Snow chains, front or back?

Depends if you want good traction or good steering.

When I go uphill in snow and mud I put em on the back wheels. Great traction. The only disadvantage is that the steering is compromised in this configeration.

If I am going downhill in slippery conditions I put em on the front wheels and it gives you better steering and braking.

It is really unusual to have to fit chains on a 4WD with good tyres. Only once in 20 years of working in the Australian/North American mountains have I ever had to fit them at all.

Most soft roaders and cars like WRX's and the like are fitted with a street tyre only and will need them when 2WD vehicles have to fit them. Saw a brand new WRX write off the whole front and left side on the Mt Buller rd last weekend. He had not put chains on and it was as slippery as a warm eel. BANG!!! Major damage.

Most AT tyres are pretty good in the snow and will not need chains if the tread is reasonable.

I came across a story last year that demonstrated a 'what if' with the chains on the front, it essentially said that the rear of the car can overtake the front, by sliding out.

I've only driven buses with chains, never needed them in the 4by (yet), I'm sure people from higher altitudes than I will give you a definative answer!

I remember an earlier post a in the last few months talking about softroaders and chains. It is causing the Alpine cops all sorts of grief working out the definition of 4WD/AWD because of rules that say you only have to carry chains in a 4WD but all other cars have to actually stop and fit them at the fitting bays. Things like the Honda CRV that have the on-demand AWD that cuts in too slowly are making the cops redefine thier interpetation of the rules in order to protect the overconfident from themselves. Cars like the entire Subaru range are fine but some of the Volvos are apparently not. Adventra, as mentioned above, seems to be struggling.

My Prado had steering components behind the front wheels with only about 10mm clearance to the tyre which precludes fitting chains to the front. Getting a set in the right size for 17" wheels may also be a challenge. With A/T tyres I should not need them at all but it is really important for each vehicle owner to find out the most approriate fitting for their individual vehicle depending on the type of drivetrain and tyres.

One of these days I may actually have a chance to get to the snow and try it all out!!!

Cheers
Steven

Personally I would place the chains on the front. There doesn't seem to be much point of having all this traction in the snow if you can't point it in the right direction. You sure as hell don't want to be clawing your way over the edge of the road and down a steep embankment. Just an observation though.

Looks like I'll have to get 2 sets : )

Thanx for the advice everyone!!!!

Not actually an aswer to your question but Last Sunday went for my first snow drive, there were 3 GU's. Leroy with 285/75/16 BFG MT fared much better without chains that us other two with cooper 285/75/16 ST with chains (on rear)!