Hello EO community, being a long time "lurker" I decided to make the jump and register today. I must be honest this thread had quite a bit to do with that decission, as it hits close to home for me.
While I understand that all of us are entitled to our own way of doing things out here and that there are some that welcome new ways and some that balk at change of any type I would like to weigh in on the topic.
I have a set of On-Spots on my truck, and would NEVER want to be without them on any future truck. They are, as has been said about many things, 'better than sliced white bread'. As has been said in previous posts, they are a wonderful "insurance pollicy". I drive a class 8 Freightliner straight with a lift axle and on more than one occasion have had reason to deploy the chains while in transit. Probably the best example of the chains being useful was a trip west this past winter while going through all of our favorite states for winter driving ,WY. We were on I-80 headed to CA on a seemingly clear highway and came into a strech where the snow was blowing across the road, shortly after coming into the snow covered road we took a heavy gust of wind to the right rear and the truck and we began to "hound dog". Having slowed our speed to prudent levels for the conditions we were able to reach down and flip the switch to deploy the chains and the truck came back straight. We continued west until we reached a safe exit to pull off for the rest of the night and continue at first light. Come to find out at the next exit (the one we pulled off at) I-80 had been closed due to trucks and cars alike off the road due to blowing snow and ice. I have little doubt that with out the auto chains in that situation I would have had more than a handful keeping the truck on the road even with 10 + years driving. THANK YOU ON-SPOT!!!!!
One more quick example. While crossing Donners on our way back from the above story the chain law was up and the shack was checking for chains, we deployed the chains and were waived through without having to stop. The roads were wet not icy and chains were not needed, we turned off the chains and proceded to make the jump over the pass much faster than those that had traditional chains.
Before I get jumped on about knowing weather conditions and such I will say that we had done our due dilagence and had kept ourselves abreast of the reported weather along our route. But as we ALL know weather is bound to change at the drop of a hat from time to time and boy scout or not it is always BEST to be prepaired. If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times the On-Spot auto chains are dollar for dollar one of the single best investments one could make for their truck.
We had them installed at the North Haven IN location and cant say enough good about the whole team there from sales to service personel. The only routine maintence they suggested was to "exercise" the system monthly to keep the grease in the sealed bearings moving. As for weight added to the truck I would say between 50 to 80 lbs at the absolute most. A minimal amount (between 8-10 gal of water) for the added peace of mind that having traction at the flip of a switch gives us. Let it also be known that I am no way employed or affiliated with On-Spot automatic chains, I mearly believe in their product and the support the company provides their customers.
Just my input as an expediter driving OTR north, south, east, and west where the roads are not always as well known as those that are run by regional or dedicated route drivers. Safety FIRST ...
Be safe out there the next truck in your mirror may be me.
Slack
