Hi, hope you are all well. From talking to other drivers it seems everyone has there own routine when chaining up. putting the chains on for these pictures was only the second time I have done it but it worked for me.
Ok, Initially you will of checked the chains for condition and length before you need to use them so we will assume that they are in good condition.
The chain is drapped over the tyre as in Pic 1 and should be checked again for condition. I hang them so the front of the chain can be tucked under the front of the wheel. At this point you must ensure that the "teeth" are pointing outwards (Pic 2) and the "Cam adjusters" are facing you and are unlocked (Pic 3). Do this to all the wheels you are chaining which for me would be both sets of drive wheels and one trailer axle so 6 wheels in total.
When done roll the truck forward a few feet taking care not to drive over the chains of the foremost axle with the rear wheels as in Pic 4.
Onto the bottom photo now.
Connect the ends of the chains together using the hooks doing the inside of the wheel first trying to get them as tight as you can (Pic 5)
Using the tool, twist the cam adjuster to bring the chain links together which tightens the chain (Pic 6&7)
If you like a few bungee cords can be used to give added tension. Follow the above procedure for all the chained wheels (Pic 8)
Drive for a few hundered metres and check all of the chains for tension and re-adjust if neccessary.
Thats it folks. Some really useful stuff I recommend is a pair of waterproofs as you get filthy and soaking whilst chaining and a pair of heavy duty rubber gloves worn over a pair of warm gloves.
The time taken to chain the wheel was 6mins which included stopping to take the pics.
2 comments:
Nice one mate.
It does look a really messy job like you say. I'm sure it's a bit harder than it looks, but if that's your second time then you are doing well. I suppose the more you do it the quicker it will get. Would you only use these if the snow is soft and wet or would you use them when it's hard at -40?
Which trailer axle would you put them on, the lead or trailing axle?
Cheers
Hi Andy. Like you say its not a pleasant job and the local authorities will have you chain up a lot sooner than you would do on your own. I have managed so far to get away with doing it the once and then it wasnt necessary but the checkpoints were out so it was compulsory. I believe the choice of axle on the trailer is up to you. Soft slushy snow is easier to drive on,hard packed is a bit of a nightmare but ice is terrible.
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