Snow Chains

I've used them on a mates property when he got sa vehicle stuck down a steep muddy hill near a dam. Only fitted them on the rear wheels, also in the snow we were advised that they only needed to be fitted to the rear so you may not wnat/need four chains. They can chew up muddy tracks though and many people frown upon their use, where are you planning on using them that a double diff locked troopy won't go? If traction is that compromised the chains might not be much help either and they are a bugger to fit once you are stuck.

Patrolman Pat

Lyndon,

There was a thread a couple of weeks ago on the same subject.

The bottom line with that thread was,

If the track is that wet that you need chains, don't drive the track. It will destroy the track.

Wayne

Certainly been a long time supporter of chains here Lyndon, simply because there is nothing that comes close to providing there level of cost effective traction , or saftey on certain types of roads - e.g. outback roads with slick clay.

Its a real eye opener to see a double diff locked 4wd going nowhere while a commodore with set of snow chains drives around it.

I have certain to many avoidable rollovers, to be without them myself.

Use light diamond chains here , and you need to consider chains with type of tyres you use.

Light chains would have links dissappear in heavy mud terrain types but work well up to your standard MTR cooper stt type tyres.

In some places - particularly NZ its a requirement to use them because they cause less track damage.

Normally there is lots available early winter and usually via ebay for up to size 285/75/16 , around $150.

Some of the pirahana ones are stronger , a lot dearer, and more suitable for heavy mud and big bog holes, and in these cases a large size ladder chain can be more useful as mode of operation is to be a paddle..

Robin Miller

Lyndon

May I suggest you buy a epirb as well, It seems that you are hell bent on getting bogged.

4wding is a pastime that is ment to be enjoyed, either by you and you family or a group of friends out for the week end.

If you think you need snow chains to get through a boggy patch, do you think it would be a better idea to give it a miss.

Not only will snow chains and diff locks give you a false sence of security they will,only help you get youself into a worse predicament, along with stuffing up the track and environment.

Lyndon,
I drive a 60series L/C and have most of the usual recovery gear, but I still take a set (one pair) of chains with me on every trip that I do if going off-road. IMHO they are the next best piece of recovery gear after a long handled shovel. If the conditions get bad and you cannot afford to wait till the road/track dries enough, then fitting them before getting stuck is the go.I first used them on a
swb landrover in 1964 and have never gone bush without them since. In the late 70`s we were camped on the Darling river north of Pooncarie and it rained for 5 days ,we were in a HQ 253 ute towing a 9x5 tandem trailer well loaded,after waiting as long as we could, we decided we had to get out because of work commitments . With the chains fitted we " dragged" the trailer about 3 mile slowly in 2nd gear with low revs.The wheels on the trailer stopped turning being clogged with that area`s black sticky mud after going about 40 yards. The idea is to avoid any wheel spin if possible and that will help lessen any damage to the track.
What I have seen of damaged tracks/roads more damage is done by vehicles ploughing through using the wrong gear and high revs, thus much wheel spin and a fair proportion of the road surface being flung out the rear and the getting dug deeper. With chains fitted you have better traction, less or no wheel spin therefore less road damage.
With 4WD I always fit them to the front wheels as this helps with steering and tends to pull you along thus maintaining a straighter course.
Sorry for the long waffle but it is disappointing to read other posts knocking something that sounds like they have never used, or maybe not used properly.
Anyway just my 22 cents worth.
cheers Scrubcat.

Hi Lyndon.
Robin & Scrubcat have it about bang on. Here in NZ where we "occasionally" get mud, LOL, they are essential. track damaged is more to with the nut loose behind the wheel than the chains themselves. Ladder chains are best, do them up tight, don't spin the wheels and put them on before you get bogged. Use them to get out of unexpected trouble not further into it.
CliveG (NZ).

PS. Loose chains on spining wheels have a nasty habit of tearing inner guards out as the vehicle bounces.

I hate having to put chains on. A long time ago we used to put them on 46 Ford V8 Well deck, the old girl could go a lot of places with a bit of ballast on the back as well. When we bought a series one Landrover it was just amazing where you could go and do with just 4WD and no chains, a hell of a lot better than lying in the mud/ice/snow fitting, adjusting, removing chains.
I carry chains here in NZ if I am travelling mountain passes in the winter,as I said I HATE FITTING CHAINS so I wait till some silly bugger goes first,wait till the road thaws ,drys whatever, the chains are carried for emergencies only.IF ROAD/TRACK CONDITIONS ARE NOT SUITABLE DONT GO.
Some words of advice if you HAVE TO USE CHAINS.
1 Chains only work when the power is coming from the transmission,Brake, take the power off and chains don't do a hell of a lot of good at all
2 Put the chains on the front wheels, the chains will clear the way and pull the rear wheels through.
3 Diamond pattern are easier to tighten and give more when you need .to avoid side way slipping. Cost more but probably wear better
4 Worn chains break
Take the advice of an old dog IF YOU NEED CHAINS TO GET THERE DONT GO

In and around the Vic high country if have on the odd occasion use snow chains to get the 4wd out of a slippery spot.

If you do use snow chains for slippery dirt work, make sure that you fit the chains so that they are a bit loose on the tyre. The reason for this is the loose chains wont hold mud.

I read a few comments that suggest people who use chains in mud are morrons. I think that they are of limited thinking or experience. Anyway, each to their own and their opinion.

I've found that snow chains are rarely needed on dirt but when your ina bit of a pickle they can really get you out of the sh1t. cheers Anthony

Lyndon we have a single set of ladder chains (bloody heavy, eh), and mostly carry them.
Only time used was here at home.Filled the ruts with dead wood and saplings, (having employed the l h shovel first.)
Haha!
Too proud (read stubborn)to ask the Missus to bring the tractor down, so hoofed it back to the shed for the chains.
Got home a little late, but at least I know how they work in one situation.

To those who see Chain Carriers as environmental arsoles : I, too, have seen stretches of road buggered by desperate/dumb/arrogant/brave folk. To them (the chain-knockers), I offer the word - insurance: not bravado.