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MrTFWitt
Dodge Dakota
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1/10/2004
21:18:13
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 Subject: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
Just curious to know if anybody has ever tried using snow chains on soft sand ?
I may get the opportunity to drive a 2wd Dodge van across a LOT of sand and was thinking about backup plans for maintaining traction other than having a friend in a SWB Landrover and a rope.
Yes I know I should choose 4wd really but having a go at these things is half the fun :)
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CanyonD
Dodge Dakota
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1/10/2004
22:19:39
|  RE: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
The Dakota has limited clearance for chains if you have the max diameter tires. I have a 2" lift on my '02 Durango. I have the 265 70R16 tires which are the max stock at 30.7" dia. so the only real practical chains for me are the cable type. I would recommend the cable chain type since Dakotas (like Durangos) dont have enough clearance for the standard link style chains.
I bought some SCC cable chains (www.scc-chain.com) from JC Whitney (www.jcwhitney.com). They are superior to typical cable chains. One pair cost 99.99. They are the code 3 Super "Z" LT Design Cable Tire Chains. Beware of cheaper cable chains. They dont work too well and they will break much sooner than SCC cable chains. If you break a chain you can easily take out your brake lines and may do damage to wheelwells and various suspension components.
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Jeff
Dodge Dakota
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1/11/2004
02:56:33
|  RE: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
Tire chains will do very little but dig holes faster and get you that much more stuck. A wide footprint in the sand front and rear is what you need to keep from getting stuck. Since you are talking about a VAN I would say air down to around 10 psi front and rear and go for it. If the sand is firm and flat you'll get around with little problem. If it's soft or has an incline you better get that strap ready.
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Kowalski
Dodge Dakota
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1/11/2004
09:21:24
| RE: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
Good advice - the hot ticket on loose sand is worn out wide tires with low pressure.
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MrTFWitt
Dodge Dakota
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1/11/2004
11:37:28
| RE: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
There are dunes to be negotiated.
Sounds like the widest tyres that will fit in the arches will give a better response.
I was just interested to hear from anyone that had actually tried it. I had visions of being able to get better traction when actually rolling with chains fitted so I could have a better attack speed for dune running.
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Azateague
Dodge Dakota
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1/11/2004
13:14:19
| RE: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
chains + sand = big trouble
wide tires aired down are the best possible option for soft sand.
Jeff & Kowalski are on the money on this one.
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Peter Bryant
Dodge Dakota
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12/25/2006
10:34:18
| RE: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
Thanks for the info re snow chains on sand. Off at a tangent can anyone answer the the following question?
I am driving a Ford transit single wheel base across the Western Sahara and was wondering if it would be practical to add another couple of wheels to make it a twin wheel base without changing the rear axle? One major snag is that I do not wish to cut away the wheel arches and hence that will mean manufacturing spacers at least 150mm in depth, hence the twin whhels will be that far apart. Am I stupid to even consider this as an option, I do realise that the loading would probably increase three or four fold.
Sensible and constructive answers welcome.
Thank you
Peter Bryant
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Kowalski
GenIII
12/27/2006
16:04:07
| RE: Snow Chains on sand
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Message:
Not familiar with Ford transit, but it seems like anything you do like that to spread the load over a wider area should help prevent you from sinking into the sand. That space may even help - aired down duals will bulge and if they touch and rub it could build heat in the tires. What do you mean when you say the loading will probably increase 3 or 4 fold ?
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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