Ski Season - Snow Chains

[ben]

Hi I thought id just chime in with regards to when chains are needed... my understanding for Mt. Buller, is that ALL overnight vehicles are required to carry chains. Saying that though, for 4WDs they are very very rarely used.

I like the look of those snow socks as chains are a #*&##&# PITA to fit haha

[peedman]

That only applies to 4WD vehicles though Peedman.

Read the link. RTA states 4wd vehicles include awd cars.

the RTA recommends that persons driving 4WD vehicles (which include off-road vehicles, all wheel drive vehicles and sports utilities)

[Rocket36]

Yup - that's true. Lots of 2WD cars out there though.

[peedman]

Hi I thought id just chime in with regards to when chains are needed... my understanding for Mt. Buller, is that ALL overnight vehicles are required to carry chains. Saying that though, for 4WDs they are very very rarely used.

I like the look of those snow socks as chains are a #*&##&# PITA to fit haha

too true ben and snow chains wont fit on lowered cars. i agree tho that 4wd should carry chains/alternatives since in heavy conditions the extra traction to all wheels isnt enough to prevent loss of traction.

[peedman]

Yup - that's true. Lots of 2WD cars out there though.

yeah what i meant was that u and me dont need to carry chains as "just in case". unfortunately the op needs them. theres another thread on here which talks about snow chains too, its good info:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=42182

[John Deere]

The R36 is fine is the snow, but not on ice.
I found out first hand about that one...

You can't fit chains on the R36, but there was a thread last year about something called snow socks.

I think that the Rud Centrax of the type that I use on my MkV GTI will fit onto an R36, check the other thread linked above.

[snerlo]

Really sorry to bring up an old old thread but I thought I would just chime in with regards to my experience in the last couple of days of phoning around. I'm driving down south on Friday heading to the snow and I was wondering what to do about chains considering I have an R36. Well, obviously I don't have to place them on the car as it is all wheel drive (when it needs it) but after experiencing some issues a couple of years ago on the way to perisher, I am a little nervous. We were in an all wheel drive ford territory and so consequently didn't need chains, but we saw 4WD's slipping around and even saw one slide into the side guard rail so we actually decided to turn around and head back down to the ski tube. This year, the territory and our R will be carrying auto socks to the snow. If needed, we will put them on our cars if directed but the issue with heading up to perisher is that that road is the only road where the socks are illegal. I don't know why. I think it has something to do with the classification/definition of road within the national park area. But, in any case, our cars don't need to wear chains but we will put the socks on as a safety thing anyway. Never can be too careful. We are only going up to smiggins to deliver luggage and food before we drop the cars back down the mountain while we are up there for the week as parking is super expensive. We are picking the socks up from Village ski shop in Cooma on our way through on Sunday for $150 which I think is quite ok considering the prices of chains to fit on the R are ludicrous, circa $600!! The other added bonus is that you don't have all that shuddering going on like you do with chains. Should be nice and smooth. Anyhow, thought I would just let you know about the price just in case anyone was interested. They are on special at the moment.