Tire chains type to carry on the truck?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by 4wayflashers, Feb 2, 2022.

  1. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Road Train Member

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    I’m heading out west cause I wanna be a cowboy… I never needed to carry chains and was wondering where to pickem up and what type/brand are best. I generally just want to have them in case but might make a break for the hills if the stars align.

    TIA
     
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  3. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Technically the chains don't have to even fit your tires. You just have to carry them. The company I was working for, prior to my cancer. Never has you chain up and the chains don't fit your tires. They have a team of drivers. Called the chain gang. For any load that needs them.
     
  4. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    How fast do you need them? Buying them online is going to be the cheapest. I get mine from quality chain Corp. Have bought from them multiple times and they are a great company. Can find anything you need there.

    Just enter your tire size and make sure it's for a semi. You can buy them at the truckstops out west but they are going to be more expensive and not as good of quality.
     
  5. MM71

    MM71 Heavy Load Member

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    Lots of truck dealerships have them. Just call first. Same with trailer places. I buy mine from Utility usually.
     
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  6. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    4 bags of singles is all you need. 16 black bungees, plyers. make sure to bend bungee hooks at black bungee hole. keeps the hook in the eye
     
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  7. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    get on fb market or craiglslist
     
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  8. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    You can buy chains at the bigger truckstops & truck dealerships. If you are just looking to be legal, but not drive in ice & snow, get tire socks. Tire socks are lighter than chains. If you are planning to drive in ice & snow get steel tire chains. They are durable. Tire socks shred easily if you drive on roads that are dry, only wet, or wet with a little ice. Socks are meant to drive in SNOW COVERED roads. They work well in snow covered roads. Socks & chains cost aboutt $100 per tire.

    Oregon DOT has the clearest explanation of chain requirements. Essentially you need a set for 4 drive tires & a pair for 2 trailer tires. This assumes you have a typical 2 drive axle tractor and a 53 or 48 foot box.
     
  9. bumper Jack

    bumper Jack Heavy Load Member

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    That’s the most asinine thing I’ve heard of. While that may get you past the chain check it won’t help you get out of a jam. I had to chain three weeks ago in Virginia just to get out of the parking lot. I literally chained just to go 500 feet. Nobody likes to chain, but it’s a darn sight better than being stuck because the ones you do carry don’t fit.
     
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  10. bumper Jack

    bumper Jack Heavy Load Member

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    Are socks legal in all states? I was thinking they were not.
     
  11. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    And I would sit there getting weather pay. Cuz they'd rather pay you to sit around vs chain up.

    Down in TX during the storm that took out the power cuz the windmills were frozen. I knew the road was going to ice up. Tried to be proactive and deliver that morning instead of my late afternoon appointment. Nope no room. Got stuck at the TS a couple hours later. Too much ice. Called safety. Said sit tight. They just rescheduled the delivery and I dropped it off at the yard. A local boy ran it.

    When a mega is more concerned about your safety than an appointment. That's a good thing. One of the reasons that I'm probably going back with them after I get this cancer thing kicked.
     
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