Forum
4401
Ruapehu 2010
Originally posted by: rozboon
Unfortunately the access road chain requirement is another case of lowest common denominator.
They have to cater to the numpties with no winter driving nous. As I think you've mentioned many times, its a bit crazy to assume that 4wd = ok... there's a lot of idjits sliding all over the place in their Merc and BMW SUVs while we ease our way up in the little Hyundai 2wd... sensible use of the throttle plus some creative seat positioning and you're golden.
Not to mention the ridiculous pseudo-4wds like the Honda CRV with its absurdly useless hydraulic coupling 4wd system.
This I think we can agree on Rozboon. Whats behind thge wheel is more important than whats being driven.
Originally posted by: Jude
Someone at work told me about some sort of new chain arrangement which just clips to the outside of your wheel rim, no crawling under car. Find that hard to believe. Anyone know anything about it?
Yeah those have been around for ages, e.g. http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/SnowChains/SnowChains/4426510.aspx [thule.com]
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Gaper.
Originally posted by: rmerryOriginally posted by: Jude
Someone at work told me about some sort of new chain arrangement which just clips to the outside of your wheel rim, no crawling under car. Find that hard to believe. Anyone know anything about it?
Yeah those have been around for ages, e.g. http://www.thule.com/en/US/Products/SnowChains/SnowChains/4426510.aspx [thule.com]
Yikes - over $400 US. Wonder if they are as easy as they say (like 'easy fit' chains still involving lying on ground groping behind wheels with numb fingers).
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reine de l'hiver
I've seen ones that are like a fairly solid chunk of star shaped plastic with grips on the ground. You just pretty much clamp them on and go.
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Gaper.
Originally posted by: rmerry
I've seen ones that are like a fairly solid chunk of star shaped plastic with grips on the ground. You just pretty much clamp them on and go.
You saw then in NZ?
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reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: JudeOriginally posted by: rmerry
I've seen ones that are like a fairly solid chunk of star shaped plastic with grips on the ground. You just pretty much clamp them on and go.
You saw then in NZ?
No, overseas, however I believe it was these or something very similar:
http://www.spikes-spiders.com/ [spikes-spiders.com]
Pretty awesome but no doubt very spendy.
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Gaper.
Originally posted by: rmerry
No, overseas, however I believe it was these or something very similar:
http://www.spikes-spiders.com/ [spikes-spiders.com]
Pretty awesome but no doubt very spendy.
About $300 US, then add shipping (if you can get anyone to ship) - spendy indeed. Would rather put that $ toward touring boots, so it looks the old chains (and chocks to drive the car onto to make it slightly easier) for another year.
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reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: JudeOriginally posted by: rmerry
No, overseas, however I believe it was these or something very similar:
http://www.spikes-spiders.com/ [spikes-spiders.com]
Pretty awesome but no doubt very spendy.
About $300 US, then add shipping (if you can get anyone to ship) - spendy indeed. Would rather put that $ toward touring boots, so it looks the old chains (and chocks to drive the car onto to make it slightly easier) for another year.
And realy be honest - how often do you spend an extra 10 minutes putting chanins on ????
ps - I used mine more in slipry padocks getting fire wood than on the road!
Originally posted by: kcskier
And realy be honest - how often do you spend an extra 10 minutes putting chanins on ????
ps - I used mine more in slipry padocks getting fire wood than on the road!
True. I'm just lazy. Paid the chain people to put my chains on once - didn't feel hard ass that day and didn't have my 10 year old nephew with me to use as child labour (smaller hands - can put them on in 3 minutes). Also didn't want to get my nice new pastel pink one piece dirty
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reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: Jude
Also didn't want to get my nice new pastel pink one piece dirty
Well yeah - ditto I suppose
Originally posted by: kcskierOriginally posted by: JudeOriginally posted by: rmerry
No, overseas, however I believe it was these or something very similar:
http://www.spikes-spiders.com/ [spikes-spiders.com]
Pretty awesome but no doubt very spendy.
About $300 US, then add shipping (if you can get anyone to ship) - spendy indeed. Would rather put that $ toward touring boots, so it looks the old chains (and chocks to drive the car onto to make it slightly easier) for another year.
And realy be honest - how often do you spend an extra 10 minutes putting chanins on ????
ps - I used mine more in slipry padocks getting fire wood than on the road!
Extra 10 mins? It only takes me 10 mins tops to put them on thanks to being told the secret about "wooden blocks" by a local ski shop.
It's getting them off that I hate!
Originally posted by: graemeh
And realy be honest - how often do you spend an extra 10 minutes putting chanins on ????
ps - I used mine more in slipry padocks getting fire wood than on the road!
Extra 10 mins? It only takes me 10 mins tops to put them on thanks to being told the secret about "wooden blocks" by a local ski shop.
It's getting them off that I hate!
Yeah, need to get some of those blocks. Used to have some - the sort of thing you drive off and forget. Didn't think people sold them though! Always made them
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reine de l'hiver
what do the wooden blocks do? drive onto them and then you don't have to move it forward?
Originally posted by: impreza50
what do the wooden blocks do? drive onto them and then you don't have to move it forward?
When you're using ladder chains you lay the chains on the ground then put blocks of wood between the horizontal bits. Then you drive up on to the blocks and fit the whole chain in one go.
So basically yeah, you don't have to move the car.
Dunno how you would do it with diamond chains though ;/
Originally posted by: rozboonOriginally posted by: impreza50
what do the wooden blocks do? drive onto them and then you don't have to move it forward?
When you're using ladder chains you lay the chains on the ground then put blocks of wood between the horizontal bits. Then you drive up on to the blocks and fit the whole chain in one go.
So basically yeah, you don't have to move the car.
Dunno how you would do it with diamond chains though ;/
Have done it between the diamonds. Even if you don't do the lie then on the ground thing, being on chocks makes it easier to clip them around the back and get done up and tensioned at the front in one easy step
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reine de l'hiver
I used to use the usual snow-sweat type chains before getting diamond ones without the plastic hoop.
To be perfectly honest I find these ones better, usually no rolling around on the floor (although an extra few inches on the arms would be nice!) and the springs happily take up the slack as they settle in. So thats my recomendation to anyone looking
...oh yeah, just like the ones on all the RAL utes
The whole cars-chains-wanderingkids-pullin-pullout-quejumpingwrongsiddepofroad antics just gives me the shts to be perfectly honest. More chaos than a happy valley school holiday!
Originally posted by: rozboonOriginally posted by: impreza50
what do the wooden blocks do? drive onto them and then you don't have to move it forward?
When you're using ladder chains you lay the chains on the ground then put blocks of wood between the horizontal bits. Then you drive up on to the blocks and fit the whole chain in one go.
So basically yeah, you don't have to move the car.
Dunno how you would do it with diamond chains though ;/
+1 on wooden blocks,
It means you can tension the chains without having to move the vehicle,
Blocks will work with diamond chains, you can usually make them fit around a small block of wood when you put them on.
Originally posted by: kcskier
I used to use the usual snow-sweat type chains before getting diamond ones without the plastic hoop.
To be perfectly honest I find these ones better, usually no rolling around on the floor (although an extra few inches on the arms would be nice!) and the springs happily take up the slack as they settle in. So thats my recomendation to anyone looking
...oh yeah, just like the ones on all the RAL utes
The whole cars-chains-wanderingkids-pullin-pullout-quejumpingwrongsiddepofroad antics just gives me the shts to be perfectly honest. More chaos than a happy valley school holiday!
Are they these ones ... Your text to link here... [snowsweat.co.nz]
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reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: JudeOriginally posted by: rozboonOriginally posted by: impreza50
what do the wooden blocks do? drive onto them and then you don't have to move it forward?
When you're using ladder chains you lay the chains on the ground then put blocks of wood between the horizontal bits. Then you drive up on to the blocks and fit the whole chain in one go.
So basically yeah, you don't have to move the car.
Dunno how you would do it with diamond chains though ;/
Have done it between the diamonds. Even if you don't do the lie then on the ground thing, being on chocks makes it easier to clip them around the back and get done up and tensioned at the front in one easy step
That's what I use them with, quick fit diamond pattern chains. As you say it makes them easier to fit and tension up. I find doing it this way when I check them 100m up the road they are still nice and snug.
I just cut a couple of blocks off some decking timber, they are probably about 125mm x 80 x 20.
Taking off the chains is harder, I have to remember where the clip at the back is and drive so that it is at the top. Unclip the chains and drive off
Perhaps I can make a set and sell them to you Jude. What colour would you like them?
*edited 03 Jun 2010 15:33
Originally posted by: graemeh
Perhaps I can make a set and sell them to you Jude. What colour would you like them?
Fluro green please. So I don't lose them. Maybe you could make a three set pack.
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reine de l'hiver
I wonder if there would be a market for these. With something like a grip pattern so you don't just spin them under the tyre when it's REALLY icey?
*edited 03 Jun 2010 16:46
Originally posted by: Jude
*edited 03 Jun 2010 15:33Originally posted by: graemeh
Perhaps I can make a set and sell them to you Jude. What colour would you like them?
Fluro green please. So I don't lose them. Maybe you could make a three set pack.
I could put a spike on the top so that it sticks to the tyre if you forget to pick it up. I figure a 6 inch nail should work perfectly
Originally posted by: rozboon
I wonder if there would be a market for these. With something like a grip pattern so you don't just spin them under the tyre when it's REALLY icey?
That's why I used decking timber (oh and it was what I had available). Spinning them under the tyre isn't a problem, you just need to time it so when you put your brakes on the block is underneath.
I reckon they will be struggling to get either field 'open' (ie HV and AM) by the scheduled dates. Depends on it getting cold enough to get the snow guns going consistantly. No sign of it yet.
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reine de l'hiver
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Webcams not showing much though. Patience, Jude, patience...
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reine de l'hiver
next weeks weather forecasts looking a bit more interesting now for mon/tues and thurs/fri. some good southerly blasts on the way by the looks, fingers crossed
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I am the freedom breeder!
*edited 04 Jun 2010 08:29
Originally posted by: Jude
Are they these ones ... Your text to link here... [snowsweat.co.nz]
No - more like these but diamond not ladder (& I dont have a flash chain linking my springs
)
The springs (like small tramp springs) criss-cross the wheel. I put quite a bit of streach on the spring to and as you start off the springs take up the slack and the chains fiond their natural place in the universe
Happily over take the chain fitting ques on the worng side of the road at ~40Km/hr
^^^KC Where did you get your chains? Can you remember which brand?
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reine de l'hiver
Originally posted by: Jude
I reckon they will be struggling to get either field 'open' (ie HV and AM) by the scheduled dates. Depends on it getting cold enough to get the snow guns going consistantly. No sign of it yet.
I reckon the flyer could be pretty close to being skiable, but they don't like to open without a learner field. Monday is looking good snow to 1100m
Originally posted by: impreza50Originally posted by: Jude
I reckon they will be struggling to get either field 'open' (ie HV and AM) by the scheduled dates. Depends on it getting cold enough to get the snow guns going consistantly. No sign of it yet.
I reckon the flyer could be pretty close to being skiable, but they don't like to open without a learner field. Monday is looking good snow to 1100m
Let's hope
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reine de l'hiver
they have opened plenty of times with just the high flyer
Originally posted by: Jude
^^^KC Where did you get your chains? Can you remember which brand?
Sorry Jude - TradeMe + Jap Imports... so no FN clue!
But they did come with a pair of cotton gloves to stop my hands getting dirty. Gotta love the Japs!
Could try the guys at www.chains.co.nz who resell Pewag & some US brand - These look interesting [scc-chain.com] but I'd prefer chain 'chains' for the 10-15min drive on Rua ice.
hey guys, the Ohakune crime wave is underway. Make sure you are vigilant with locking up, and keeping things out of sight (cos no doubt people will be scoping things out while you are not home)
... just a heads up, 'nuff said
What size tyres have you got I have a couple of sets I am looking to sell?
Ruapehu next weekend (if the weather's good), get a few pre-season's turns in. Sweeeeet.
Originally posted by: kcskier
*edited 04 Jun 2010 08:29Originally posted by: Jude
Are they these ones ... Your text to link here... [snowsweat.co.nz]
No - more like these but diamond not ladder (& I dont have a flash chain linking my springs
The springs (like small tramp springs) criss-cross the wheel. I put quite a bit of streach on the spring to and as you start off the springs take up the slack and the chains fiond their natural place in the universe
Happily over take the chain fitting ques on the worng side of the road at ~40Km/hr
Now THAT is a set of chains.
flag the chains, just get one of these
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now that would make a sweet ski shuttle.
^^^dude it a campavan, got a bathroom, kitchen, beds, everything in there! 160 KW turbo diesel, 4x4, twin difflocks, 7 tonne winch. Got enough clearance to drive over a steel drum
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hope the snow gods are happy cos my head hurts
Originally posted by: Freshie
flag the chains, just get one of these
do you see the taliban racing around afghanistan in those uber top heavy german toys? no....they drive 'cruisers. why? because they go and go and go and go (toyota made reliable vehicles before it got sidetracked by greenies and made the stoppid hybrid pri'arse' car). sand, snow, mud, bomb craters, water, super steep inclines and descents....with a wide wheel base and automatic diff lock nothing stops them. chains for the snow covered ground?...don't be silly! mr bin laden doesn't have time to fit chains....he just ploughs on (& hasn't stopped yet). the americans can't shoot them; they're probably bullet proof (so your safe). you can store all your laundered money, AK47s and missiles in the back and still have room for the family, a years worth of spare dish dashs and the goat. the big turbo diesel is the perfect mix of massive power, torque and economy....pretty important when you need to outrun a A10 tank killer on rough ground but there's no gas stations till you hit pakistan. then toyota added heated seats, meaning 'cruisers are the perfect ski vehicle. period.
boring thou
Think most terrorist groups use Nissan patrols anyway.
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Mike Janner Another thread hijacked by house hunters 
June 3 at 8:09am · Flag
Rob Eller ^^^^ Mike I think that is okay as there are a lot of people trying to find accommodation and as someone who has worked and lived there it can be hard. I have been lucky for the last 3 seasons as I rent a room in a house for the whole season. If you want more snow chat try the forum at www.snow.co.nz
June 3 at 9:28am · Flag
Oh the irony Rob.
I can see it has been really hard this year to find accomodation with adverts like this appearing in the local paper.
Okakune expensive and National Park nonexistant for rentals, no one wants to travel from further away because RAL cut the travel allowance.
If you spent less time trying to stir up trouble behind the keyboard you may just find how difficult it is now compared to past years. Your friend Mike is renting out rooms cheaply but not many have bothered to approach him directly.
How many can I stack into a room?
$$$$$
Maybe I can hang them in my ski rack?
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One good turn deserves another...
Originally posted by: impreza50
now that would make a sweet ski shuttle.
They used to have shuttles like that at Whaka - big yellow things called 'mountain goats'.
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reine de l'hiver
snow to low levels...
happy valley this am
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Originally posted by: JudeOriginally posted by: impreza50
now that would make a sweet ski shuttle.
They used to have shuttles like that at Whaka - big yellow things called 'mountain goats'.
yep...theres one sitting in a field near Rocky point in the naki
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*edited 08 Jun 2010 07:51
Reckon this 'blast' will come to anything in Nth Island? Heard that Desert Rd closed. Probably a millimetre of melting snow at the top somewhere.
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reine de l'hiver
Snow in whakapapa village playing golf later in the snow
ok so my hangover was worth it
Originally posted by: Freshie
snow to low levels...
happy valley this am
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If you don't like my fire don't come around.
*edited 08 Jun 2010 09:56
*edited 08 Jun 2010 09:44
Originally posted by: Freshie
^^^dude it a campavan, got a bathroom, kitchen, beds, everything in there! 160 KW turbo diesel, 4x4, twin difflocks, 7 tonne winch. Got enough clearance to drive over a steel drum
Now you'll think I reside in a 'special hotel' for sure but I swear that 3 years ago I saw 1 of these converted house bus style (kids looking out the back window and all!) driving down the main street in Taumaruni!!!
They had a whole bunch of country stickers on the back - "Hey honey, you know how you said you wanted to go for a driving holiday... well you'll never guess what I bought today!"
Seriously one of the most sureal (and inspiring) things I've ever seen.
Complete with rocket launchers?
Who needs chairlifts!
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One good turn deserves another...
Originally posted by: edgehi
How many can I stack into a room?
$$$$$
Maybe I can hang them in my ski rack?
I assume you have a drying room for your rental gear?
Just put bunks in there and you can advertise the "free heating"
Originally posted by: BluntOriginally posted by: Freshie
snow to low levels...
happy valley this am
I just hope it keeps that way. I wonder it Turoa is gonna be ready for the opening on the 19th..
Originally posted by: kcskier
*edited 08 Jun 2010 09:56
*edited 08 Jun 2010 09:44Originally posted by: Freshie
^^^dude it a campavan, got a bathroom, kitchen, beds, everything in there! 160 KW turbo diesel, 4x4, twin difflocks, 7 tonne winch. Got enough clearance to drive over a steel drum
Now you'll think I reside in a 'special hotel' for sure but I swear that 3 years ago I saw 1 of these converted house bus style (kids looking out the back window and all!) driving down the main street in Taumaruni!!!
They had a whole bunch of country stickers on the back - "Hey honey, you know how you said you wanted to go for a driving holiday... well you'll never guess what I bought today!"
Seriously one of the most sureal (and inspiring) things I've ever seen.
roy stewart was in tamaranui?
Turoa base area looking good but upper mountain looking bare? Doh!
Originally posted by: brighton_pumpsOriginally posted by: kcskier
*edited 08 Jun 2010 09:56
*edited 08 Jun 2010 09:44Originally posted by: Freshie
^^^dude it a campavan, got a bathroom, kitchen, beds, everything in there! 160 KW turbo diesel, 4x4, twin difflocks, 7 tonne winch. Got enough clearance to drive over a steel drum
Now you'll think I reside in a 'special hotel' for sure but I swear that 3 years ago I saw 1 of these converted house bus style (kids looking out the back window and all!) driving down the main street in Taumaruni!!!
They had a whole bunch of country stickers on the back - "Hey honey, you know how you said you wanted to go for a driving holiday... well you'll never guess what I bought today!"
Seriously one of the most sureal (and inspiring) things I've ever seen.
roy stewart was in tamaranui?
kind of close to Putaruru
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Originally posted by: rozboon
Turoa base area looking good but upper mountain looking bare? Doh!
Yeah I noticed that too.......ha...
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"If you see a Scotsman with a cricket bat....he's not off to play cricket...."