Date:         Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:12:38 -0600
Reply-To:     Ben Cichowski <aquasheck@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben Cichowski <aquasheck@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Snow chains
In-Reply-To:  <005101c840f5$802961e0$6401a8c0@TOSHIBALAP>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Actually, Scott, I am "aware" and have had the need to put on chains in
a couple of these areas, but, from where Larry is coming from...to
Telle...he's likely not going to run into that mandatory situation -
there are plenty of routes that do not take you much out of the way. It
is true that chains could be necessary, but even then, it will be for a
VERY short distance and going at very slow speeds. If that situation
arises, a cheaper set of chains (not cables of course) will do the job
just fine. In fact the cheap-o designs offer more traction than the
more expensive diamond shaped ones, but you are certainly right, they
are not all that comfortable to drive on. 

From the initial
email, it sounds like Larry is worried about general traction in snow
and ice. No matter how good your chains are, you're not putting them on
for long sections of driving. You are; however, driving long distances
on snow and ice with your snow tires, so, as several other posts have
suggested (including you...) snow tires are the a great investment for
travel during this time of year...and chains are good for "more" as you
put it. 

On a somewhat personal note, I post maybe 1-2 times a
week. Following each and every post, you re-post to my original one
with something derogatory to say (I do not necessarily agree with all
of your information either, you know). What's the deal with that?

I'm
pretty sure I never ran over your dog or anything...did I?... If I did,
I sincerely apologize and offer an olive branch during this holiday
season.

-Ben


> From: scottdaniel@turbovans.com
> To: aquasheck@HOTMAIL.COM
> CC: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: RE: Snow chains
> Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:40:50 -0800
> 
> 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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