Chains and chain alternatives....

I understand what you"re saying.Im making the point that in LTL,you cant sit on the sidelines.Obviously if its too bad theyll close the pass,and you wont make it anyway at 30mph.Im saying if its snowing on Snoqualmie or Blewett its normal.Expected to drive,not call in.You chain up get over the pass,take chains off.You leave a couple hours early to start your route,so you're not late.

 

Exactly.

LTL, because of the couple of times I've driven it and the other drivers I know, is NOT like OTR.

You HAVE to make your appointment times, barring closed roads, broken equipment or actual Acts of God. And "The road was open, but I didn't feel confident to drive" Which more often translates into "I didn't want to throw chains AGAIN" is not acceptable.

It's a totally different animal than OTR.

Now, whether that makes the world a less-safe place, is totally debatable. But that's how it works.

Personally, I would not be driving Stevens, Blewitt and White all winter long. -Just too darned hazardous and throwing/removing 3 chains on a routine basis, I want more money than you're making. BUT, that's ME, not YOU. And 500 trucks a day make it over those passes all winter, so I guess I'm just a sissy.

 

The thing is, I think you're assuming we're not experienced professionals who have been around the block a few times.
For those of us who are familiar with the passes, they're not an issue. My maximum speed when chained is 30 mph, and more often than not, I'm lower than that. A professional compensates for conditions. I've seen the idiots out there doing 40+ as well, and I steer clear of them. They want to be supertrucker? I'll let them by, and look another couple miles up the road as they're calling for a wrecker from a ditch.
Someone mentioned 500 trucks crossing Snoqualmie each day: the number is actually in the thousands. I'm still looking for definitive numbers for trucks, but I was able to find a number for all vehicles of 28,000 every day.
Again, if someone decides to sit it out, that's probably a good idea, for them. Thanks for your concern, but your fear of those of us who do this on a regular basis being the cause of a catastrophe are unfounded.
By the way, I'm turning 50 next month.

 

I was talking Stevens, Blewitt and White. Snoqualamie, even in "required" chain weather is a breeze in comparison to either of those three, and I've driven all 4. Just so ya know.

 

My comment was in relation to what @Ranger309 posted, not your comment.

 

I hear ya,one time a driver chained up at Snoqualme and made it to Cleveland Elum.Oh...only one problem (he took the wrong trailer)! Had to chain up again and come back,then chain again and cross over again.3 chain up and removals already.Then chain up at Blewitt Pass.Up to 4 already.

 

I found the link to the "cleated belt"(?) alternative:

http://grip1snowtractiondevices.com/

 

Interesting. Looks like strap on tire studs.....

 

I sent the link to my boss yesterday. He was intrigued enough to immediately send an email to the company, who responded back right away.
The going price , shipped out of Canada, is $799 per axle (set of 2, including two replacemant wings, and a one year warranty on the nylon strap). Pretty steep pricing, I'd say, although they said they discount for multiple sets.

 

Where I work chains are just a part of life in the winter. Rigs need fuel when they need fuel. Crude oil loads have to go over the mountain, and the truck needs to be back for the next guy, and no sleepers means no way to wait without running out of hours. So you chain, you put on your flashers and you cut a path. Sucks, but it is the job.

To the original question, our company discussed the socks but they wear out way too fast. I've never heard of those devices that go between the duals before and never seen anyone use them.