Snow Chains On 215/60/15?

[Nick]

Has anyone tried putting snow chains on the Galaxy with 215/60/15's? For some reason the owners manual says n/a??

[Nick]

I saw that Fred, but it didn't explain why?! Looks likethere's plenty of clearance around the wheel arch and suspension? It's not practicle to buy 4 new wheels and tyres just for one ski trip! I may just hire some chains and hope I don't need them.

[Nige F]

A mate of mine borrowed my Galaxy earlier this year and was able to hire a set of chains for this tyre size. He is away at the min, but will get the details from him when he returns.

 

apparantly the problem with fitting is the type of link if my memory serves me right, will let you know

[Nige F]

Have spoken to my mate. He got he chains from the below company. They cost him

[Nick]

Thanks for that Nige. I'm going to hire a set with the hope that I don't need to fit them!

[Dave Riches]

Hi,

I'm wondering whether anyone has since used snow chains on tyres this size (215 55R16). I need to buy some pretty soon for my Galaxy and as someone else said, getting 4 new tyres just ain't practical!

 

So, if anyone has used them, I'd be glad to find out your views on how it went.

 

Many thanks,

 

Dave

[neilb]

I cant recall what they are called or what site i saw them on, but i am aware of some kind of canvas cover that goes over each wheel instead of chains. Supposed to grip in snow/ice very well.

 

See if I can find site.

 

 

Edit - Found it, they are called AutoSocks - go to:http://www.roofbox.co.uk/snowhome.html

 

and scroll down to AutoSocks

[malcolm.dobell]

Standard chains have a wire and links that fit on the inside of the tyre. There's little clearance between the inside of the 215 tyres and the suspension strut for these parts of standard chains. Look for http://www.roofbox.co.uk/ and navigate to snow chains. You'll find info about Spikes Spiders which fit from the outside of the wheel and have nothing between the tyre and the strut. I've got a set. The great thing is that you do all the preparation at home and then when you're up to your **** in snow they just click on. They're expensive and big but worth it. I've used them on 215/60/15 on my old SEAT Alhambra, and they also fit on the 225/45/17 on the current one.

 

ALso lok at the AutoSock on the same site. It's been featured in the Sunday Times and I'm sure it's not a joke, but haven't tried it myself!

[Richmond]

I've used Spikes Spiders on 215 tyres on the Galaxy, no probs. They're v. quick to fit once you've put the mounting on (at home), but they are pricey.

 

The sock thing looks neat, but I suspect is not suited to serious snow and may not be accepted by the local cops (see The Roofbox Co website).

[Guest davegurney]

Hi Nick

 

I'm after a set of snow chains for my galaxy with 215 55 16 tyres and I'm getting conflicting advice. Did you get a set and did you use them? If so how did you get on and what type did you get. I've measured the clearance from Tyre to Shock absorber and it is 20mm so I can't see the problem with the low profile 9mm chains. I've got a 12mm chain (too small for this wheel size and that looks as though it would fit.

 

Cheers Dave

[Nick]

Hello Dave. The chains I bought stayed in the box! I got the Newtech 9mm after doing much the same research that you are doing. So I can't give you hard hands-on experience, but concluded the 9mm would be fine.

 

Good luck

 

Nick

[Dave Riches]

I've hired them from Roofbox. I had some problems with the threads on the nuts/spacers burring. However, they promptly sent me some more to arrive the next day. So not used them yet but it has taken me about 4 hours messing around to get them right. Now, it would take me less than an hour given a new set, but the burring is a bit of a concern.

 

The fitting of the chains once all the setup is done, is very quick and easy though.

 

My tip - Engage brain and remember to take the cap off the alloys to get to the real bolts underneath, boy did I feel stupid when I gave the plate a tug :-)

[Guest jtwonk]

After working at Nissan for 10 years & seeing the development that goes into making cars snow chain friendly. It is normally a total arse covering exerciseto say that they don't fit. Nissan's policy was that there had to be a minimum of 20mm static clearance between any component & the snow chain throughout the whole articulation of the suspension & steering. This therefore ruled out the use of large wheels as standard . But the most common places to use tham are scandinavia where apparantly most people have a set of winter wheels & tyres that are normally smaller dia & therefore better clearance with snow chains fitted.

As long as there is adequate clearance in particular with the brake pipe flexi & suspension then I see no reason why not to use them. Just be careful when turning on full lock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

[Tigger]

After working at Nissan for 10 years & seeing the development that goes into making cars snow chain friendly. It is normally a total arse covering exerciseto say that they don't fit. Nissan's policy was that there had to be a minimum of 20mm static clearance between any component & the snow chain throughout the whole articulation of the suspension & steering. This therefore ruled out the use of large wheels as standard . But the most common places to use tham are scandinavia where apparantly most people have a set of winter wheels & tyres that are normally smaller dia & therefore better clearance with snow chains fitted.

As long as there is adequate clearance in particular with the brake pipe flexi & suspension then I see no reason why not to use them. Just be careful when turning on full lock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :huh:

Just wondered if anyone has ever used snow chains when needed on 215 16 wheels .

[Guest smikka]

Hi guys,

a word of warning about snow chains. I have made several trips to Norway skiing. The Norwegians do clear the roads of snow but their idea of clearing is to leave the last inch or more on. Chains are only fitted to the front wheels on the Galaxy. This leaves the rear uncontrolled if summer tyres are fitted. I know this after a mountain downhill hairpin turned into a 180 and I ended up facing back up the hill. :lol: Front wheels gripped fine. Rears were completely out of control. This is not fun with 7 in the car and other traffic going both ways. I have also had the experience of running chains on partially covered roads. This means that the occasional tarmac bits wear away the chains. In my case one broke and severed a front brake hose. B) Again not good. After this I bought a set of wheels and snow tyres and I use them for these 2 weeks each year. They give complete confidence in snow and ice and have NEVER let me down. They cost a few hundred quid. How much is your life (and those of your family) worth? I also have a set of chains for if it gets really deep at the ski resort but I've never needed to use them

Cheers

smikka

[Guest blatters]

Anyone who takes their Galaxy to the Alps or other snow covered countries in the winter with summer tyres is raving mad. They're banking on clear blue skies and cleared roads. Locals think the Brits are nuts arriving with snow chains as their sole means of dealing with the snow and ice.

 

Chains are not safe on hairpin bends when coming down steep slopes as the back will kick out. The speed restriction also means that a huge convoy of traffic in the rear view mirror is assured. A sure way to cheese off the locals.

 

Snow clearing in the Alps includes allowing snow to become hard packed rather than constant clearing. Because the locals have winter tyres this is no problem. Even the Galaxy can cope with very steep gradients if fitted with four quality winter tyres. Chains are then required only for the worst conditions.

 

For Galaxy owners it's worth noting that, according to the Ford dealer in the Austrian Tyrolean valley of Worgl, the Galaxy is not considered a great performer in the snow. It's a heavy car pulled by two wheels. Winter tyres are essential.

 

All told, not a cheap option but if you're taking your car to such places it ain't optional. If you've been fortunate and got away with summer tyres then it's just a matter of time before you'll get caught out. The earlier posting is an honest and solid warning.

 

Best wishes to everyone.

 

Blatters

[Smilge]

I did 2 tours with the RAF in Germany and never once saw the germans using snow chains. They have a lovely set of alloys for the summer and a standard set of wheels with either a deep tread winter tyre or even spiked tryes for the winter months....whether they are still legal now I dont know.