D3 Snow Chains - 18" rims

[def90]

G'day guys - I am planning a snow trip later this week and there are some potential blizzard conditions on the days we are looking at heading up. Has anyone looked at the snow chain option for the D3?

Do the hire places actually hire chains for the D3?

Just wondering, in case the weather really does hapen....

Anyone buy or rent before???

Thanks for your help!!

[rmp]

Go and see Home page (http://www.piranhaoffroad.com.au), they're open late Thursday night.

[def90]

Thanks a lot! I have sent them a message, lets see what the prices are...

Has anyone rented for the D3? I am assuming the ski stores would carry this size?

[solmanic]

Has anyone rented for the D3? I am assuming the ski stores would carry this size?

Don't count on it - I would definitely ring ahead. NPWS don't often make "proper" 4WDs fit chains unless things are really bad so not all hire shops will have the larger chains for a Disco.

Also, if you are running AT tyres then these are as good as "snow" tyres so you are much less likely to actually need chains at all.

[Hymie]

Where are you heading?

[rmp]

Chains make a massive difference, and you may be legally required to carry them. My advice is go see Piranha or other reputable reseller and get a set that fits, and be shown how to fit them. Then you have them in your car all the time. You don't want to mess around trying to rent some poor-quality rubbish at the last minute. No tyre will grip ice like a chain, and the D3 has a snow mode, not a sled mode.

Consider the effect of a loose chain on your D3, or struggling with a set not quite the right size. All my experience with chains leads me to pay good money for good quality and sort it all about ahead of time.

A set of chains, well looked after will see you right for decades, and they hold their resale value.

[CaverD3]

There are issues with clearance for some chains on the D3. Do a search on DISCO3.CO.UK - Dedicated to Discovery 3 and LR3 Owners and Enthusiasts (http://www.disco3.co.uk).
If you just want to cover yourself legally then rent some of the right size hoping you won't need them.:angel:

[def90]

Thanks for all the feedback and ideas....

Well I have just returned from my few days up the high country and was the weather out of control. AT our place which is near teh base of Buller (on a ridge) the wind was howling, horizontal rain and wet wet wet... snowed 30cm in 24 hours again so the drive up on Friday after Thursdays dump was bound to be interesting...

Cars fitting chains at Bay 2, which is really low on the mountain. It was optional for 4WD to fit.

Anyway, for those heading up that way, get your chains at Mirrimbah general store, just before the gate. But dont leave it to the last minute...I saw up to 15 cars queing for chain fitting and it wasnt going fast...

Good news is Mirrimbah store carries rental for 4WD of all types, including the D3 standard tyre size. The rentals are the basic ladder type arrangements, and expect to pay about $20 per day.

They also had diamond pattern chains for sale for $199 to suit the 255/60/18. I thought what the heck, and took the plunge to avoid future inconveniences..

Interesting thing (as Caver mentions) is that there is a clearance issue on the front of the D3. There is a risk of fouling on the Air Suspension canister (i think??) so fitting the chains to the front wheels could be an issue. Therefore I had the chains fitted up to the rear wheels where there wasnt an issue. Of course, its preferred to have chains on the steering wheels, but for traction and braking, rear is OK to me... so that was sorted...

Thanks for the link Caver, I will have a look now...

I didnt need the chains, but I am glad I now have a set...It will however limit me to the 255/60/18 size for tyres, for that reason I think its going to be a General GRabber AT2,,

Hope this info helps

[def90]

BTW - I did contact Pirhana and they had Diamond pattern chains for $300. i just didnt have the time to pickup so I bought the others...