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Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:38 am
by MountainGoat
These snow chains seem to be dirt cheap compared with the Rud Chains I had on my Saab years ago. They are not made in China of suspect steel are they.
Tony
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:39 am
by drunkenrockmonkey
I was out in the Alps all last winter with my 2wd Bongo.
Had chains fitted to the rear with a couple of bays of sand in the back to hep it along.
Extra weight will make all the difference as alot of times i didn't put chains on and it was fine. One day i took the sand out to move some stuff forgot to put them back in and paid the price when i came to the first tight bend in the road.
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 2:11 pm
by stilldesperate
Thanks, all.
Ordering a set via Mr Monkeys link, will follow Kirstys advice first and fit on the front.
Hols in Germany ! Bring it on!
SD
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:11 pm
by Rhod
On the 4WD Bongo drive is to the rear wheels & the front wheel drive should only kick in if the rear wheels lose traction (at least that's my understanding of the system). I'm not sure if effectively locking up the viscous coupling for a long period would cause any shortening of it's life? I think I'd go for having the chains on the rear wheels for normal use but maybe put them on the front for long alpine descents where a lot of steering is needed, or on ice.
The Bongo 4WD is really pretty competent in snow/ice. In a couple of winters driving on both I've never had any problems with traction - even on sheet ice on one occasion

Mind you I also had the experience, last winter, of losing traction on an uphill covered in sheet ice, getting out of the van (2WD Vauxhall) & watching it start to slide off from stationary

Chains would certainly have stopped that happening....
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:24 pm
by stilldesperate
Hi Rhod,
Mr M thought that the main drive is to the rear as well. I'm going to try the front for the steering aspect, and also 'cos when the back looses drive, the power will go to the front (I think!

)
I rode an old Ducati single to Austria in Feb once, I figure that if I slide off the road this time, at least I'll have somewhere dry to sleep the night
SD
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:29 pm
by mister munkey
Errr . . . .
Stating the obvious Iain but why not have two pairs - or am I missing something here . . . .

Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:35 pm
by stilldesperate
mister munkey wrote:Errr . . . .
Stating the obvious Iain but why not have two pairs - or am I missing something here . . . .

I'm a Yorkshireman ...... sort of like the Scots, but less generous !
(Just had the bill for the Head doing

, £25 saved on chains gets me £25 more diesel!)
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:44 pm
by mister munkey
I could lend you a box of self tapping screws if you prefer the cheaper option of studded tyres Sir . . .
I'll need them back though.
I live in Yorkshire too.

Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:44 pm
by dunslair
stilldesperate wrote:mister munkey wrote:Errr . . . .
Stating the obvious Iain but why not have two pairs - or am I missing something here . . . .

I'm a Yorkshireman ...... sort of like the Scots, but less generous !
(Just had the bill for the Head doing

, £25 saved on chains gets me £25 more diesel!)
Yes but think of all that diesel you will be burning to spin the wheels
(from a scot with a Yorkshire wife.)

Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:51 pm
by stilldesperate

Cue the tyke jokes ...
[off topic]
A Yorkshire man takes his cat to the vet:
Yorkshire man:"Ah've come to see thee abaht me cat."
Vet:"Is it a tom?"
Yorkshire man:"Nay lad, I've browt it wi' me." [/off topic]
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:56 pm
by mister munkey
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:57 pm
by dunslair
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:29 am
by munroman
It is a well known fact that 'Ferret', can be substituted into any film title, e.g. Seven Brides for Seven Ferrets, Ferret over the River Kwai, try it, you may find it a low cost way to entertain the family.
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:55 am
by MountainGoat
I just don't get that joke about the cat.

But then I'm a Lancastrian.
Tony
Re: Snow Chains
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 1:43 am
by stilldesperate
MountainGoat wrote:I just don't get that joke about the cat.

But then I'm a Lancastrian.
Tony
PM SENT !