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need some help with tire chains

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 7:15 am
by the lorax
hi all,
i have read the other posts that i could find about chains. but my situation is a bit unique. we (my partner, son and 2 dogs) are in the process of moving to bella coola from the states. i am still in the states getting our house rented and so on and she is already in canada with the van (training in powell river). we just bought an l300 and i was trying to buy some chains here in the states before moving up as i figured they would be cheaper and we are going to need them as i plan on doing a bit of exploring this winter. so on to the question

the tires are 235/75/15 but with me not being there i am unable to check clearance issues with the front wheels. can anyone inform me as to what kind of spacing issues i might run into or suggestions. here are the choices i was looking at
http://www.tirechain.com/P235-75R-15.htm

will any of these models fit? i do plan on doing a bit of off-road driving but as i will most likely be alone nothing too crazy just driving to access some skiing.

thanks
justin

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:14 pm
by Firesong
The L300 has tons of clearance. I don't think you will have a problem with any of those.
Running 235's Myself in the winter there is a lot of space when the tires are cranked to
the side.

How aggressive were you going to go? Some of those are pretty meaty.

FS

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:42 pm
by the lorax
i was planning on going with the truck/suv v-bar @$68 a pair seems like a good way to go

thanks for the info

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 5:34 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
Here are some... chain links for you to look at (if you haven't already seen):

Image

These chains kick arse. I was climbing a steep hill in two feet of snow, ploughing really ~ I could look back and pick out all the protruding parts of the undercarriage in the snow behind me. When you do get chains I would advise you not to exceed 50 KPH (30 MPH) when you are actively equipped, I'm sure you probably know that.

Falco.

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 9:16 pm
by phil-lester
FalcoColumbarius, which model are the ones you have?

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:32 pm
by Mr. Flibble
phil-lester wrote:FalcoColumbarius, which model are the ones you have?
He got a custom set made in Surrey - see the link to quality chains in his post.

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:47 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
phil-lester wrote:FalcoColumbarius, which model are the ones you have?
I had them made for the Miss Lil' Bitchi by Quality Chain in Surrey. The rear truck chains are studded logging truck chains; the forward truck chains are V biters, which are smaller in size because of the turning radius of the front wheels. If I used the studded logging chains on the front wheels I would carve out the wheel wells every time I turned.

I decided to go with a "zig-zag" pattern for the comfort factor. I find that with "straight across" patterns the ride is less comfortable and more of a thump-thump-thump-thump action, especially when you find yourself in shallow snow. With the "zig-zag" pattern the ride is more consistent. I looked at the lozenge patterned chains but decided against the idea, the centre chain, that runs along the centre of the tread struck me as possibly damaging the tyre tread lugs over a period of time. These concerns may be unfounded but that was my reasoning.

Hope this helps... smiles,
Falco.

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:49 pm
by jessef
Justin, there's a bunch of options discussed here:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/snow-chains- ... -9529.html

We usually bring it up right before snowfall each winter. Cheers

Re: need some help with tire chains

Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 5:09 pm
by sasquatch-hunter
Driving up and down the "Hill" in Winter is quite tricky. Traction is one thing, visibility is another. I know some friends from Bella Coola. One time, they drove back from Williams Lake to Bella Coola. They hit the top of the hill after dark and the fog was so thick. My friend had to walk right in front of their truck to guide their way down. A great place to live and may be I will visit you next year do some fishing or something.