[carly johansen]

Are any carpet cleaners using snow chains on their truck mount vans when the weather conditions require such measures? last year when we had the snow here for several days a carpet cleaners life became a profession that proved to be somewhat hazardous driving to different customers houses ! We ended up cancelling a couple of days work because the driving conditions became so hazardous it was like skating on ice around minor roads around Essex. Do these snow chains work on transit vans  with truck mount equipment and a full load of water being carried? 

http://www.carpet-cleaning-chelmsford.co.uk/

[MAX Carpets]

I think they are illegal

[derek west]

not illegal as long as there used on snow. and that includes your entire journey.

[Joe H]

On my computer the link to your website is broken, Carly

[derek west]

is this it joe
http://www.carpet-cleaning-chelmsford.co.uk/

[clinton]

Nice one d thats it

[colin thomas]

my town was particularly affected last year thanks to the council and their lack of salt etc, i did 2 days work in the month and i swore i would get snow chains or a 4-wheel drive van. but to be honest, we don't really lose a lot of time to bad weather and if it is 2ft deep in snow, do you really want to go out and clean carpets? i don't,

colin

[JandS]

Yes if your driving on snow covered roads and you
come to one that is snow free you have to take them
off.
Good thing really 'cos driving with them on snow free
roads wears them out quickly and when they go they
rip the ar*e out of your wheel arches.

John

[jaespray]

todays motors are mostly front wheel drive fitted with soft radial tyres  good for most conditions  but not snow/ice
yesteryears motors rear wheel drive hard rubber crossply tyres   krapp for most conditions  but good for snow/ice
just remember you might be the best driver in the world   but is that young buck sliding towards you??
regards john

[carly johansen]

Hi Folks
Thanks for all the kind replies some very good comments but no one has actually stated they have used them! I would just appreciate any advice on how practical they actually are and are they easy to fit on a transit? I have looked at several makes but the reviews are confusing so if anyone has actually used a brand that are good I would appreciate some feedback. 

http://www.carpet-cleaning-chelmsford.co.uk/

[David_Annable]

Hi

There is another product called someting like Snow Socks, they work on a similar principle to chains.

Have to take them off when back on road or they will overheat.

Dave

Link http://www.autosock.co.uk

[JandS]

I've driven with snow chains and yes they do work.
They were quite easy to fit on a estate car so don't
think it would be any different on a van.
Was about 20 years ago this so they might be even
better now.

John

[Adam Fearnley]

Im pretty sure FWD is better in snow/ice than RWD, there's more weight over the driven wheels plus its easier to control. Letting the tire pressure down will give you more grip also.

[garry22]

Carly,

We did a snowboarding trip to the Alps in a Transit some years ago. The Gendarmes had a road block and were making sure everyone used them.

The van performed really well. How much difference the huge extra weight would make, I am not really sure. Hope that helps a little bit.

[richy27]

i have used snow chains loads of times when i used to cross arthurs pass in new zealand when i lived out there. they work really well.   but to be honest if the snow is to bad over here i cancel jobs and re schedule whats the point in risking things even if your a great driver there are too many crap drivers in the snow here.

[andrew christopher]

just ordered the autosock to try, had nightmare last year getting stuck with van. £70 with delivery for expert van, not a lot of money so worth having in van.

[derek west]

i would also get some tennis rackets for shoes so you can get to the custies door, don't forget your shovel, maybe an ice pick for any tricky steps, and possibly some anchor ropes. in case it gets extremely windy.

[garry22]

i would also get some tennis rackets for shoes so you can get to the custies door, don't forget your shovel, maybe an ice pick for any tricky steps, and possibly some anchor ropes. in case it gets extremely windy.

  You make me smile

[carly johansen]

I must agree to some extent with Richard we cancelled 3 days one week last year then when we thought it was safe to go out we got stuck twice on sheet ice on side roads, in one instance the van slid backwards while on the clients drive (handbrake was on and van was in 1st gear) it still slid of taking their gatepost of in the process while we were happily cleaning away inside..... on another development we  could have done with those tennis rackets d mentioned ended up on our arses twice and cancelled the rest of the work that week so ended up losing 6 days work in total. So while  it would appear that the chains work it may be  safer staying put and keeping your van safe and equipment safe and body intact! 

http://www.carpet-cleaning-chelmsford.co.uk/