P

pumbaa

New Member
Hi All,

I was planning on taking my 53 reg Freelander to italy skiing next month.

However might have to rethink this as i'm having issues getting snow chains (might not use them but from my understanding i must have them with me).

I've got a 53 Freelander HSE which has 225/55 17 wheels, the user manual indicates no snow chain options is availiable from Land Rover, but has anyone successfuly found a suitable set or possible an alternative?

Thanks,

Jason
 
Thanks Redhand.

It's unlikely we'll go off the main and town/village roads so it's unlikely they'll be used.

However my understanding is that during winter months it is a legal requirement in the alps to have snow chains with you just in case, so it seem i need to have a pair with me and ideally these shouldn't damage my brakes etc due to clearance issues in the event i do need them.
 
redhand said:
OOh i've nivva seen a freelander sking.
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You have now ...

tdf1.jpg


Cheers

Blippie
 
I have driven to the alps skiing many times and you do need to have chains or the police could stop you driving up the mountain passes. I have only had to use them once, and without them it wouldn't of just been dangerous, I couldn't move on a slight slope at the bottom of the mountain in about one inch of snow. Road tyres are crap on snow !!! You will only need one pair for the front. (practice putting them on before you go)
 
G-man said:
you could always fit snow tyres
Click to expand...

Aye yer could but Swiss and I think Froggy cops won't let yer drive in snow on some roads in the Alps if yer ain't got snowchains Losing back end on an hairpin with a 1km drop on one side ain't a pleasent expeeriunce
 
ianda12 said:
I have driven to the alps skiing many times and you do need to have chains or the police could stop you driving up the mountain passes. I have only had to use them once, and without them it wouldn't of just been dangerous, I couldn't move on a slight slope at the bottom of the mountain in about one inch of snow. Road tyres are crap on snow !!! You will only need one pair for the front. (practice putting them on before you go)
Click to expand...

Thanks ianda.

I've definately getting a pair but i'm struggling to find a pair that will fit my freelander.

Is yours a Freelander? What wheel size?
 
Hi, I bought a set of Spikes Spiders off the web from somewhere based in Todmorden 3 years ago. They are exactly the same as the official LR part but half the price. I've used them occaisionally along the Tomintoul to Cockbridge road and along my rough track in heavy snow and they've got me home easily. Quick and easy to get on and off once the initial fit has been done. Try google for current suppliers.
 
Yes I have a freelander but with 215-65 x 16 tyres, I use a set of LR chains I brought when I had a rangerover and modified to fit.
Just a thought , I also own a kia sedona with 235-60 x 17 tyres and there is a button on the dash to push if you use snow chains ( it restricts the steering movement) so kia must do chains and this size won't be a lot different to yours so may fit.
 
I worked 3 ski seasons in the French Alps a few years back. I took chains that I cut to fit really tight with no flappy ends as I have 16" wheels and the handbook says you can only use chains on 15" wheels. Cut a long story short. I never used them. Whenever it really snowed the police set up road blocks and made people put on chains or turned them back. I always got waved past as its 4WD. Even so I kept them in the back just in case. My Chalet was at the bottom of a Cul de Sac that sloped down from the main road and I earnt quite a few euros towing cars up the hill onto the road. They were just standard wranglers!!!
Anyway, in my experience you don't need chains to get around just take it real easy, don't think you're invincible cos it's 4WD and above all keep a huge distance from everything else cos drivers out there put their chains on and drive like idiots.
Hope you have a great time!
 
Thanks all for the advice.

Seems i can get chains that will fit the wheels but because of clearance issues around the back of the wheel there is potential for them to cause damage.

Did look at just have a pair of the autosock things but because they aren't recognised leagally as being an alternative to chains i would still have to have them as well.

Have finally managed to find a solution, have found a company that rent spider spikes. So for this season at least these will do, and as people have said they will more than likely not get used but i'll have then just in case and will be road legal.

Just need to lookup the bolt size for my wheels.

Thanks,

Jason
 
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