Chains

[5TID]

I am looking at tire chains for my 5 ton with 395's. I remember reading that only the middle axle should get them? Is that correct? Is there a reason not to do the fronts? I can understand the rears with possible chain interference (not sure how big of an issue this is with 395's).

 

[jonesal]

The -10 TM says "Operating on snow or ice requires use of tire chains on forward-rear axle tires. Refer to FM 21-305 for installation of tire chains." and goes on to say "NOTE Use tire chains on forward-rear-axle-tires. For M939 series vehicles place chains on outside tires." I usually use two sets. One set on the fronts and one on the center axle. However, if I'm in heavy, deep snow, I find it hops too much and will chain up both rears. It helps a lot. For snow, I find THE biggest assist is having weight in the back (cargo). The TM says no chains in sand. ??

Al Jones
M923

 

[topo]

On hills Chaining up the outside tire front or rear axle will cause the tires with the chain to dig out the ice and not touch the ground because all the weight is sitting on the other tires without the chain and are spinning on the ice on a steep enough hill the truck will be slipping down the hill even though the truck is spinning forward. When all eight drive tires are chained up most of the time you can dig a hole through the ice to hold the truck and load on the hill till help arrives.

 

[5TID]

I ended up ordering 3 sets, because why not. Truck should be even more unstoppable now.

Thanks for your input.

 

[5TID]

What tensioners are you guys running? And where did you get them? Not sure what size I need for 395s.

 

[G744]

Chains don't do diddly in sand.

Soft (deflated partially) tires are the ticket.

 

[sue]

Chains don't do diddly in sand.

Soft (deflated partially) tires are the ticket.

Drove a truck or two in snow ice,etc. alcan several times.
I prefer to chain up rear axle if that’s all that I need.
reason is that the forward (rear) axle, or tandem will pack
down the snow and give a better grip on snow. Also the
steer axle has a little more leverage and unless the steer
axle does not have cables or chains then it needs all the help
it can get.

 

[G744]

Snow. Snow? Oh yeah, that white stuff that falls from the sky where it gets cold.

I've seen it on occasion up North. lol.