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Date:         Thu, 21 Nov 1996 21:11:39 -0800 (PST)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Crawford <robertc@snowcrest.net>
Subject:      Re: Snow Traction Devices?

At 03:11 PM 11/21/96 -0600, vince_pappalardo@om.cv.hp.com wrote:

> about chains vs. cables. Are there some brands/types that are easier > to put on than others?

I've tried just about every kind of tire chain setup that I have seen and I have some definite oppions. If the snow isn't bad and you can deal with sliding arround a bit then the cables are great. The cables are a little better than standard chains on hard ice but not as good as toothed chains on hard ice ( by hard ice, I mean the clear ice that you can't scratch with a coin) (studs help here too). And the cable chains are so easy to put on.

I carry a set of cable chains in addition to three standard chains. I use the cable chains under the following conditions. 1. When I am required to put chains on and I don't feel that I need them. There cheaper so if I'm going to wear out a set of chains driving on dry pavement then I'll do it to the cable chains. 2. When I get stoped by traffic on a steep icy grade. The cable chains are easier and faster to put on. 3. When It's ultra-ugly and I keep losing the front end I will sometimes put a set of cables on the front tires in addition to a set of real chains on the rear. (be very carefull doing this, if you loose one on the steering axle things get real exciteing)

> I have a set of cables for my other car that I dread to put on > because you have to reach behind the wheel and thread a nylon web > through a buckle to secure them. This is not easy when your hands are

Get rid of them. Get the type with metal beads on the cable and a simple hook on the other end. the adjustment end of the cable will look something like this.

---*---*---*---*

You hook the hook to the beads, It's easy and can be done with gloves on. This is the style of cables that heavy trucks use when they use cables.

If you regulary drive in a frozen hell you will also need a set of standard chains. I have found that the "rings" and other gizmos are worthless. The toothed chains are just too much work to put on for the ammount of traction that they add. The standard chains are also easier to repair than the fancy styles of chains. Get at least two sets of rubber bands and put two bands on each tire. It will run quieter and is less likely to slap the side of your van. I carry three standard chains so that if (read, when)I break a crossbar I can just take the chain off, replace it, and replace the broken crossbar when I'm warm. If you don't carry a spare chain at least carry a chain tool. Then you can remove the broken crossbar on the spot, instead of going "smack...smack...smack" for 50 miles or so.

(This does not apply to cable chains)To put the chains on (watch how the truckers do it)put the chain over the top of the tire. Then tuck one end tight under the tire. Then move the van so that end is under and about 4 inches beyond the contact patch of the tire. Then hook the back first. then tighten the chain by grasping and pulling outward, then fasten the front. Then attach the rubber bands. Then drive about 10-15 feet back and forth about 10 times. then tighten the chains again, and put the rubber bands back on. After a couple of miles tighten the chains again.

Zeneta & Robert Crawford

You know the one thing thats wrong with this country? Everyone gets a chance to have their fair say - Bill Clinton - 5/29/93


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