snow chains

Muddy

Hi, has anyone had luck fitting resort-compliant (Hotham) snow chains to their XC60? Did you have to buy new wheels and tyres? If so, what size?

jamesinc

Ya I've heard a lot of the newer Volvos have issues with chains (ironic) due to the thin sidewall and lack of clearance around the guard, I've seen an extremely low profile chain for this scenario which is the Konig K-Summit https://www.konigchain.com/shop/catalog/product/view/id/65628

But I'm in NSW so I couldn't say if these chains meet the requirements for Victoria, from what I've read, the main thing is that compliant chains must use a diamond-shape chain pattern, which these do, but don't take my word for it.

Edit: also worth mentioning that Volvo have OEM chain accessories for most models, you could also call a Volvo dealership and find out, but expect to pay a premium (although at least some of Volvo's OEM chains are Swedish flag colour-coded, which is pretty cool 😀)

Muddy

Yeah unfortunately in Vic (Hotham specifically) they mandate diamond-patterned chains. This rules out "spider chains" like the K-Summit and also any that Volvo recommend.

It's looking like the only option is new, smaller wheels and tyres to get more clearance.

jamesinc

Muddy seems a bit excessive doesn't it, I imagine those Konig chains would be absolutely fine on all the resort roads in Australia.

But oh well, yes, if you can't use those, I think you just have to go with a winter wheel. If your XC60 is AWD, you'd need all four wheels to be the same size, but if its FWD, you can just get a pair of wheels for the front and leave your stock rear wheels alone. Maybe a 16" steelie? I think an XC60 can run a 16" wheel without brake clearance issues. Otherwise 17". Alternatively, some beater second-hand alloys.

Muddy

To be fair, the road to Hotham can be very dicey when the weather is bad. I agree it's a pretty conservative approach, but I'm told it was based on past evidence of people going off the road with badly fitted spider chains, and not only inconveniencing themselves but other road users too.

Anyway, doesn't help me much! I'm looking to buy a new SUV, quite likely the XC60 very soon and this is pretty much the only thing holding me back. I had a look behind the front tyre and there is very little clearance between it and the steering arm (?) The dealer showed me some 18" wheels which would be an extra cost, and still unclear whether they would provide enough c;learance.

Muddy

looks like there's a solution. Snow Tyres Australia (part of Roof Carrier Systems) offers a wheel that is smaller 235R18 but also offset to provide more clearance on the inner side of the tyre. I'll probably go with that option. Not sure whether to keep the old wheels and chuck them on in the non-winter months or just keep the 18" on permanently.

Hothamcate

Hi all,

Have just found this thread as tasked hubby with finding where we hired chains in Bright previously for our xc60. You don’t need to change or buy new tyres. The place in Ireland Street, Bright, hire out chains to fit (and comply) - they just need to be put on the back tyres, not front tyres as described in the manual. We have done this before, no issues, just need to call ahead of arrival 😀

TheBigNipper

Hothamcate How did the chains from Bright work? Did you get a model number? Can you buy them? I am just replacing my old XC60 with a new one.