Hi All,

I've noted a few older posts regarding snow chains, specifically in Aus but was wondering if there is a newer consensus or news.

I'm off to Hotham at the weekend and am wondering if I'm going to have a problem hiring some snow chains for the motor.

It's got Style 3, 20" with 275/40ZR20 106 WXL Atturos.

Can anyone recommend a place to hire, in Melbourne or on route?

Cheers MY15.5 Fuji White, SDV8 HSE Dyn Stealth Pack
Gone: MY14 Fuji White, 3.0 TDV6 SE
Gone: MY10 Stornoway Grey, 3.0 TDV6

If you read the handbook I think you will find that chains cannot be fitted to that size - max 19" only - also to be fitted to front wheels only.

Garry 07MY RRS TDV6
Arctic Frost
Aspen Interior

Hi Garry,

Thanks. I checked the manual and it does indeed state that.

So I also contacted my usual local LR dealership (in fact the one I bought from), and they advised that they regularly supply the Konig T2 Magic in size 255 for my setup.

The Konig site confirms 255 for this tyre size. This is them:

http://www.bumps.com.au/ski/car-accessorie...-chain-215

Interestingly, the LR005737 snow chains won't fit this tyre size.

I'm happy to go with th LR dealers advice and experience... They've been great to date.

Cheers MY15.5 Fuji White, SDV8 HSE Dyn Stealth Pack
Gone: MY14 Fuji White, 3.0 TDV6 SE
Gone: MY10 Stornoway Grey, 3.0 TDV6

Seems Ausie market models may be slightly different as well: http://www.snowchains.com.au/id2.html MY15.5 Fuji White, SDV8 HSE Dyn Stealth Pack
Gone: MY14 Fuji White, 3.0 TDV6 SE
Gone: MY10 Stornoway Grey, 3.0 TDV6

Noting that the laws concerning the carriage of chains in alpine regions only applies to 2wd vehicles and 4wds are exempt - not widely advertised and police/rangers will ask you to fit them but if you actually look at the laws 4wds are exempt - however my view is that it would be unwise not to have them.

Garry 07MY RRS TDV6
Arctic Frost
Aspen Interior

Hi Gary,

Yes, although everything I've read has stated they are required even for 4x4.

The dealer has kindly offered that if I buy them and don't need to use them they'll give me a full refund on return, so fingers crossed I'm not told to fit them!

Cheers MY15.5 Fuji White, SDV8 HSE Dyn Stealth Pack
Gone: MY14 Fuji White, 3.0 TDV6 SE
Gone: MY10 Stornoway Grey, 3.0 TDV6

So, I can (with a grim face ) confirm to everyone that these snow chains work perfectly with my rim/tyre combo quoted above...

Why the grim face - I was going to return them for a full refund if unused! Sods law, driving up Sunday morning someone had stacked themselves into a snow bank in the poor conditions and everyone (4x4 obviously included) were directed to fit snow chains. Most 4x4s turned around as they weren't carrying... first time in 12 years a regular mentioned!

Doh! MY15.5 Fuji White, SDV8 HSE Dyn Stealth Pack
Gone: MY14 Fuji White, 3.0 TDV6 SE
Gone: MY10 Stornoway Grey, 3.0 TDV6

Yep, 4WDs are not exempt from carrying snow chains in Victorian alpine resorts during winter.

It is up to the resort management to determine whether chains need to be fitted and when and to which type of vehicle they must be fitted - 2WD only - 2WD & AWD only - 2WD, AWD & 4WD.

There are penalties in Victoria for not carrying chains and/or not fitting chains when directed to do so within alpine resorts during winter months.