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Specifically vans with alloy wheels.
I want some chains to fit my 3.5T van with 215/75r16 wheels. And want them to not damage the alloys.
Any recommendations that aren't horrendously expensive?
Cheers
(Also, where has the subscribe to emails for the thread gone?)
Check you have enough clearance between the inside wall of the tyre and the strut. With a wider tyre you may not and the chains will foul it. The measurements and sizes should be in the handbook, mine are.
Got my chains in lidl and they have been pretty good for £25. Decent quality and easy to fit
All the chains I’ve used have rubber bands and plastic coated parts where they would contact the wheel. Check the suitable link size for your van. Commercial chains are quite pricey. I suppose better to have a few scratches on your wheels rather than a written off van or curbed alloys from whacking the roadside. But then I’m never that careful with stuff. 🤣
Thule and others do make clamp on chains for cars not sure what you can get for commercials.
Socks?
Yep, they will cost a few Bob more than a cheap supermarkets set for a car.
Van chains
Merino best for walking in snow. Suggest some boots too😃
I don't think you will need the full on bus / HGV chains suggestd by @TheDTs, but you will need heavier duty chains than the ones you are likely to get in Lidl, simply becuase a loaded tansit will carry more than your average car
https://www.snowchainsandsocks.co.uk/van-snow-chains/
I just got a set of Ideal snow chains for my car from these folks - by far the bect price I foun, and they came with very quick delivery. Their customer service was great I stupidly ordered 2 apirs thinking I'd need them front and back - rear wheel drive and frnont wheel steering. Manual says no, rear wheel only (though if you have a RWD car and don't have snow tryres you might want socks for the steering). As above, coated chains, stuff to protect alloys, these are even self-tensioning (i.e. fit and drive away, slowly of course, rather than fir, drive 100 yards, then get out and tighten). CHeck your manual to see what it says about snow chains. I'd expect a trasnit to be rear wheel drive?
Specifically these for your van, based on the size quoted
https://www.snowchainsandsocks.co.uk/4x4-van-heavy-duty-snow-chains-tr108.html
Unless you're on fully untreated (snow covered) roads chains/socks are a PITA to take on/off numerous times in a journey. And socks are quickly destroyed on 'normal' roads.
I've got some heavy duty van chains from one of the specialised vendors. ( About 70 quid)
I use them on snow ice forest roads and mud at points when the all terrains give up. Not having to jack them up or have to *drive* onto them when your already stuck.....
When I've needed them they have got me out the shit.....Its an iveco which is legendarily hopelessly rear wheel drive.
Mine are all plastic coated on the front face contacting parts but I do run steel wheels so wouldn't know if they would mark other wise.
Cheers, I've gone for these https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php?emulate=snowchains&query=7446&vptype=&brand=Konig&prodid=39443&TID=256
Thule / Konig say they are good for motorhomes & vans. I would've gone for 16mm but apparently 16 can be a bit tight for clearance.
Unless you’re on fully untreated (snow covered) roads chains/socks are a PITA to take on/off
A pain yes, but better than getting stuck half way up a mountain 🙂
I've only had to use them a handful of times, but when I have I've been very grateful to have them. Also very pleased that I'd practiced before I had to put them on with a mini bus full of guests I was taking up to Le Corbier.