Thread: Snow chains needed for Hotham even on a Range Rover?

Originally Posted by ariddell

We're heading up to Mt Hotham for a spot of skiing in a couple of weeks so just thought i would check and see what the deal is with snow chains being required?

Looking at the Hotham website it suggests it's a mandatory requirement to carry/fit them when directed but doesn't specify if this also applies to 4x4s or only on standard cars?

Pretty comfortable with driving in deep snow (10 years driving in Scotland made that a pretty regular occurance) and don't see the L322 having any issue with it but will need to rent a set if they're a mandatory legal requirement to carry.

Anyone able to confirm for sure either way?

Thanks

Al

Mandatory. Even the buses have to have them.

Thanks for clearing that up, will hire some the the bottom of the mountain i think in that case.

Cheers

Al

All vehicles travelling in a declared hazardous area are required by law to carry chains and to fit them where directed.
Your vehicle insurance is voided if you have an accident and are not carrying chains, they don't have to be fitted, you just have to have them in the car.
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/...now+Chains.htm

Originally Posted by ariddell

We're heading up to Mt Hotham for a spot of skiing in a couple of weeks so just thought i would check and see what the deal is with snow chains being required?

Looking at the Hotham website it suggests it's a mandatory requirement to carry/fit them when directed but doesn't specify if this also applies to 4x4s or only on standard cars?

Pretty comfortable with driving in deep snow (10 years driving in Scotland made that a pretty regular occurance) and don't see the L322 having any issue with it but will need to rent a set if they're a mandatory legal requirement to carry.

Anyone able to confirm for sure either way?

Thanks

Al

If thats the case you might as well fire up the Blackpool Rocketship.

While 4x4's have a little more forward grip than 2wd's, they all brake the same......or not.

When I was down in the snow a few years ago I over heard someone saying that because they had a awd vehicle they had to have chains for all 4 wheels as they all get drive but if you have a 2x4 you only need chains on 2 wheels due to the drive being at them. is that true?

Xav

Originally Posted by Xavie

When I was down in the snow a few years ago I over heard someone saying that because they had a awd vehicle they had to have chains for all 4 wheels as they all get drive but if you have a 2x4 you only need chains on 2 wheels due to the drive being at them. is that true?

Xav

No. You can put two chains only on a 4WD/AWD and traction is greatly increased. Four chains are better.

You can also put four chains on a 2WD and increase traction as you'll get better braking and lateral stability.

The only dumb option is putting chains on the non-driven axle of a 2WD.

Also, it's 4x2, ie 4 wheels, two drive. A 2x4 is impossible as it says 2 wheels 4 driven.

Originally Posted by Omaroo

While 4x4's have a little more forward grip than 2wd's, they all brake the same......or not.

Only if you brake using the brakes. If you use engine braking then a 4WD does indeed offer improved braking as all four wheels are being forced to turn slowly to slow the vehicle, not just two.

This is however at the expense of directional stability. Vehicles are generally set up to lock their front wheels first so the back end does not overtake the front. In 4WD the rears must rotate at the same speed as the front and thus if the fronts lock so do the rears.

I would also argue 4WDs have significantly more forward grip than 2WD. More than twice as much, as they have twice the driven wheels but no drag effect from non-driven wheels.