CHAINING...are you ready?

I'll add that I covered my strong personal preferences for what I like to run with. I absolutely hate the double chains that go across both tires. They are heavier, harder to get on and get off, harder to tighten the inside locks, and ultimately I never seem to get them tight enough to run more than 25 mph.

I prefer running with six single chains and in states like Colorado that don't require or actively discourage drag chains (on the trailer) I chain the four outside drive tires. They are lighter, easier to drape and secure, don't have inside locks to fuss with, and are much easier to get tight. I can run 35-40 mph with four singles on the drives.

otherhalftw, you make two really good points. First I will take your advise and try to find a dirt lot for our next chaining practice session. Second, your advise regarding clothing is essential and something I covered during our session today (although not a requirement today in 95ºF humid heat... )...

 

Colorado does actually require 3-railers if you're a single drive (UPS, Fed-Ex, etc). I find it hilarious the drivers who do run drag chains in Colorado, even after being told they don't have to. Co. has gotten to be sticklers a few times about the whole 30 minute chain up thing. Most drivers can barely chain up 4 drives in under 30 minutes, let alone putting a drag on. Some of the oil field roads require 3 railers also.

Am I the only that carries chain boards? While it cuts into the 3" clearance, it can make chaining quicker and cleaner. I do have to cut me some new ones though, destroyed the last set this past spring, although, if my boss carries through with his threat, my new truck, due anytime this month will have two sets of autochains.

 

I've chained hundreds of times with triples and can count on one hand the number of times I've dropped the trailer, and only then because it was more convenient or the trailer was too stuck. Okay, some of those were straight trucks so no trailer... but that's even worse as there were fenders.

Do up the middle rail as tight as possible, then the inner rail, then the outer. Tighten up cams on the inside (if equipped), then the outside. Check (and tighten if necessary) after about one mile, check again after about five miles. You can then run all day long at 30-40 miles per hour without having to make anymore adjustments (unless you break a rail or crosslink).

 

Very good point. Listen, especially during the first few miles, to make sure your chains aren't broken or loose. Stop and tighten. I had one case of a broken cross link last winter and tried my best to find some solution to keep it together, but that was impossible. I was glad to get through the chains required section, get the chains off, and get another set right after that.

 

I'd never considered the idea of dropping a trailer to install 3-railers, maybe if I get stuck with those at some time this coming winter I'll do that if I have a good area to drop it. I'd sure hate to then have problems hooking up again. I guess that would be the only way to tighten the inside rail.

 

Hey striker, I hope you get this. If you do, let us know how they work out for you, please.

 

Well, the new truck has arrived, no chance of auto chains.


Well boys and girls, if you plan on playing in Colorado Thursday night/Friday morning, significant chance of snowfall, 6" + over Vail and Eisenhower. Hope you got that jewelry polished.

 

With the mess on I-15, I'm betting that I-70 doesn't have near the traffic on it over the top, for the near future.

 

Snowing in northwestern Montana now. Yay!! Winter came early!!