OK, don't laugh, but do the auto chain up systems work? How do they work? Do they work as advertised? I have been using chains since I was a pup but if there is a better system I am all ears.
Joe
Joe
auto chain
- Thread starter layoutshooter
- Start date
I have heard they work well. The only issue I have seen with them is issues in certain states as to whether they meet their chain law requirement. There was some posts last year where a couple of drivers had problems, but I have no personal first hand knowledge.
The other issue is expense. They are expensive, so I quess you would have to weigh up the differences to determine their worth to you.
Davekc
The other issue is expense. They are expensive, so I quess you would have to weigh up the differences to determine their worth to you.
Davekc
Broompilot
Veteran Expediter
Gona have to run alot of loads out West cause they are not permitted in any states that I am aware of East of the Mississippi. Big big big fine if you chain up in Michigan on any public road no matter how deep or slippery the road is.
They outlawed studs on tires in the early 70s.
They outlawed studs on tires in the early 70s.
I have heard several good reports on them. The downside is they are expensive and you have to replace the chains at fairly regular intervals. Then again, 3000 miles is a long way to run when you need chains so maybe replacement won't be that often. I would get them in a heartbeat though before running in states where I had to regularly chain up. The option of flipping a switch inside my warm cab versus getting out on the cold ground for a long time to chain up several tires is no option at all.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Leo Bricker
OOIDA 677319
truck 4958
73's K5LDB
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.
Jack Jackson
Expert Expediter
We have them on our truck and would not be without them. We initially put them on because it would have been very hard to get chaines to fit between the tires and the plastic fenders we have on the rear, and like everyone else I don't like to lay on my back in the cold slush.
What I never thought about was the added safety they provide when you only need then for a mile or just a few blocks. I think it was November 6, I was going thru Waukesha, WI and it had just hailed for only about half a mile. The road was solid ice and cars were sliding every which way. I was able to slow down, maintain control, and drive right thru it without even breaking a sweat.
They are great when traveling over moutain passes with snow or ice when the lower elevations are dry. Drive up the hill and it starts getting slick, just flip the switch. Drive over the top and it gets dry again, flip the switch and you have just saved yourself an hour and a lot of cold muscles.
We have the ON-SPOT chains which cost around $1400. for the system, and about $600. labor to install. You can order them on just about any new chassis and save a bunch of the labor cost.
What I never thought about was the added safety they provide when you only need then for a mile or just a few blocks. I think it was November 6, I was going thru Waukesha, WI and it had just hailed for only about half a mile. The road was solid ice and cars were sliding every which way. I was able to slow down, maintain control, and drive right thru it without even breaking a sweat.
They are great when traveling over moutain passes with snow or ice when the lower elevations are dry. Drive up the hill and it starts getting slick, just flip the switch. Drive over the top and it gets dry again, flip the switch and you have just saved yourself an hour and a lot of cold muscles.
We have the ON-SPOT chains which cost around $1400. for the system, and about $600. labor to install. You can order them on just about any new chassis and save a bunch of the labor cost.
Jack Jackson
Expert Expediter
Thanks again, E.O. always helps me when I need it. I just got back from a run to Alaska. I got VERY lucky and did not need to chain up at all. It looks like it might be worth the money for the system. I hate putting on chains, Joe
OOIDA just did an article maybe last month about which states dont like the auto chains, I want to say one of them was on the east coast like Vermont? or Taxachussets.
They're just mad cause they want to see you guys slinging that iron up in Baker Oregon. Look at that driver!..Auto chains? Back in my day we had to forge those chains, on the side of the road with a gasoline blowtorch and raw iron... walk up hill ( both ways) without shoes, in the -50 degree weather to test fit em...took all day...just to make one set
where was them thar chinese chain makers then?
dukesadog
They're just mad cause they want to see you guys slinging that iron up in Baker Oregon. Look at that driver!..Auto chains? Back in my day we had to forge those chains, on the side of the road with a gasoline blowtorch and raw iron... walk up hill ( both ways) without shoes, in the -50 degree weather to test fit em...took all day...just to make one set
where was them thar chinese chain makers then?
dukesadog