2011 Grand Cherokee Diesel Overland, snow chains ?.

[bjm]

Anybody used WK2 Grand Cherokee in snow with the fr/r locking diffs with snow chains.Any problems ,or do I need chains at all.? Taking my WK2 Overland ( stored in NZ ) down to Wanaka , South Island area in May.Do not want to put chains on it if I dont have to.Not talking about inches of snow !!Have near new Goodyear A/Ts on it.

[Trissaayne]

Depending where you go with it around wanaka will decide that, Some ski fields roads specify chains as does the Crown range at certain times. Its the ice really your using chains for not the snow as such.

May you might be lucky and its mild or you might not.

[Treebreakerbob]

Here in Oz we are supposed to carry chains so I bought a set of Aldi Chains (the largest they had) and extended them a little bit to make them fit. Very cheap option.
If I actually use them I will be taking it very carefully
Bob

[JnK]

As previously posted some areas specify chains must be carried and fitted where directed (regardless of 4WD).
On a 4WD they usually get fitted to the front wheels - with 4WD engaged.
The type of chain and size is important to suit your vehicle and wheels - you would need to do a trial fit before purchase to ensure they don't touch anywhere on a turning lock or through suspension travel. There are some very expensive bits under and around the wheel arches and any contact with the chain or loose end will not be nice.
Rather than purchase you can just hire chains - they are likely to be light duty and simple to fit.
In any event putting them on and off in a trial before you head off will be well worthwhile before learning the process when you have to fit them in mud and slush.

[Numb Thumbs]

The Jeep manual specifies fitting chains on the rear only Page 287 on mine. I can't see there being enough clearance on the front.

Cheers
Numb Thumbs

[JnK]

After many years driving rear wheel drives up Mt Hotham in snow with chains fitted to the back - it was a revelation to fit chains to the front of our first 4WD - and found the thing pointed in some relation to the lock on the steering wheel!
I know my preference regardless of the recommendation - and it probably does relate to clearance as you point out. Last chains I fitted were on our final Patrol (we went through 6!!)
If I could get a set on the front that is where they would go.
Ice is worse than snow, its always a long way down over the side, and being a passenger on a powered 2000kg toboggan tightens the backside very quickly.
John