/chains/consumer-snow-chains/suv/konig-xg-12-pro.html) (These are actually the chains I have used on my X5s [3 of]. I am coming from the X5 world, so this is my first RRS.)

If the mudguards will accommodate the spider chains, then the Konigs should not have clearance issues there, but what about the other side of the tyre? Any potential issues with clearance to suspension or brake elements?

Anybody with any practical experience on this issue?

[Gregz]

Hi, according to the manual for mine , the full chain traction devices can be fitted to 19 and 20 inch wheels on the rear. (and I see that is the same up to MY19) I wouldn't have thought much would have changed under that part of the car since then but I suppose you never know. (you could always extend your drive to NSW snowfields where chains are not required for 4WD vehicles [bigwhistle] )

[AlM]

......... (you could always extend your drive to NSW snowfields where chains are not required for 4WD vehicles [bigwhistle] )

Just an FYI for people who think that 4WD is a substitute on snow and ice for winter tyres (or summer tyres + chains):

4WD VS Winter Tyres - Do you need winter tyres if you have 4WD? - YouTube (https://youtu.be/atayHQYqA3g)

Unless you live in a resort, winter, ie proper snow tyres, are not an option for most people in Australia. Yes, some people do run 2 sets of wheels/tyres, but that is a bit of a faff and expensive.

Traction on dry packed snow, using all-seasons tyres, is reasonable even without chains if you are conservative in braking and cornering speed. On ice, forget it... you are in for the ride, with the car going in the direction it was pointed/loaded when you hit the ice. Also surprisingly deadly is the slurry you get when the snow starts melting, through an increase in temp and/or heavy traffic. It is an excellent lubricant for reducing friction between the rubber & road. ;-)