Tyre Chains.

[welchygq]

Please only provide first person experience.

I have been told that if i want to hire snow chains then the biggest chain i will be able to get will only fit a 31" tyre.  So if i have bigger tyres (33") then i will have to buy a set.

Is this true?
Do i only need 2 or is 4 better?
What type of chain am i better off getting? (have seen ladder and diamond type chains?)

Thanks Guys.

Welchy

[GGV8Cruza]

Last time I took the patrol up to the snow I was able to get chains, I run 275/70/17.

If you need to buy then maybe give Piranha off road a call, not sure which are better

GG

[welchygq]

Thanks GG,

Might have to give them a ring, its was the guy from pirhana (on a video) that mentioned not being able to hire them in more than a 31". 
I dont really want to buy a set (big bulky etc) but dont want to not be able to go somewhere because i dont have them 

Did you use 2 or 4 when you went?

Cheers,

Welchy

[Mace]

Two fitted to the front (when in 4WD) usually gets you everywhere in the resorts.

Only times Ive ever used 4 is in deep deep mud as a last resort. 
The amount of terrain  damage you do is unreal. Avoid if possible.

 

[welchygq]

Two fitted to the front (when in 4WD) usually gets you everywhere in the resorts.

Only times Ive ever used 4 is in deep deep mud as a last resort. 
The amount of terrain  damage you do is unreal. Avoid if possible.

 

Mace,

Do you own a set or hire them?  What type of chain do you use?

Thanks,

Welchy

[Mace]

Ive all ways owned mine, currently I have  a multifit ladder type that can be adjusted via extra links for a variety of sizes (10r15 to 235/85/16).

Most of the makers now seem to be going to diamond pattern, which are great for icy & snowy  bitumen roads.  If you just want them for snow, then Id go for the diamond pattern.  If you want a combination chain (mud/snow/gravel) then I still think the old ladder pattern are the way to go.

Diamond chains are pretty size specific and non adjustable via extra links.

With the larger size you are after there may be a limited range anyway - you mitnt have many options.

[ozbogwam]

The only reason I've carried is due to the legal requirement to carry them in some alpine areas. They work well on icy roads, but really if the road is that icy driving on it probably isn't the best idea.

On snow they are awful, just dig you down til you get stuck. Nothing beats nice low tyre pressures in snow.

In mud they just destroy the tracks and IMHO should only be used if its life or death, otherwise turn around and go another way

[welchygq]

yeah mate I am onyl lookign at it becuase the signs say i have to.

Just tryign to see if its worth buyign a set