Snow Chains

stilldesperate · Post by **stilldesperate** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:48 pm

With just a pair, are they better on the front or the back?

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:52 pm

Logic would suggest back.

stilldesperate · Post by **stilldesperate** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:59 pm

That was my initial thought, but on the 4wd?
Isn't there more weight over the front?
Front wheel cars are usually better in the snow, I guess, because of the engine being over the wheels.
I did a search, and saw a few piccies with them on the front. It would be helpful to know how the 4wd distributes the drive, especially when wheels are breaking traction.

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:05 am

But after a litte thought . . . If you only have a pair, stick them on the rears for the straight bits, nearside two for right handers & vice versa.

Edit: I'm fairly sure I've read on here that drive is 75% to the rear on the Bongo.

Someone who knows will be along shortly, I apologise in advance for any delay!

stilldesperate · Post by **stilldesperate** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:09 am

mister munkey wrote:But after a litte thought . . . If you only have a pair, stick them on the rears for the straight bits, nearside two for right handers & vice versa.

Got it! Front for uphill, rear for down ?

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:12 am

Better still, spend £20 & have a spare pair

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-QUICK-FITTING ... 2c520880d6

Is it snowing yet then in Pudsey?

stilldesperate · Post by **stilldesperate** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:18 am

mister munkey wrote: Is it snowing yet then in Pudsey?

Nah, I was thinking of coming over to see you!

maxheadroom · Post by **maxheadroom** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 8:34 am

I would say front wheels as you want to be able to steer

nice

motorwizard · Post by **motorwizard** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:02 pm

I have used snow chains in deep snow in the Alps. I fitted them on the rear. I did not have any trouble steering even around tight bends.

MountainGoat · Post by **MountainGoat** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:25 pm

It depends which wheels the power comes through. I used to drive a Saab which was front wheel drive and did a lot of driving in the snow around Braemar years ago with chains on my front wheels.

That said I wonder how having one set of snow chains on a Bongo 4wd would affect the viscous coupling would it cause it to wear out faster manking it prudent to have chains on all wheels.

Tony

maxheadroom · Post by **maxheadroom** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:31 pm

I would still say front but as the last quote says "take it slow"

http://www.topgear-sales.co.uk/

Chain Fitting
Fit chains at bays where you see the "Fit Chains Here" sign. Always fit chains to driving wheels only. When required, four wheel drive vehicles should fit chains to front wheels.

http://www.autow.co.uk/faq/snow_chains.aspx

I have a 4x4 vehicle, do I require snow chains on all 4 wheels? No, Snow chains must be fitted to the driving wheels, but 4 wheel drive vehicles can have chains fitted to all 4 wheels, depending on the conditions.

http://www.4x4abc.com/jeep101/chains.html

On 4WD vehicles:

• Snow chains mounted on all 4 with 4WD/AWD - ideal lateral stability, perfect acceleration, crisp steering, super braking. However, part time systems will show some understeer (turns are wider than intended). Full time 4WD systems are best. This is what everyone should have for snow and ice. Be careful anyway.
• Snow chains mounted on front axle with 4WD/AWD - good acceleration, good steering, good braking. However, since the rear wheels have no lateral guidance, the rear end might come around - fast. Not good. Feather your brakes. Go slow.
• Snow chains mounted on rear axle with 4WD/AWD - good acceleration, lousy steering (no lateral guidance), marginal braking (remember, 80% of brake force is created at front wheels and without chains that ain't happening). No fishtailing. Best compromise for 4WD with only one pair of chains. Go slow.

rita · Post by **rita** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 12:37 pm

stilldesperate wrote:With just a pair, are they better on the front or the back?

ht for safety reasons

Hi,I would have thought for safety reasons,they would be better on the rear wheels.

If the come ADRIFT they wont interfere with the steering

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 1:23 pm

I'd go with the theory of sticking them on the front, preventing death by being able to steer & stop when necessary is probably a good thing.

dunslair · Post by **dunslair** » Sat Dec 05, 2009 1:50 pm

Without doubt, if you only have 1 pair they go on the front (stopping and stearing!) For added traction a couple of bags of salt and grit in the back (along with your shovel) and let some of the air out of the rear tyres. Sorted

Asda Bongo · Post by **Asda Bongo** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:06 pm

mister munkey wrote:Better still, spend £20 & have a spare pair

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-QUICK-FITTING ... 2c520880d6

Is it snowing yet then in Pudsey?

Is it better to go for the 9mm or 12mm chains. What are the pros and cons?

Also as I have a 2WD drive I suppose I put them on the rear wheels?

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