Date:         Thu, 23 Dec 1999 11:57:15 -0700
Reply-To:     "Richard A. Jones" <jones@COYOTE.COLORADO.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Richard A. Jones" <jones@COYOTE.COLORADO.EDU>
Subject:      Re: chains
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: TEXT/plain; charset=us-ascii

I agree with Stuart that cable chains are the way to go.
They are much easier to install.  I have had good luck
in backing or driving over them, then connecting the inside
cable by reaching around or over the tire--not having
to lie down!  One thing that makes cable chains better is
they have the stiffness of the cable to help keep them
"straight" when you are dealing with them, vs link chains
that just collapse--and weigh more, too.

No rubber tensioners, too--which are always cracked and
deteriorating after a few years under the back seat.

I used to put studded snow tires on the back, but now just
use all weathers (MXTs right now) and don't miss the
studs much.  I think I've needed chains at the same point
with studs and no studs.  So my approach is all weather
tires, four splash blocks on top of the engine compartment
(!!) and chains very rarely when needed.

                                Richard A. Jones
                                Boulder, Colorado
                                '81 Vanagon  Mr Bus