How to avoid breaking chain links

CHAIN TOOLS? Mes don't thinks I need those as they would just rust in the box with the chain(s)... There have been a lot of chaining threads here, I see no need to chain AT ALL, I'm sorry I just don't, I said this in another thread here someplace about that load of Gummy Bears is just going to have to wait! I'm not putting it and my life in danger to go another 100 miles ovr a hill so I can deliver on time, I'll just wait it out. Thank LtoT

 

you are wlcm

 

road_runner, what you need to do is what I do: consider your tire chains hanging on their rack as nothing more than decoration.

The reason speed less than 30mph is recommended is due to the FACT that chains make great ice skates at higher speeds. If you or anyone else needs to run fast in conditions that requires chains you need to be parked unless you drive a fire truck and they're not even that foolish.

More than a few decades ago I lived and drove in a place where winter driving involved chaining several times a day. I was young, dumb and full of. ... Anyway I thought I could go a little faster than the old farts said and a little faster than that and a little faster yet. One night I managed to do a 50mph slide across several lanes of traffic in a cabover day cab pulling a 48' empty trailer and was lucky enough to not hit anyone but stopped pointing the opposite direction from where I started.

In 6th gear my truck is about wound out at 35mph. The incredibly rare times I chain I'm in 6th well under upshift rpm. I've lived to be one of those old farts telling you that you cannot go faster than 35mph chained up.

On the other hand I also have a story about tied up. Umm never mind. ...

 

Tightening
Use at least 4 bungee cords on the inside and more on the outside. I have bungee "spiders" that are a small circle with 6 short extensions coming out with hooks on the ends for the outside side. I bought them at a ts in Montana.

Another thing to keep in mind going at high speed chained up on any type of road is the potential lethality of that broken link flying off at however many thousands of rpm that tire is turning. Screw keeping up with the super truckers; be professional and responsible instead.

 

road-runner...

What they are telling you is correct. Max speed on chains is 35-40, (40 only if the road is solid pack snow at least 4 inches deep...cushion for the chain contact to ground), even then you are asking for an accident! The speed issue isn't about what YOU are comfortable with, but how you are able to react to others around you. And no matter what speed you are traveling, you need to remember to keep a minimum of torque (lower RPM's), this keeps the drive axle(s) from breaking loose with too much torque. Along with the reduced RPM's this puts any engine retarder useless, so turn off the jakes when chained up!

You mentioned Spokane...I will assume you run out West. Every State has a maximum speed limit in a snow zone...all are below 40 mph. Now if you are letting your dispatch dictate to you what they feel is safe...you need to find another carrier!!! YOU ARE THE ONE WHO WILL TAKE ALL THE BLAME, THE PENALTY, and if something did happen at the speed you're talking about....YOU will be the one without a job, and maybe even a resident of a county or State facility....your choice!

Just consider stopping distance, reaction time, and especially the lives of those around you! Just advice from 45 years driving rigs, fire/EMS apparatus in heavy snow conditions.

 

There is no need to put bungees on the inside....only 2 on the outside of each chain is sufficient. If you are using the bungee to keep the chain tight, you have the wrong size chain for your tire.

Take some time and read this: http://www.thetruckersreport.com/tr...ers-advice/158771-chaining-are-you-ready.html