Learn to use your chains!

One thing that makes the job a LOT less taxing is good rain gear. People look at me funny rolling around under the truck in my Grunden's, but boys, I'm warm, I'm dry, and I can get to everything that works.

The other thing one of our guys does is spray paint the ends of his chains. No problem finding the ends to hook up.

I also make sure the trucks have an assortment of repair links and such so if there is a come-apart, it can be put together again.

 

This is great advice.

Wear clothes appropriate for what you are doing, and you will do a better job because you are comfortable enough to take the time to do it right. Chaining up involves becoming intimately familiar with snow, ice, slush, and mud.

Rain gear jacket and pants are a must. I also don a good pair of rubber boots. If the road is slick ice I put on Yak Tracks (like crampons that slip onto any footwear).

Last is gloves. Get high quality Goretex gloves with Thinsulate insulation. If you don't have that then get multiple pairs of gloves and keep them next to the heater vent and switch out if your hands start to get cold.

Keep a towel handy when you climb back in the cab. I get back in on the passenger side and take off my rubber boots and rainwear right there. The passenger seat becomes my "mud room", and the rest of my work and living area stays clean and dry.

 

I Hear ya,I had a fellow driver at work with(25 years driving under his belt)had no idea how to chain up! I showed him how,but let him do it.Heck I was tired,already chained twice that day.

 

Lol...ya but try getting auto chains for your trailer....I had all drives chained and cross chained the trailer going over Cabbage and Vail and Loveland the past two weeks

 

I get paid by the hour and or mileage so, Ya it costs me to sit.

 

Take a nap in the chain up area...


Get plowed in.

 

Yes. If you're not going to chain. Please don't drive all the way up to the last chain-up area then take a 10 or 18 or 24 hour break there, clogging up valuable space needed for chaining trucks, for excessive time. Stay at the truck stop or anywhere else besides the chain-up areas

 

learn how, nothing like causing damage and have to call for road service in a snowstorm. when was the last time you had chains on for more than 70 miles?

 

I highly recommend knowing how to chain *without* rolling the truck! Which was not how I was taught. I have never chained for roads (yes, my timing has been unreasonably good) but many many times in icy parking lots.

Another driver had some "emergency chains" that were just a couple links that hook through the wheel holes for iced lots. I tried them but decided I've gotten quick enough with full chains that they would only save me 5 minutes, but others might want to check them out.

I second the recommendation of multiple pairs of gloves! And rain gear, you don't want to sweat working in the cold.

 

And to think, my boss just bought me three new sets of Pewags for my truck