Snowchains for 4.8T Carthago A Class do I get 2 or 4 chains and 12mm or 16mm ?

[MarkHoughton]

Hi all,

I need to get some chains for my E-line, so 7.9m and 4800kg ( we will be fully loaded ). I have 3PMSF tyres fitted but appreciate I need chains too. Question si 12mm or 16mm and do I get a single set for the driving wheels only or is it advisable ( or not ) to have them on all 4 wheels. I am comparing between the Konig XB-16 247 which are suggested for my 225/75/16 tyres or the 12mm XG-12 PRO self tensioning. But any other makes recommended ?
I saw a post by Lenny HB who used a different size chain with his 225/75/16 ? Why was that Lenny HB
Appreciate your thoughts, relevant to a long heavy motorhome.

Cheers

 

[tacr2man]

Non specific answer 16mm stronger for extreme use, will last longer than 12mm not that you would need that much use as not commercial . With some fitments larger chains might have clearance problems .
If vehicle front wheel drive 2 chains adequate , for most domestic use, as you are getting direction and traction in same place ,if rwd then optimum is 4 chains . HTSH

 

[Lenny HB]

I have the Konig XB-16 245, I checked carefully when I bought them and they were the correct ones for 225/75/16, I've just checked the label on the case yes they are correct. They fit OK but not used them in anger.

You certainly need 16mm I think 12mm would just break on a van

With 3PMSF tyres there is no requirement for chains. Advice on fitting them on all wheels or just the driven wheel appears to vary, I think the French police say just the driven wheels.

 

[MarkHoughton]

Non specific answer 16mm stronger for extreme use, will last longer than 12mm not that you would need that much use as not commercial . With some fitments larger chains might have clearance problems .
If vehicle front wheel drive 2 chains adequate , for most domestic use, as you are getting direction and traction in same place ,if rwd then optimum is 4 chains . HTSH

Hi, I mention the 4 chains option as read some posts about the heavy rear end could potentially "chase" your front down a hill. I do carry a lot of gear in the rear and axle will be close to it's limit, so I am wary of this, but have no experience of it. Given your avatar of a monster vehicle, are you aware of this being a regular issue ? It's been a while since Alpine winter driving ( pre-covid year ) and in a smaller 7.5m 4000 kg RWD motorhome, so I don't want to be caught out.

 

[activecampers]

I bought https://amzn.to/3CvjJn3 16mm and for 225/75/16. Test fitted, all good. - and for <£70 can't complain.

I believe they should only go on driven wheels and indeed have only ever seen them on driven wheels, but I understand your concern! I believe the LEGAL requirement is driven wheels, but advice

edit: Michellin say

All vehicles, regardless of being front, rear or 4 wheel drive, must have snow chains fitted to all four tyres to maintain vehicle stability.

from snowchains.com

How many snow chains do I need?​

Snow chains are sold in pairs and need to be fitted to the drive wheels. This is generally seen as sufficient and meets the legal requirements on mainland Europe and mountain roads. However, with some vehicles it is recommended to use four snow chains, or chains and socks (two sets) for additional traction – see below:

What are the best snow chains for a rear wheel drive vehicle such as a BMW or Mercedes?​

Although a single set of chains would meet legal requirements on snow covered roads in mainland Europe, the handling of a rear wheel drive vehicle can be difficult on snow and ice. The chains need to be fitted to the rear wheels, meaning the steering wheels are left with no traction assistance. This can be exacerbated when a vehicle is heavily loaded in the boot and therefore it may be advisable to fit a second set of chains (if clearance allows) or a set of snow socks to the front wheels in order to improve handling.

How many snow chains do I need on a 4x4?​

Legally, it is only necessary to have snow chains for one axle when travelling in mountain areas. However, when driving a 4x4 some drivers prefer to use 4 chains (two sets). Although in most conditions a single set of chains will provide enough traction, there are significant benefits with using two sets. It is important to refer to your vehicle handbook, as some manufacturers recommend fitting two pairs.

But me, only ever used (and will only intend to use) one set on front (FWD)

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[Lenny HB]

I just checked the sizes on the Konig site they don't list the size wheels they fit, just the configurator which comes up with 247. Looking on dealer sites they list the 245 as the correct one for 225/75/16. I think the König configurator is wrong.

 

[MarkHoughton]

I have the Konig XB-16 245, I checked carefully when I bought them and they were the correct ones for 225/75/16, I've just checked the label on the case yes they are correct. They fit OK but not used them in anger.

You certainly need 16mm I think 12mm would just break on a van

With 3PMSF tyres there is no requirement for chains. Advice on fitting them on all wheels or just the driven wheel appears to vary, I think the French police say just the driven wheels.

I just checked the sizes on the Konig site they don't list the size wheels they fit, just the configurator which comes up with 247. Looking on dealer sites they list the 245 as the correct one for 225/75/16. I think the König configurator is wrong.

Hi Lenny,

Have searched a couple of suppliers websites, they sort of "suggest" the 245 model in one part of their site for the tyre size but non-specific make and then when i search via Ducato base the same sites suggest the 247. But I cannot find anything that details what the difference is between the 245 and 247 as both say suitable for up to 5000kg and the 225/75/16 tyre size.

 

[Lenny HB]

Hi Lenny,

Have searched a couple of suppliers websites, they sort of "suggest" the 245 model in one part of their site for the tyre size but non-specific make and then when i search via Ducato base the same sites suggest the 247. But I cannot find anything that details what the difference is between the 245 and 247 as both say suitable for up to 5000kg and the 225/75/16 tyre size.

When you look at suppliers sites I looked on a few, the 247 doesn't fit 225/75/16.

 

[activecampers]

The ones I linked above, the "245" fits my 225/75/R16 Fiat OEM wheels and Continental 4season tyres.
(not sure if the 245/247 references are the same, but just FYI)

 

[gus-lopez]

If vehicle front wheel drive 2 chains adequate ,

They might be but just encourage people to drive normally resulting in the back doing a 360º.
I'm fwd &,even before when rwd, would only ever fit chains to both axles.

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[tacr2man]

Hi, I mention the 4 chains option as read some posts about the heavy rear end could potentially "chase" your front down a hill. I do carry a lot of gear in the rear and axle will be close to it's limit, so I am wary of this, but have no experience of it. Given your avatar of a monster vehicle, are you aware of this being a regular issue ? It's been a while since Alpine winter driving ( pre-covid year ) and in a smaller 7.5m 4000 kg RWD motorhome, so I don't want to be caught out.

The scenario you quote is certainly a possibility, but less likely than losing front end with rwd but as with rwd the optimum is 4 wheel chains , maybe I should have been a bit clearer
I carry 2 axle sets although mine is 6x6 with ETC and cross and interaxle diff locks