Thoughts on wheels / winter tyres /snow chains for California Ocean

[DGB99]

I have a (newish to me) 2023 Ocean 4 motion, ~8k miles and currently fitted with 255/45 R18 103H XL Bridgestone Turanza T005 tyres. I have a 17" spare steel wheel and tyre (unused).

I am considering driving to the Alps this winter for skiing (I have done this before but not in a campervan) and can see the following possibilities:

- buy snow chains for my current wheels and tyres (2 or 4? Is 18" too big for chains?).
- buy new wheels (17"? What size?), and
- snow tyres (size?) for these wheels for winter use?

If I buy new wheels and snow tyres should I also get chains (again, 2 or 4)? Should I bother with a snow tyre on the spare?

I have read threads on this but would value some up to date input. Thanks!

 

[Louis II]

Or as a third option you could just swap for all season tyres.

 

[Kernowboy]

I have a (newish to me) 2023 Ocean 4 motion, ~8k miles and currently fitted with 255/45 R18 103H XL Bridgestone Turanza T005 tyres. I have a 17" spare steel wheel and tyre (unused).

I am considering driving to the Alps this winter for skiing (I have done this before but not in a campervan) and can see the following possibilities:

- buy snow chains for my current wheels and tyres (2 or 4? Is 18" too big for chains?).
- buy new wheels (17"? What size?), and
- snow tyres (size?) for these wheels for winter use?

If I buy new wheels and snow tyres should I also get chains (again, 2 or 4)? Should I bother with a snow tyre on the spare?

I have read threads on this but would value some up to date input. Thanks!

I’m sure some will have used them but technically normal snow chains aren’t cleared for use with 18 inch wheels - it’s the width not the diameter that’s the issue, lack of clearance to the strut. You can use chains that don’t go round the back of the wheels ie. Thule Koenig Summit, they are expensive though.
I opted for full winters on a spare set of 17inch wheels - the wheels can be picked up for very little money and the cost of the tyres is off set by the reduced wear on your 18inch set. But I drive to the alps 2-3 times a year and frankly want the confidence and ease of being on the best tyres for the conditions - if you need them then you will be glad you went all in. I’ve never needed chains on top of the winters, but I do carry a set because I have them and leaving them at home feels foolish…..
4Mo will help but only to a point, the right tyres are key really.
That said, if you reckon it will be a one off trip then I would be tempted to go with chains (maybe even socks) and risk it, or all seasons if your current tyres are close to needing replacement.