Tire Chains
#1
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Thread Starter
Tire Chains
Looking like I'll be pulling a fiver trough the Rockies in the winter. What are the recommended tire chains, both type and brand?
I'm thinking v bar 3 rail with cams on the drivers, diamond chains on one trailer axle.
I'm thinking v bar 3 rail with cams on the drivers, diamond chains on one trailer axle.
#2
Sounds like a good plan. I know an old trucker that said he used to put chains also on the left front only (IIRC) to keep the front end from sliding out. He was going over mountain passes in WA state. Maybe some of the truckers on here will chime in regarding that idea.
#3
Registered User
My son and I both use a vee bar chain but he's broken many cross chains, someone on here recommended "Pewag square link" chains and I have tried to get some but they are not available in my area. I did research them and they seem to be the best available and readily available in the US. It is possible to slip the chains on without having to move the vehicle if they are cut to size which is something you should do, cut the excess links off. We also use 2 rubber bungees per wheel to take up any slack.
#4
Registered User
Sounds like a good plan. I know an old trucker that said he used to put chains also on the left front only (IIRC) to keep the front end from sliding out. He was going over mountain passes in WA state. Maybe some of the truckers on here will chime in regarding that idea.
It was not my engine house and I could only find one chain. If I had two I would have put both on. I don't recall chaining a front axle on a semi but I don't think I ever had enough chains to do it. I only drove part time for years and tried to not work involving snow driving.
#6
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Chains are good to have for emergencies, but if you wait a day or two the storm will be over, and the passes cleared and sanded. Best not to drive during the storms if you can help it (or the wind events that usually proceed & follow them by a day or so).
#7
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Thread Starter
Been a long time since I've done any serious (commercial) gear jammin'. used to be Peerless was the chain to get. Are they still good, or are they Chinese junk like the rest?
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#8
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#9
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My son and I both use a vee bar chain but he's broken many cross chains, someone on here recommended "Pewag square link" chains and I have tried to get some but they are not available in my area. I did research them and they seem to be the best available and readily available in the US. It is possible to slip the chains on without having to move the vehicle if they are cut to size which is something you should do, cut the excess links off. We also use 2 rubber bungees per wheel to take up any slack.
#10
Registered User
Thanks for the info, I had never heard of them so might be new to Edmonton, we need a set for the 2013 so I'll check them out.
#12
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#13
Registered User
I run the square links. I have had broken v-bars and when they start slappin the fender and wheel well they can wreak havoc.
My system is put them on tight and criss cross two 12" rubber bungees at 12 and 3 oclock, and cross them to 9 and 6, hooking them thru from the tire side so teh hook faces outward.
I then secure the tail links along the outer ring rearward with two heavy zip ties.
If you are in for a week or so of bad weather, air down the tires, chain em up tight and re-air into the chains. I would do this in the mountains on all four tires and never got too excited....
My system is put them on tight and criss cross two 12" rubber bungees at 12 and 3 oclock, and cross them to 9 and 6, hooking them thru from the tire side so teh hook faces outward.
I then secure the tail links along the outer ring rearward with two heavy zip ties.
If you are in for a week or so of bad weather, air down the tires, chain em up tight and re-air into the chains. I would do this in the mountains on all four tires and never got too excited....
#14
Registered User
Just remember- chains tend not to give a whole lot of lateral grip- just forward.
And the rules say you gotta have them- doesn't say you have to use them.
And the rules say you gotta have them- doesn't say you have to use them.
#15
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Thread Starter