New transit RWD Twin Wheels - Snow chains which???

[MandyAndy]

Planning trip which I think (hope) will involve snow, Easter 2 weeks, Germany , Austria , Italy, France.

Just read about the tyres that maybe needed for Germany, also read about snow chains compulsary in Austria. But can't find anywhere about snow chains that will fit or be of use to our van.

 

Help need by the experts I decided, so (snow) balls in your court.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Derek Uzzell]

Having done a bit of research, it seems that chains can be fitted either to the outer of the twinned rear-wheels or spanning both wheels. Suggest you visit www.snowchains.co.uk and ask for advice on what's most suitable for your requirements, and you might want to explore the rental option mentioned on that website.

[olley]

Hi Chains are normally only fitted to the outside wheels on m/h rv's, thats what I got for mine. You can buy ones that span both pairs but generally only lorries would need to use these.

 

Olley

[Pat]

After many years transiting the Alps to and from Italy in an HGV I would advise that if it is bad enough for chains then don't carry on!

 

We had to carry chains to be allowed to transit the mountains but most drivers had a couple of lengths of ordinary chain hanging on the back of the chassis over the spare wheel covered in sacks with a few links showing just to satisfy the officials to let us carry on.

 

All of Europe are much better at coping with snow than we are and unless you are plannig to go way off the beaten track you will not need chains!

 

Also a handy tip is to carry some rope thin enough to go through the wheels so that if you are stuck thread the rope through and tie it around the whee and trye so you have say 4 or 5 spokes that usually gets you out of trouble AND won't damage your tyres!

 

Hope this helps

 

Regards Pat

[howie]

Hi Mandy. I totally agree with Pat that if road conditions are so bad that you require snow chains then its best not to drive at all.

By all means carry them with you, if only to comply with local legislation, but they are best regarded as a emergency contingency only, and not as a means of getting you to any given destination you may have in mind.

 

[Brian Kirby]

Legally, as Pat says, you have to carry them.  I believe the legal requirement is to guarantee you have sufficient traction to get off the road safely, and so don't cause a blockage for the snow-plough!

Otherwise, as Pat says, if you actually need to fit them, you're probably better just using them to get to a stopping point somewhere, and then waiting for the road to be cleared.  Whereas, the chains will get you moving, they will do rather less to help you stop, and nothing to help you steer!

Having driven 3.4 tonnes of motorhome several miles on a busy alpine road of rutted ice, I can confirm that, even if you can make progress, it's that steering bit that is the real fun!  Under these conditions, studded tyres seem by far the best (expensive!) solution - and I didn't have them.