Truck drivers must have chains in place when snow and ice hit the road to maintain safe driving conditions. While there is no one right way to put chains on a semi, many carriers encourage their drivers to practice in a warm area before applying them in the field.
Start by laying the chains out on the ground, checking for damage and kinks. Then, drive forward about two feet to give the chains a chance to grab onto the tires.
Drive Axle
A truck driver’s job can be very dangerous, especially when conditions like ice and snow are in play. The best way to avoid a potentially deadly accident is by outfitting your semi with premium-quality tire chains that bite into ice and snow to improve traction and reduce the risk of skidding.
These snow chains from Glacier are ideal for trucks, SUVs, and passenger vehicles because they feature a low profile that doesn’t obstruct the vehicle’s handling. They also have rubber tensioners built into the chains to help them stay taught without requiring manual tightening, saving you time and effort. These chains are also compatible with advanced safety features such as anti-lock brakes and traction control systems.
The design of these chains is very different from other models because they’re made from a thicker gauge wire that’s woven together into a square pattern to give your tires traction. This means they’re much more durable than most other chain models and will offer you reliable performance for the long haul. However, the heavier material does increase the weight of these chains, making them more difficult to install, remove, and store. They also tend to have a worse fuel economy than lighter-weight alternatives.
Unlike most other types of chains, these snow chains are designed to stay on your tires even if the temperature rises above freezing. They’re perfect for truck drivers who frequently drive on mountain roads with constantly changing temperatures. To prevent the chains from coming loose while driving, these models use a special ratcheting system that automatically tightens them while you’re on the road. This allows you to focus on the road ahead of you rather than worrying about your tires.
Another advantage of these chains is that they’re easy to put on, even in cold temperatures. The design is similar to a ratcheting tie-down strap, so all you need to do is thread them onto the wheel and then cinch them together with a ratchet or tool. These chains are also designed to be as low-profile as possible, which helps them stay on the tire when you’re traveling at higher speeds.
Rear Axle
The rear axle of a semi-truck is the primary source of traction for the vehicle on snowy roads. While there are alternatives, such as snow socks, traction mats, and specialty straps, the best choice is traditional chained tires. They provide a great deal of traction, tire tread protection, and safety, especially at high speeds. However, they must be carefully researched to ensure that they are able to withstand the heavy loads and pressures put on the truck during use. In addition, you should check state regulations to be sure that these types of alternatives are legal.
The main function of the rear axle is to transfer a driving force between the wheels, but it also helps in wheel movement and absorbing shocks. It can be live or dead, and many different types of rear axles exist. The most common ones are stub, full-floating, and three-quarter. Stub axles are only found on rear-wheel drive vehicles, while the full-floating and the three-quarter are mainly used in larger trucks.
When choosing the right rear axle, you must consider its design and load capacities. For example, a stub axle must be strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle while at the same time being able to handle a large amount of torque. A full-floating axle is able to accommodate more torque than a stub and the three-quarter because it has two bearings that allow the axle to float independently of the vehicle.
If you choose the right type of rear axle, you can rest assured that it will perform the job with ease. However, it’s also important to remember that the proper functioning of the rear axle can be crucial for the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to have the axles of your truck professionally prepared and repaired by experts with the right equipment and experience.
Before you decide which tire chains to buy for your truck, you should lay them out flat and inspect them for damage and any twists or knots that may need to be undone. Once you’re ready to install the chains, it is helpful to have a tool such as a rod to help you get under the truck. Then, you should loosely attach the chains over each wheel and adjust them accordingly. It’s always a good idea to practice chaining up your tires before you need them in real life, as the process can be difficult in cold and poorly lit conditions.
Front Axle
The front axle of a semi-truck is crucial for keeping the vehicle moving, especially in snowy conditions. Without adequate traction, a driver will have a hard time maintaining control of the vehicle, which could result in a serious accident. Fortunately, there are a variety of tire chains that can help prevent this from happening. With the right chain type and proper installation, your truck will be able to move through snowy conditions with ease.
In order to fully understand the best tires to chain a semi-truck, it’s important to know how the front axle works. Most vehicles have two axles, which means there are two pairs of tires. However, larger vehicles may have more than two axles.
One of the most common types of front axles is called a full-floating axle. This is the type most commonly found on large commercial trucks. It floats between the wheel and the chassis and only transmits engine torque. This allows the wheels to rotate at different rates, which increases traction and improves handling.
Another type of front axle is a three-quarter axle. This is a simpler version of the full-floating axle. It consists of two segments that are connected by bearings. This axle is more reliable than the full-floating version, though it does not offer as much traction as a full-floating axle.
Finally, the Lamoine front axle is a type of stub axle that uses an L-shaped spindle instead of a yoke hinge for connection. This type of front axle has a layout opposite to the Elliot and Reverse Elliot types, but it does not provide as much traction as a full-floating or full-swing axle.
Once you’ve chosen which tires to chain your semi, it’s important to practice putting the chains on before you actually need them. This will allow you to get the hang of it and save you some time if you’re in a hurry. Also, it’s a good idea to use an impact wrench when tightening the axle nut. This will ensure you don’t jerk the vehicle over the jackstands and cause damage.
Trailer
If you’re a commercial driver, you need to be prepared for any conditions on the road. That includes having a quality set of tire chains to get you safely through snowy, icy roads. The right chain is one of the most important tools you can use to keep your job safe, especially if you’re driving up and down mountains.
Before you drive with a set of chains on your truck, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and familiarize yourself with the process. It’s best to start with the inside chain and work your way out, and you may want to consider a tool like a rod to help you reach your tires more easily. Once you have all of the chains connected, you’ll need to tighten them with an adjusting wrench. It’s good to leave a little slack in the chains so they can move freely when you’re on the road, but be careful not to over-tighten them.
There are other winter tire traction options in addition to traditional chains, including traction mats, snow socks, and specialty straps. However, these alternatives don’t provide the same traction as chains. If you’re unsure which kind to choose, consult your company’s guidelines or your leader for advice.
The best semi tire chains are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your tires. It’s also important to know how long you can expect the chains to last before they need replacing. If you’re a trucker who needs to install their chains frequently, or if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, it may be worth investing in a pair that lasts longer than average. Check out the selection of premium-quality chains stocked in our online store to improve your traction and safety this winter. We offer a range of options, from heavy-duty to budget-friendly. We’ve also included step-by-step videos and a detailed guide to assist you with the installation process. If you’re ready to order yours, contact us today for fast, free shipping!
