Freelander 1 Snow chains

Jonny H · Feb 6, 2018

I have a TD4 Sport with 235/50 ×18 tyres. According to the handbook Land Rover do not recommend fitting snow chains to this size tyre but here in Spain it is illegal to drive without them and we have just had a heavy fall of snow.
Does anyone know of any snow chains that will fit my tyres? I don't think trying to explain to the police that they are not suitable for my tyres will work!!

GrumpyGel · Feb 6, 2018

I don't know whether chains can be fitted to those tyres - but maybe a set of (smaller) winter wheels tyres that are suitable for chains would be an option.

Jonny H · Feb 6, 2018

I had thought of that but didn't want to go to that kind of expense.
Have found some 'emergency' snow chains which are basically like large studded cable ties. They look like they wouldn't last 5 minutes and would be difficult to remove but if they stop me from getting a fine/points, they may be worth carrying around, just in case.

teddywood1 · Feb 6, 2018

you can buy snow socks they fit over your tyre and wheel but do not drive on tarmac ad LR do not recommend fitting snow chains at all.

ianda12 · Feb 6, 2018

I fitted snow chains to mine many times without any problems.You need to put them on tight and re check them after a few hundred yards as there is not a lot of clearance around the back of the wheel, if they are loose they hit the suspension or brake parts. this is on a freelander I

Nodge68 · Feb 6, 2018

The reason LR say you can't fit chain's to the 18" rims is because there's not enough clearance between the tyre and suspension strut. Basically the chains would hit the strut and destroy it or break the chains or both.

Best bet is buy some cheap 15 or 16" Freelander wheels to use when there's snow.

GrumpyGel · Feb 6, 2018

Thinking about it won't the diameter of the tyres on smaller wheels will be the same as the 18s so suffer the same issues on the Sport?

Jonny H · Feb 7, 2018

Thanks for the advice. I'll see if I can find some cheap smaller wheels.

Nodge68 · Feb 7, 2018

GrumpyGel said:
Thinking about it won't the diameter of the tyres on smaller wheels will be the same as the 18s so suffer the same issues on the Sport?

No. The 15" and 16" wheels have smaller widths of tyre. 195 and 215 respectively. The 18" rim uses 235 section tyre, that brings the top inner shoulder within a few mm of the spring cup. This leaves no room for chains, especially when the wheels are spinning.

Freelander 1 Snow chains

Jonny H

Active Member

GrumpyGel

Well-Known Member

Jonny H

Active Member

teddywood1

Well-Known Member

ianda12

Active Member

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

GrumpyGel

Well-Known Member

Jonny H

Active Member

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

Similar threads