Chains

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by LittleJon, Oct 29, 2011.

  1. LittleJon

    LittleJon Bobtail Member

    27
    4
    Aug 12, 2010
    Passing You
    0
    If you're running Colorado in the Fall, Winter, or Spring, please carry chains and know how to put them on. Got held up Thursday morning on La Veta pass by a gentleman that didn't know how to put chains on and didn't have a cam tightener. He was driving for a company out of Denver, I found that ironic. The other fella didn't have any chains with him. Gave the first guy a quick lesson in chaining, along with my extra cam tightener. Told the second guy good luck!!!!
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. OmcCheese

    OmcCheese Light Load Member

    185
    81
    Aug 22, 2011
    Colorado springs, Co
    0
    I did the I70 run from Denver to Grand Junction twice a week for four years. I spent many hours while the roads were closed "teaching" other drivers how to put chains on. It is amazing how many companies do educater there employees on how to put chains on. At first I Was an ### about it and wouldnt help the guys out but then I realized that the best way to deal with it is to educate the drivers and hope they passed it on..
     
  4. milskired

    milskired Road Train Member

    3,829
    1,401
    Jul 20, 2007
    Plainfield, IL
    0
    I will honestly say I have never put chains on and I dont really know how to. I have not gone any further then the Lincoln NE area with the company I work for. I do carry them on the truck and I also dont think it would be that difficult in figuring out how they go on. Now getting them on and secured in a time efficient manner is a different story.
     
  5. LittleJon

    LittleJon Bobtail Member

    27
    4
    Aug 12, 2010
    Passing You
    0
    I don't mind teaching when I have time, but when I'm on a tight schedule, it gets aggravating. I can't imagine why anyone that doesn't know how to put chains on would run the Colorado passes this time of year.

    I don't know how strict they are on enforcement, but Colorado chain stations have a 30 minute limit. If everything goes perfect for me it takes about 15 minutes to put on two sets of doubles and get them tight. If you run into a rats nest, 30 minutes would be impossible.
     
  6. Mr. PlumCrazy

    Mr. PlumCrazy Road Train Member

    1,341
    606
    Jul 30, 2009
    Lexington NC
    0
    Chains ? WTF are those I dont need them I pull reefer load locks hold my freight in place
     
  7. mgfg

    mgfg Road Train Member

    1,753
    626
    Mar 29, 2010
    0
    That was original.....
     
  8. THBatMan8

    THBatMan8 Road Train Member

    1,478
    469
    Feb 13, 2011
    Wherever I park
    0
    Companies don't teach student drivers how to chain, but your CDL mill schools do. It's not that drivers aren't taught, they forget because it's not a common practice to chain up.
     
  9. Captain Zoom

    Captain Zoom Road Train Member

    3,124
    3,731
    Oct 29, 2011
    Indianapolis, IN
    0
    I've chained up once (in Colorado). That was when I learned that "Chain up" is actually a Lower Mongolian phrase that translates to, "Find a decent hotel and get some sleep til the roads clear up." People I've worked for, even the companies I hated, have never had a problem with me waiting out a snow/ice storm. (I realize not everyone has that luxury, I was just one of the lucky ones).
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.