Member - John R (NSW) replied:

I'll stand to be corrected by those in the know, but from memory in NSW chains must be carried during the snow season. I think it is specified by dates, but I may be wrong.

You only need to carry 1 pair. There's no discrimination between 2wd or 4wd. I know I didn't have to carry chains at all on my motorcycle ;-)

Member - Mozza (NSW) replied:

Vince I agree with Leroy.
my response to the same question asked last year was this:

To answer your question.. a 4WD vehicle does not legally have to carry and/or use CHAINS in Kosiousko National Park (NSW).
The RTA are the governing body of the roads in the park.

keeping that in mind, my brother also worked down there for a season, was driving a 4wd hilux, but at some stages, the weather/snow was that bad (unsafe) enough to warrant putting them on (only lie 2 times during the season), guess it was a personal choice, some say you don't need em';, some say you do ?... very debatable topic.

also... this was discussed a couple of times around the snow season last year, so also check the archives if you want a bit more reading (and opinions !!!)

Member - John R (NSW) replied:

Here's a Link:

Driving in the Snow

Member - Heidi L (NSW) replied:

At the moment in NSW 4wds/AWDs are not required to carry chains, but if directed they must be fitted.

I always carry chains, as the day they fit chains to 4wds is the day I want to be up there skiing not searching for a hire pair that fits.

4wd/awd is not going to stop you sliding once you hit ice.

Kiwi Kia replied:

If you need to have chains then why not put them on all four wheels ? You don't just have tread on two tyres do you ? It's grip you want so if you want to drive safely and use all four wheels get 4 sets.

Front chains give you drive and steering grip in the front but going down hill the back may want to come around and beat you to the bottom of the hill how ever you will have good front wheel braking going down hill.

Rear chains give you good grip going up hill but no extra grip for steering.

If you really need em then use on all four wheels - think safety.

MyGreenCruiser replied:

Whether they’re required or not, you’re talking about your sons’ safety. Get at minimum one set and put them on the front. Better still get 2 sets, front and rear. Even if it’s optional for 4WD’s if you feel more comfortable (i.e. Safe) with them, use them.

Member - Doug T (QLD) replied:

Thats a damn good question, not that I have any intension of going that far south this time of year, but i will add a question for the southern snowmen , what about if the 4x4 has front and rear lockers, it's going to have twice the traction of a normal 4x4, or do the chains stop the car from sliding over a cliff that your clothes would be out of fashion before you hit the bottom.

Doug

Member - Mozza (NSW) replied:

vince.. just thought id let you know that Ebay has some chains going for $30 a set.. pretty cheap... from Larry Adler's (good ski/equipment hire place in Sydney)