Woody,
You might also consider studded snow tires. This would be more expensive
than chains, but much easier... just put them one once a year and take them
off once a year (if you get them mounted on a spare set of rims you can put
them on and take them off yourself). For hard ice studs may grip better than
chains.
Bill
-----Original Message-----
From: Woody Halsey <WoodyHalsey@COMPUSERVE.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, December 23, 1999 5:11 AM
Subject: chains

Dear List,

I am looking for reasonably priced chains or cables that are easy to get on
and off the tires of my 83.5 2WD. I will need them once or twice each
winter for  the short stretch of dirt road that goes from the tarmac up to
my sister's house in Francestown, NH. It is almost always icy and there is
one grade that it is always a scary nightmare. I will not take them on dry
highway and will never drive more than 5 miles at about 20MPH max.

I have never used chains before, but assume that ease of installation will
be key, if I am try to do it by the side of the road in sub-freezing temps
with children waiting anxiously in the van, eager to see their cousins!
Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Woody