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.

 

[pluc99]

I have Michelin Crossclimate 2 (235/55 R17 103Y XL) mounted in my 4Motion and at 70000km am just about to switch to another set.
Chains are not recommended due to lack of clearance and also not required. I'm in the mountains on average 4 days every week between January and April and have never had any problems.
My rationale for all season tires instead of dedicated winter/summer ones is that I can travel from cold to warm or warm to cold and have the correct tires mounted.
Note that they are directional tires, therefore mounting one as a spare (as I did) doesn't really make sense.
If you decide to get them I would recommend you get the newer Crossclimate 3 that just came out.

 

[sidepod]

I have 18” wheels and last Christmas we spent two weeks in the Alps.

I went for winter tyres fitted to the existing wheels.
I bought a full set off a guy who’d sold his Cali.
Not new but they all had 5-6mm left.
I paid £100.

I also bought a set of unused Koenig Summmits
off eBay, £200.
Very easy to fit thanks to their design.
Easy to sell on again if needs be.

Bargains are out there if you look.

We’re heading back again this year so the investment is paying off.

£80 for my local tyre guy to swap the tyres over.

I never needed the chains on this occasion but , in the past I’ve used them and would never want to be in a situation where I didn’t have them.

We drove in plenty of snow and varying temperatures. The tyres were fantastic.

In my opinion, if you’re chancing genuine snow, don’t even think about cross climate compromise.

 

[sidepod]

The other reason for not going steels, which is the sensible thing, is my van has the factory styling kit (-30mm etc).
It would just look silly on skinny 17s.

 

[DGB99]

I have 18” wheels and last Christmas we spent two weeks in the Alps.

I went for winter tyres fitted to the existing wheels.
I bought a full set off a guy who’d sold his Cali.
Not new but they all had 5-6mm left.
I paid £100.

I also bought a set of unused Koenig Summmits
off eBay, £200.
Very easy to fit thanks to their design.
Easy to sell on again if needs be.

Bargains are out there if you look.

We’re heading back again this year so the investment is paying off.

£80 for my local tyre guy to swap the tyres over.

I never needed the chains on this occasion but , in the past I’ve used them and would never want to be in a situation where I didn’t have them.

We drove in plenty of snow and varying temperatures. The tyres were fantastic.

In my opinion, if you’re chancing genuine snow, don’t even think about cross climate compromise.

So you can use the Koenig Summits on 255/45 R18 wheels (looking at your idea of using same size winter tyres fitted to current wheels) ? Are these the K44 size or the K 84 VAN size?

 

[sidepod]

Mine are K44. Perfect fit on 255/45/18.
As stated in post #3, they don’t wrap over the inside of the tyre. Also clearance to wheel arch is fine, even with lowered -30mm springs.

 

[DGB99]

Thanks everyone - what ae current recommended snow tyres?

 

[sidepod]

Thanks everyone - what ae current recommended snow tyres?

Same rules as normal I guess, stick to the big names brands etc.
I have Yokohama Blu Earth.
Try to get the lowest db rating etc.

 

[sidepod]

FYI, chains fitted.

Worth noting if you do go for these, don’t over tighten the ratchet mechanism in the middle. It’s easy to bend.
Top tip. Before tightening the ratchet, push inwards towards the wheel at the centre then simply take up the slack with the ratchet.

 

[sidepod]

A pair here on eBay. Offer him £180.

Pardon our interruption...

 

[DGB99]

Thanks - yes saw those. Just deciding whether to stick with my 18" wheels and swap tyres twice a year or look for some additional wheels (probably 17"). Many thanks for your help .