Snow Chains on 17" and larger Alloys (18" 19" etc)

[fiendish]

I recently picked up my Golf GTD and I was reading through the Manual. It is a generalised manual, not specifically for the GTD however it mentioned that snow chains can only be put on 15" or 16" wheels, not the 17" or higher.

I am guessing the reason has something to do with clearance but I was wondering if anyone else with a Golf GTI or GTD with 17" alloys has put on snow chains?

[hoi polloi]

I am guessing the reason has something to do with clearance but I was wondering if anyone else with a Golf GTI or GTD with 17" alloys has put on snow chains?

That's correct, apparently there is insufficient clearance between the inside of the wheel and suspension components. Although I don't own a GTI/GTD I am in the same boat...

Somewhere in this forum (Mk V thread maybe?) there are details of particular chains that can be used in our case - they do not "wrap around" the inside of the tyre as such and IIRC attach to the outside of the wheel via one of the wheel studs...

I think they are pretty pricey though...

Regards,
- Anthony.

[ripblade]

Thats just great! I was coming here to request the same for the 18" GTI wheels......

just for the sake of checking would you be able to provide the link to the other forum, Anthony.

[Dubya]

Thats just great! I was coming here to request the same for the 18" GTI wheels......

just for the sake of checking would you be able to provide the link to the other forum, Anthony.

Rud Centrax fit the 225/45 x 17

Available in Sydney from Roofrack World (importer is in Brisbane I understand).

About $650 a pair.

[coastie]

Have a look around for http://www.autosock.com.au/ they cost about the same but work on the lower profile wheels and tyres.

[Dubya]

Have a look around for Autosock ...brings you home! they cost about the same but work on the lower profile wheels and tyres.

One might need to check if such socks are approved for use on Victorian roads. The autosock website claims RTA approval, presumably for NSW.

[Corey_R]

That's actually a very good point Dubya

[ripblade]

Hey guys!

Thx for the info.

do you guys know anybody in Melbourne that stock this product as I have to pick this up ASAP!

Thx again guys!

[ripblade]

One might need to check if such socks are approved for use on Victorian roads. The autosock website claims RTA approval, presumably for NSW.

awww I thought this was my ticket out of driving a getz up the snow sob sob!

any one know of any other option that would fit an 18" wheel that can be picked up in melb?

[Dubya]

awww I thought this was my ticket out of driving a getz up the snow sob sob!

any one know of any other option that would fit an 18" wheel that can be picked up in melb?

Try Rud Centrax - Roofrack World in Sydney should be able to provide the name of local or national distributor.

The Centrax only sit on the top of the tire, not on the inside shoulder, so may well work on the 18", and certainly if the rolling diameter is the same as the 17".

I imagine chains would generally provide more transaction than a sock.

[coastie]

The autosock are not permitted in Victoria yet so that leaves you with chains as the only option until they are approved by the authorities. Sorry for the mislead, in NSW they cost about $200 are quite good to drive with and claimed to be better in some situations to chains.

Village Ski and Snowboard Cooma - For all your ski and snowboard hire needs

[ripblade]

Hey guys!

I found a solution! these is a mob called Roof Racks Melbourne | Roof boxes Melbourne | Roof carrier Systems and they have a product called carmate biathlon (Car Roof Trays and Baskets, Roof Boxes, Melbourne - Roof Rack Superstore) which is made in japan and fits my 18" wheels and is allowed in Victoria!

I got them for around 495.00, a little pricey but beats driving a getz up to mountain.

[lakeman]

Hey guys!

I found a solution! these is a mob called Roof Racks Melbourne | Roof boxes Melbourne | Roof carrier Systems and they have a product called carmate biathlon (Car Roof Trays and Baskets, Roof Boxes, Melbourne - Roof Rack Superstore) which is made in japan and fits my 18" wheels and is allowed in Victoria!

I got them for around 495.00, a little pricey but beats driving a getz up to mountain.

Heres a link to more info
Auto Klene - Biathlon

[S.A]

The thread in the Mk V forum is by a mate of mine. He's got the Rudd Centrax on 17" on his GTI. From memory he got them from Paul's Ski Shop in Wodonga, for a good price.

They work well - I've been with him in his GTI a few times with the chains on; they go on really easily, and provide heaps of grip. Last trip was up to Mt Hotham with about 10cms on the road.

Re: snow socks. They are not approved in NSW as a replacement for chains for 2WD, when chains are directed to be fitted.

[hoi polloi]

Apologies for the delay in responding - I've been away from the forums for a bit...

For those interested, here is the thread in the MkV forum - those Centrax items do look pretty easy to fit - youtube video here.

Regards,
- Anthony.