Snow chains

I have discovered the obvious; that even a 4x4 won't climb up an ice covered slope. In fact 2 tons of trooper sliding uncontrollably backwards and sideways down a country lane gave me a bit of a scare - not to mention to the people in the cottage whose window I sailed past. So I've been looking at snow chains - not for climbing ice but just generally. If I only fit one pair obviously on the rear for 2wd OK, but in 4wd am I inviting severe wind-up with traction on the back and wheel spin on the front? Secondly, what would be the effect of one on the front and one on the back?

Hi, you wont get wind up if a wheel can spin or loose traction, as any windup is released through the spinning wheel.
As for one on the front and one on the rear it would be a waste of time, as the opposite wheel on the same axle will just spin if its able to and you would go nowhere. If the chainless wheel had enough grip then probably the other chained wheel would have too.
If you must fit them, fit them to the rears..... but youd have to take them off as soon as you reached tarmac, a right ol pain in the A**E. We dont just have it deep and solid long enough to justify the effort, but if this continues then we just might.
Cheers
Neil

The hand book recommends them on the rear wheels. :wink:

Rear wheels definitely. But they wont be cheap. The modern ones are a doddle to put on and take off if you practice at home in the dry a couple of times.
As for taking them off when you hit tarmac....Depends how far it is to the next bit of ice.
2 or 3 miles will just make your fillings loose but shouldn't hurt the tyres.
Have you thought of just letting the tyres down a bit? It's amazing what a difference it makes when you have more rubber on the slippy stuff.