Freelander 1 wheel size, snow chains and tyres

We are planning to travel and be in a very remote part of northern europe at a time when there is every chance of very deep snow. Not planning to risk our lives but planning for unforeseen events is sensible. Prior military experience taught me that it is too easy to fall victim in tundra environments.

Our 2005 TD4 FL1 has 5Alloy Wheel Flat Spoke 225/55 x 17 Trek [029ID] fitted. In the handbook, I read not to use snow chains on anything other than 15 inch wheels. I note that 15 inch pre-MY2001 would require 5 mm spacers for the calliper and rear drum clearance.

I read how capable FL1's are in winter conditions but have yet to experience winter tyres on compacted snow myself in ours. We will be compelled to run studded tyres, but even studs may not be the saviour in soft, deeper snow conditions. Hence my thoughts about chains as an additional backup... (and a winch).

So if the issue regarding snow chains on anything but a 15 inch is about sidewall clearance, what is preventing the use of spacers (as little as 5mm or thereabouts) with the existing 17 inch wheels (or even a second set of 16 inch wheels with studded tyres)? Surely the issue is regarding sidewall clearance to struts and brake flexibles?

Perhaps I am over thinking things, but maybe someone with more winter experience has something valuable to offer please? I need to order a second set of wheels (new or used) but want to spend wisely.

Thanks in advance.

Hi

195/80 R15 if you want to fit snow chains.
You need enough clearance between the tire and the strut, that why you need small tires.
Also small tires have better handling in snow.

I grew up in the Cascade Mountains of the United States and now live in the Rocky Mountains of same said states. I took my driving test in January in the snow when I was 16. I'm now 62. Somehow.

I've put chains on tires from 13 inch to 16 inch for years. Often all 4 wheels.

There are no replacements for studs in crappy conditions, but even they can let loose in bad ice.

Your vehicle's main drawback will be clearance in deep snow.

That leaves you the driver. It takes a bit to learn the nuances of driving in such conditions. Good luck.

Tyre socks, they work but need removing as soon as you hit tarmac again.

If you can afford a true Nordic studded winter tyres like Continental IceContact 3 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10, I'd say you'll prepared for everything. In really deep snow grip will not help when you bottom out.

Keep shovels, extra winter wear like down jackets, gloves and stuff in the car.

Kerlaan said:

So if the issue regarding snow chains on anything but a 15 inch is about sidewall clearance, what is preventing the use of spacers (as little as 5mm or thereabouts) with the existing 17 inch wheels (or even a second set of 16 inch wheels with studded tyres)? Surely the issue is regarding sidewall clearance to struts and brake flexibles

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Mostly the spring cups are the issue as chains tend to flail outwards from the tread. There's quite a bit of clearance with the factory 16 inch rims, but it might not be enough to allow for the use of chains.
If the owners handbook says you need 15" rims, then that's the best route to take, and obviously you'll need suitable tyres on those too.

Stance said:

If you can afford a true Nordic studded winter tyres like Continental IceContact 3 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10, I'd say you'll prepared for everything. In really deep snow grip will not help when you bottom out.

Keep shovels, extra winter wear like down jackets, gloves and stuff in the car.

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Stance, kiitos! What do you prefer between Nokian and Conti? I know both would be okay on tarmac roads, but how are they on dirt roads with deeper, soft snow please? My thinking is to have a winch and anchor available too but do accept that it is impossible to cover EVERY eventuality for traction. Eventually one needs tracked vehicles in the worst conditions. And thereafter a Bergan suit, snow shoes and some careful thinking.

I'm looking at arriving to Tana, NO after travelling through Jääräjoki, Suomi. It's been a while since I was up that way, but it's now a bucket list matter.

Kerlaan said:

Stance, kiitos! What do you prefer between Nokian and Conti? I know both would be okay on tarmac roads, but how are they on dirt roads with deeper, soft snow please?

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For deep soft snow Hakkapeliitta 10 and of course because I'm Finnish, Nokian. You could also deflate tyres when going from tarmac to softer and snowy dirt roads.

Hi,

I have Yokohama Goelandar A/T G015, they have good handling on snow, I prefer them to the Falken I had before.

Sounds like quite an adventure. Im not so sure grip on snow will be your biggest problem, my concern would be tackling that environment in a 17 year old vehicle. Freelanders are great but they are not arctic adventure vehicles. Although it could be worse, at least youre not doing it in a range rover.

Col

Colthebrummie said:

Sounds like quite an adventure. Im not so sure grip on snow will be your biggest problem, my concern would be tackling that environment in a 17 year old vehicle. Freelanders are great but they are not arctic adventure vehicles. Although it could be worse, at least youre not doing it in a range rover.

Col

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Yes @Colthebrummie, an adventure it is going to be. I am now at the point in life where I am looking to avoid the reasons not to do something, if that makes sense. That said, I agree, a range rover is not the right tool. @Stance's comments make good sense about deep snow and clearance too, but equally there are people who rode around the world on Honda 50's and although I'm sure every day wasn't perfect, on balance, they probably don't regret their adventure. So my Hippo can rise to a challenge as well as I can!

Thanks everyone for your inputs, I do appreciate it.

I had to give a nurse a lift home about three years ago when we had some snow, she lived out in the sticks where it was really bad. My freelander k series with its road tyres coped amazingly well, even up steep ice covered roads where capable looking 4x4's were struggling. I had never felt so proud of a vehicle.

Col

I remember the first decent hill I went in snow, then realised I had to get down!

J_D said:

I remember the first decent hill I went in snow, then realised I had to get down!

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Driving downhill is far more difficult than driving uphill in snow and ice.

J_D said:

I remember the first decent hill I went in snow, then realised I had to get down!

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Driving downhill on snow, you should be very careful, anticipating braking, and corners.
You should avoid hitting the brake on a corner, the freelander can drift if the idiot you follow fully hit the brake just after the corner. I find myself braking on a corner with some ice parts.
Now I leave 400 feet between me and the car I follow. 200 feet is not enough.

I find HDC very useful for keeping control on snow covered downhill sections.