Snow chains

[TonyFR]

Just discovered to my surprise (understatement) that snow chains that I have bought for my RAV4 PHEV cannot be fitted to the 235/55R19 tyres.  I hadn't noticed this in the manual, so my fault ultimately. I only carry chains for in extremis conditions in the mountains (and hope never to have to use them) and I have snow tyres (Michelin Alpin) fitted anyway. I only put this post on the forum to warn anybody else who might be contemplating chains for these tyres.

[Roger_N]

You don't say why they can't be fitted.

[Flatcoat]

They are a legal requirement in some countries….. 

[TonyFR]

It's in the manual

English

 Vehicles with 235/55R19 tires

Tire chains cannot be mounted. Snow tires should be used instead.

French (where I live)

0. *: Il est interdit de monter des chaînes à neige sur les véhicules avec pneus 235/55R19.

[TonyFR]

Under French law, certain departments (including where I live)  require that  you have winter tyres fitted between 1 November and springtime (I forget date) or else carry chains in the car.

[Roger_N]

 

You could try something like this. 

Link

 

[Roy124]

Roger, I love the ease with which the tie wrap is brought round the tyre. 

The instructions in chinglish a delight are 😊

[Catlover]

Are they a one fit use?

[Roger_N]

The instruction say they can be removed and are fitted using a blade of a screwdriver.

[Matt O]

On 1/29/2022 at 11:02 AM, TonyFR said:

Just discovered to my surprise (understatement) that snow chains that I have bought for my RAV4 PHEV cannot be fitted to the 235/55R19 tyres.  I hadn't noticed this in the manual, so my fault ultimately. I only carry chains for in extremis conditions in the mountains (and hope never to have to use them) and I have snow tyres (Michelin Alpin) fitted anyway. I only put this post on the forum to warn anybody else who might be contemplating chains for these tyres.

I have the same wheels and tyre - I ended up buying Weissenfels Automatika S chains .

These are quick fit chains with a low profile -very similar in design to the Thule summit (but £100 cheaper). Still pricey though.

I’ve only tried them in the drive and not on snow as a practice fitting - unfortunately our planned Xmas drive to the Alps got curtailed by Covid.

There is plenty of space around the tyre and definitely no risk of rubbing/fouling on the car.

 

[Matt O]

This is the Weissenfels part fitted

[Roy124]

I had some chains from Cyprus.  They were mounted two plastic. Covered rings, drop one half over there wheel and I think you then had to move the car slightly. 

The spacers were chains.  Easy to use but awkward when not being used.  Wish I could get new ones. 

Now I carry snow socks, very much first aid rather than use in the alps though I don't know. 

[TonyFR]

Thanks MattO - I hadn't heard of Weissenfels so that's very helpful. It does look as if the SUV 10 model is good for our 235/55R19 tyres as seems to be nothing "on the inside" to foul the mechanisms.