Snow chains

[bradbishop]

It was 90 degrees today in LA, but it won't be long before it's time to go skiing. I was reading in my LR3 owner's manual that snow chains should only be placed on the front wheels and not the real wheels. Does this sound right? I've never used show chains/cables, but seems to me I've always seen them on all 4 tires.

 

[tommithy]

The manual is correct, they should be on the front wheels only.. but in all honesty, you probably won't need them anyway. The LR3 traction control is really good and should get you to the resort just fine.

 

[drzjoint]

I drive in verry bad weather lots of snow and icy roads and I dont think you will need chains
If you need chains on the lr3 you shouldnt be out on the road of you would find you need chains you would need a class in inclimate driving.

 

[roverman]

Chains can be critical at times...black ice/mountain blizzards etc...all the traction control in the world won't help you. And certainly you shouldn't be out in those situations anyway, but sometimes you get caught. Interesting about the fronts only...good info to have.

 

[bradbishop]

Here in California, the highway patrol will often require chains (even on 4x4's) at checkpoints they set up when the weather turns especially foul. I suppose their main goal is to prevent fools from driving up the mountain during a blizzard in their Nissan Altimas.

 

[tommithy]

California law says that chains or traction devices are only required on 4wd vehicles if you are entering an R3 controlled area. R3 is pretty bad. I for one wouldn't drive in an R3 area.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

 

[dtmelm]

Snow chains in CA

California law says that chains or traction devices are only required on 4wd vehicles if you are entering an R3 controlled area. R3 is pretty bad. I for one wouldn't drive in an R3 area.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

For many years, my wife and I would spend a week in Yosemite during New Years. At the time I had a Chevy Avalanche which actually did fairly well in the snow (and no, it's not close to what I can do with the LR3). One time, we pulled into the south end of the park and the rangers said we either had to chain up or turn around (they declared the park as "R3"). I had chains and was willing to do so (and did) but did ask "why?". Bottom line was that they were trying to avoid the inevetable of having to pull 4x4's out of ditches because of the invincibility syndrome. They found that many didn't have chains and would just leave the park. For that reason, I have chains for the LR3 but have never "used them in anger". I've done a dry run just to make sure I know how to use them.

I'm now in CO and there are occasions when they'll close 25 and if you try the back way, they'll require chains to dissuade you from driving (in what is real nasty stuff). I carry them so that I can get home if need be.

One other thing...We did the LR adventure in Carmel (strongly recommend this...great time) and although they won't speak "on the record", our instructor indicated that they can go on either axle.

FWIW...

Derek

 

[jimbiram]

It has been a common practice of 4x4's to put the chains on the front in snow/ice. The reasoning is that the steerage wheels should have the most traction, and that if you can pull yourself through a turn, you will be less apt to slide through it. I used to have a 59 Travelall up in Mammoth and had to chain up several times. Having them on the front was a godsend, as that is where most of the weight is, and the chain can cut through to the icy surface below the snow.

The only exception I recall was sometime 4x4's would chain up all four wheels, such as when they were plowing, or had to drive through completely unplowed roads.

 

[Trynian]

This site has some good options, especially if you are working with minimal clearance.

http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction Pages/Trac_prod_choice.html

I agree that the probabilities that you would need chains is small. I have driven through some pretty bad Tahoe blizzards and I was not required to use chains on my previous Jeep Grand Cherokee with A/T tires. (havn't hit one yet with the rover)

I do have a set of the low clearance ones now just for that added piece of mind.

 

[PicnSav]

Can the moderators banned this guy?