Snow chains for GL

[webberg]

I have a year old GL 320 CDi with 20 inch wheels (275/50) and very nice it is too.

I do however need to go on holiday at Christmas and can't find any snow chains to fit!

Does anybody have any suggestions other than change the wheels (v v expensive) or change the car (even more expensive).

Thanks

 

[rf065]

In my experience, new wheels with winter tyres is the BEST option, anything else is a compromise.

Russ

 

[Xtractorfan]

Have you tried these guys they seem interesting..
http://www.snowchains.co.uk/main/index_car_chains.htm

 

[webberg]

Thanks for the pointers.

French traffic rules require that you have snow chains regardless of the type of tyre.

The "Klack and Go" type system doesn't come in the right size unfortunately.

I have found a company called "Top Gear" who say they have some that will fit at £190!

Also a company in the US who are looking at this.

Also contacted Mercedes who say that the car (3.5 tonne, 4 wheel drive, offroader) should not be used in conditions requiring snow chains! A disappointing and not very helpful conversation that was!

 

[psmart]

If you give me a short while, Ill nip out to the car and let you know the make. You cant easily get the chains for 4x4 wheels and I found a make Ive been happy with for some time. You need 4 of them though and they are heavy!!!

Winter tyres are of little use in the Alps when snow hits, either have chains or prepare to come to a halt, or have the Gendarmes stop you from proceeding further!

Only problem to note with chains is that they do scuff your alloys, you need a protector over them, which I havent found anything suitable!

 

[psmart]

The make is RUD-MATIC and the link is here:-
http://www.rud.com/en/produkte/schneeketten/pkw/disc.html

Ive had them since my car was new and used them several times. They havent rusted and they are quick to put on/take-off and come in a waterproofed fabric carrier with handles, so easy to hang up in the back of the 4x4.

NB: The new versions have protectors to save your alloys, which is what I could have done with!

 

[Rory]

Also contacted Mercedes who say that the car (3.5 tonne, 4 wheel drive, offroader) should not be used in conditions requiring snow chains!

That's brilliant.

 

[webberg]

Thanks guys.

The RUD marque does not do 20 inch wheels.

I have found some chains from Sumex which apparently will fit although there may be an issue with "clearance".

Given that you can adjust the suspension height from inside the car I'm hoping that won't be an issue.

They arrive today so I'll try at the weekend and give them a run.

Incidentally, do the chains do any damage to the tyre (rather than the wheel)? At £250 a corner for tyres I might delay putting a new set on until after I've used the chains.

 

[Myros]

a bit late to the party, sorry

but would these be of any use. I bought a pair last year for visiting the continent over the new year, but didn't have to use them. They seem to be useful though.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/autosock/

 

[stumpy]

Also contacted Mercedes who say that the car (3.5 tonne, 4 wheel drive, offroader) should not be used in conditions requiring snow chains! A disappointing and not very helpful conversation that was!

That's why Chelsea is full of them!

 

[Jay Gee]

Incidentally, do the chains do any damage to the tyre (rather than the wheel)? At £250 a corner for tyres I might delay putting a new set on until after I've used the chains.

I was taught to check and re tighten snow chains after the first 200 Mtrs or so because they 'settle' and loosen slightly.If even slightly too loose,they will chew lumps out of your sidewalls.

 

[psmart]

RUD do make 20inch Chains, unfortunately only 255/50. Cant seem to find the link again though!

RUD also make socks with studs, albeit in some countries, notably Germany, studs are illegal.

Ive never had any problems with damage to tyre walls with mine, only scuffing of the alloy.

Depending upon where your going, you may not even need to use them. Kind of an insurance policy as certain roads the police stop you (ie. driving up to Le Tour from Annecy) if its snowing and if you cant put chains on, they wont let you proceed.

Also, if your going somewhere like Val D'Isere or Val Thorens, the road is steepish going up/down, but once your their, you dont use your car again, so basically, worst case you get their with a great dumping of snow, then you just put the chains on for the drive up (and down especially, these vehicles slide badly if bad conditions on steep roads due to weight and wide tyres). Its not something you normally put on and leave on for the holiday unless your in a chalet off the beaten track. NB. You are limited to 30mph max speed, so its something you only really want to put on in bad conditions. Most major roads, apart from blizzards, are cleared and maintained.

Have a great holiday, lots of snow here at the moment (Alps)!

 

[webberg]

An update.

The bad news: the Sumex chains a) don't fit and b) don't clear the suspension strut with any confidence. They are on their way back.:sad:

The good news: there are some chains that bolt to the wheel hub and which habe nothing on the back of the tyre.The're called Spikes Spider and made in Switzerland.

The bad news: they cost close on £300!:sad:

The good news: they can be hired for 2 weeks at around £60.

In all of this the response of Mercedes UK and Germany has been poor but still much better than the local dealer.

Given that the car is on lease and due back soon and I have expressed an interest in acquiring an R class, I would have appreciated a more helpful attitude even if the ultimate answer is that they can't supply anything.

I even asked if I could borrow a set of 19 inch wheels/tyres, leaving my 20 inch jobs for security as well as cash deposit and paying for the hire. Answer - not in a million years!

 

[psmart]

Had a Viano 2.2cdi auto with Continental winter tyres, 225x60x16 last week whilst skiing, the car had no grip in inclines and the ML with Pirelli Scorpions Snow & Ice had grip but occasionally slid. Conditions on the road I would describe as average, so you would be best advised to get chains for such an expensive vehicle, just in case.

Anyone thinking of taking a Viano to the Alps, get snow chains and weight down the back axle. The thinner tyres you have, the better. In these conditions, auto-boxes are not the best to have as you have No control over power to wheels!

A trick to note if you find yourself in a rear wheel drive auto going downhill on snow/ice and everytime you press the brake you skid is to put the car in reverse and brake using the accelerator.

 

[psmart]

Important, if you didnt know...

... The old ML (w163) needed snow chains on both axles (4 wheels), the new ML (w164) only need chains on the rear axle (2 wheels). If you have the GL, best to read the manual as to wether you need 2 pairs of chains or only 1.

 

[Lightstrike2]

I have a year old GL 320 CDi with 20 inch wheels (275/50) and very nice it is too.

I do however need to go on holiday at Christmas and can't find any snow chains to fit!

Does anybody have any suggestions other than change the wheels (v v expensive) or change the car (even more expensive).

Thanks[/QUOTE
I have a Gl 320,(08) use it to going skiing, had the same problem last year. I opted for 20mm wheel spacers to give clearance for snow chains from the inner suspension (10 mm will do), especially at the front and fitted chains all round. only had the front ones on when it got really thick. email for spacers, info@fk-automotive.de part no, FK09520BZ+ I do not have the snow chains to hand, I do not remember the size, they were one size down but on the size of tyre 5mm either side is not a problem. will dig out the chains and give you the size. The spacer bolts to disc and the wheel bolts to the spacer, the original wheel bolts need to be ground back about 2mm if you use the 20mm spacer as they are just a bit too long. as nice as they look, remove them as soon as you get home (warranty issue if anything fails) I have no warranty remaining and left them on all year, no problems.

 

[Lightstrike2]

Thanks[/QUOTE
I have a Gl 320,(08) use it to going skiing, had the same problem last year. I opted for 20mm wheel spacers to give clearance for snow chains from the inner suspension (10 mm will do), especially at the front and fitted chains all round. only had the front ones on when it got really thick. email for spacers, info@fk-automotive.de part no, FK09520BZ+ I do not have the snow chains to hand, I do not remember the size, they were one size down but on the size of tyre 5mm either side is not a problem. will dig out the chains and give you the size. The spacer bolts to disc and the wheel bolts to the spacer, the original wheel bolts need to be ground back about 2mm if you use the 20mm spacer as they are just a bit too long. as nice as they look, remove them as soon as you get home (warranty issue if anything fails) I have no warranty remaining and left them on all year, no problems.