Date: Tue, 29 Nov 1994 10:56:31 EST From: CXKS46A@prodigy.com (MR ALEXANDER P GRICE) Subject: Tire [tyre] chains
Marc Kruithof posts a question about tire chains, so here's my 2 cents on that subject now that winter's coming (or arrived for our northern readers). American made chains are in four basic designs: straight link, twist link, bar reinforced and V-bar reinforced. Then there are the "Pewag" Austrian-made diamond treads, but for the life of me, I can't see how these are better. (Low profile "cable chains" won't even be included here.) The twist links are the smoothest running, while the V-bars have the best bite. I carry two sets in winter and have had occasion to run with all four wheels chained up; in these conditions, I usually put the most aggressive ones up front.
Wait a second you say, what does some bloke from Virginia know about snow chains? The Rover was purchased 22 years ago with the sole intention of getting to the ski slopes, and it that respect, it has outperformed *ALL* other vehicles. I have driven Donner Pass three times (somehow, *always* in blizzards), Teton Pass several times, lofty Loveland plus a bunch of unnamed ones back east...even a closed Hazen's Notch in northern Vermont in mid-winter. The Rover now sports a 110v block heater, battery heater and trickle charger. At 20 below, it starts on the first spin. At 35 below, I have the slopes to myself.
Back to the chains...I usually carry twist links and a bag of V-bars so I can tailor the Rover to the available traction. Putting them on can be a hassle...but here's a trick: Lay the chains out in front of the tire, but place a brick or a suitable block of wood between the cross links. Drive forward 'till you feel the Rover lift onto the brick/block. This gets the wheel off the road and gives wiggle room to properly fit/adjust the chains. Use two snugger bands per wheel to draw them up tight. Another trick, especially for a farm vehicle where the chains will be on for a long time (without any paved driving), is to fit them to a partially deflated tire, then pump it back up. As Exxon used to say..."happy motoring".
*----"Jeep may be famous, LAND-ROVER is Legendary"-----*
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| Sandy Grice, Rover Owners' Association of Virginia |
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