automatic Snow chains

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Feb 1, 2021 | 07:25 PM

Machines

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2020

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

From: Brooklyn

automatic Snow chains

Has anyone made or know of someone who made, their own automatic snow chains, like the on-spot or insta-chain or roto-grip systems?

https://www.onspot.com/en-US/

Home | Insta-Chain | Automatic Ice Chains

https://www.rudchainusa.com/rotogrip-about

Vans are particularly hazardous in snow and ice, especially empty.

These systems are quite pricey.
I would think it would take a lot of trial and error to make it fit and work right.
Would be nice to be able to copy a successful unit.

TIA

Feb 2, 2021 | 04:05 AM

JWA

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 21,254

Likes: 1,656

From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machines

Vans are particularly hazardous in snow and ice, especially empty.

ANY vehicle with the wrong driver is a road hazard no matter its brand, GVR etc etc etc. One example is seeing all those big *** jacked up 4x4 trucks with monster tires in ditches during inclement weather. Chains and proper snow tires might help but nothing replaces a competent driver.

Feb 2, 2021 | 05:43 PM

maples01

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 5,040

Likes: 137

From: Maryville

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWA

Winter was dads time of year, throughout the year drivers tailgated and tried to run him over, then when it snowed they'd be in ditches both sides of the road, he'd drive by, blow the horn and wave, he worked for the phone company, drove all over in the van, cell towers being the worst situation, but too many tools to carry up there so you had to drive to it, when I had my permit he had me drive in to his office in downtown Nashville through all the traffic when the roads were a sheet of ice, showed no mercy as I had to be ready for anything.

Feb 7, 2021 | 08:37 PM

turbogus

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 996

Likes: 5

From: Albany, Good Ol' USA

I once had to watch a safety video on these when I was driving buses not yet equipped with what I call "Flail Chains" it seems to me that, if maintenance is not regularly scheduled these chains could break and fly off making for quite a hazard. the video showed them in use in Sweden and for their sake I sure hope that they keep to a maintenance schedule.

Feb 18, 2021 | 10:18 PM

highest_vision

Cross-Country

Joined: Sep 2020

Posts: 60

Likes: 12

From: SW USA

I used to maintain fire trucks, ambulances, and other vehicles that had these. Maintenance was a problem and they weren't really reliable. They also only work while you are moving. If you stop and lose traction they cannot generally get under the tire. At the time, they made electrically controlled ones that fit on the Econoline chassis (probably cutaway). I would just buy normal chains, or cable chains. Cables have come along way.