Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:40:50 -0800
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Shazam <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Shazam <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: Snow chains
In-Reply-To: <BAY127-W3035ACC6B2F8CBFAAF6A79BD620@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hi Ben,
Perhaps you are unaware that in some states, that are mostly not winter and
snow driving, like California and Oregon, on the Interstates, you don't have
a choice.
California is particularly bad about this, even when conditions aren't that
bad.
They block the whole freeway, there's a check point, you either have 4WD, or
chains on 2WD, or they send you back.
A set of 4 dedicated winter tires is best, with chains for 'more' when you
need it, or when the cops say you have to have them on.
Personally I like quality stuff, but I like to be super prepared for
anything too. I don't get my tires chains at ChinaMart, but many people do
!
Scott
www.turbovans.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Ben Cichowski
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 12:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Snow chains
If you're heading out this way, I'd say it would be worth the money to pick
up a set of actual snow tires if you are worried about traction on snow and
ice. Look for a nice open side tread.
IMO, buying a set of chains is only going to be of much use once you're
already off the road (in a pickle for the most part) - a definite last
resort. I keep a set of chains for all cars (even our 4WD Suby...which I
have indeed used the chains on). Once you have officially entered "The
Mountain West" (please read that with a booming echo), stop off at any
Walmart....I can't believe I'm saying that....and they'll have sets with the
rubber tension'ers (don't skimp on the rubber bands) for about $30 - they
are incredibly easy to find out here. You can put them on without jacking
anything up, or taking anything off...but I'd do a bit of practicing before
you head out on your trip. There is nothing worse than being stuck somewhere
"learning" how to put your chains on. Yeah, these aren't anywhere near as
fancy as those Euro ones (those do look nice), but there are probably only
rare occasions when I would consider putting those on in any situation other
than a "last resort," and those suckers will cost you 3X's the money
- go with some good snow tires and a cheap-o set of chains...that hopefully
your nice, new snow tires will prevent you from needing, just my .02.
-Ben
> Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:10:15 -0700
> From: lhimli@AOL.COM
> Subject: Snow chains
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
> Past experience with the 87 Westy in snow or sand hasn't been too good.
> Heading to Telluride over the holidays but don't want to chance hitting
snow
> without better traction. Any suggestions for chains, etc. I've got
> standard 14" tires. Thanks
>
> Larry
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