Alpine driving - NSW & Vic

[Eaglen00b]

Hi all,

I'm planning a (epic) road trip from Perth to the Eastern states and back from mid/late July 2015 to mid August 2015 and would like to get some advice/feedback/input from fellow CC owner/drivers out East.

Will be in Sydney then off to Melb via Canberra at the start of August.

Was originally planning an overnight stop in Albury, but then a mate of mine suggested Thredbo as a stop over which sounds like a fantastic idea.

However, I've been looking into it and it would seem that my CC, being 2WD may not be suitable for the road conditions typically encountered in early August up in there in the alpine regions.

There also appears to be a regulatory requirement to carry snow chains which I initially thought shouldn't be an issue. However, when I looked into it further, it seems that it's not possible to fit snow chains to your CC and even if you could, expect the chains to cause paint damage in the wheel well due to insufficient clearance. From what I've gathered, the 4Motion V6 version of the CC is exempt from the requirement to carry chains, even though chains are still recommended.

As for the wheels on my CC, I opted to stick with the standard, factory Lakevilles and Continental "contiseal" tyre combo.

Has anyone taken their TDi CC into the alpine regions, specifically the 2WD TDi version? If you have, what preparation did you have to do?

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,
Eaglen00b

[dunners]

Heyys mate, I'd thoughly recommend tripping through the snowy mountains absolutely beautiful part of the country.
I live in Canberra and frequently trip through that entire region and I can confirm that you MUST absolutely carry chains (in NSW).

Snow chains help ensure your safety and are compulsory on 2WD vehicles and recommended for 4WD from the June to October long weekends on the following roads:
-Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary at Thredbo River
-Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin
-Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length

That being said the rule is you must carry them, you only need to use them if the weather is particularly bad. I also have a TDI so I went out and purchased a set from Aldi (I think they were $30-$40 alternatively theres plenty of places to hire them) and I keep them in the boot. Everytime I trip through there i've had them but never had to use them once (I have heard of people being told to put them on but it's never happened to me).

I have had many discussions with the NSW Road and Transport Authority about the damage that the chains could do to my car. I've put them in contact with the dealership (previously I had a BMW and the dealership told me not to put chains on my car under any circumstance) but the rules are very clear. I've asked about 'snow socks' and winter tires but to no avail (theres even a clause that if you have snow tires chains must still be fitted).

Heres the rules if you'd like some bedtime reading: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/registrati..._june_2009.pdf

My Recommendation: If you are traveling there keep a pair in the boot as a PYA whilst keeping off the heavly snowed roads. Alternatively if you are really worried go a different time of the year when it's a bit warmer.

Sorry for the essay but I hope it helps

[Eaglen00b]

Heyys mate, I'd thoughly recommend tripping through the snowy mountains absolutely beautiful part of the country.
I live in Canberra and frequently trip through that entire region and I can confirm that you MUST absolutely carry chains (in NSW).

Snow chains help ensure your safety and are compulsory on 2WD vehicles and recommended for 4WD from the June to October long weekends on the following roads:
-Kosciuszko Road from the park boundary at Thredbo River
-Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin
-Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length

That being said the rule is you must carry them, you only need to use them if the weather is particularly bad. I also have a TDI so I went out and purchased a set from Aldi (I think they were $30-$40 alternatively theres plenty of places to hire them) and I keep them in the boot. Everytime I trip through there i've had them but never had to use them once (I have heard of people being told to put them on but it's never happened to me).

I have had many discussions with the NSW Road and Transport Authority about the damage that the chains could do to my car. I've put them in contact with the dealership (previously I had a BMW and the dealership told me not to put chains on my car under any circumstance) but the rules are very clear. I've asked about 'snow socks' and winter tires but to no avail (theres even a clause that if you have snow tires chains must still be fitted).

Heres the rules if you'd like some bedtime reading: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/registrati..._june_2009.pdf

My Recommendation: If you are traveling there keep a pair in the boot as a PYA whilst keeping off the heavly snowed roads. Alternatively if you are really worried go a different time of the year when it's a bit warmer.

Sorry for the essay but I hope it helps

Awesome advice and information, dude. Thanks!! Most appreciated.

I'll probably stay in Jindabyne as it looks like a decent sized town with most conveniences and facilities. I'll hire some chains and keep them in the boot just to keep the RTA happy as you've suggested. I won't be intending to use them and if conditions get too dicey on Alpine Way then I'll just turn around and take the ski tube to Perisher instead.

I suppose I could possibly look at hiring a 4wd out of Jindabyne....?

[dunners]

I think you'll be lucky to get a hire car at Jindabyne (it's not that big). Your best bet would be Cooma or Canberra (obviously)

[PA.]

Had my 3.6 CC in the snow today. I have hired chains and they will fit the front wheels fine. Got into Falls Creek and back out today without fitting them but with a two wheel drive would have needed them.

[warrick]

looks like it would have been a lot of fun.last time i went to Perisher i had the VN Commodore. wasnt as bad as your weather but no chains and black ice was not nice.
cheers
warrick