Automatic chains?
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Northglenn, CO
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Automatic chains?
I work in the semi-truck industry (Volvo of Denver) and see automatic chains on simi's all the time, well I've been looking at chains etc. and kinda wondering about auto chains on a light truck. Apparently this has been done before on light trucks. Has anyone ever seen or thought of using this setup on a rig? It does sound expensive at $2200 (including OBA) installed. I'm sure it can be done ALOT cheaper by installing it yourself. The only setback is that its not capable of handling snow over 15". But hey hit a switch on the dash and presto! Instant traction!
http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Look-at-...hains&id=68731
http://www.onspot.com/
http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Look-at-...hains&id=68731
http://www.onspot.com/
Last edited by locked stock 84; 12-16-2008 at 10:32 AM.
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 1,756
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
6 Posts
That wouldn't be my first choice of ways to spend $2200.
If you want more traction at the flip of a switch (for less than $2200), install a front ARB locker to go with your rear locker.
If you want more traction at the flip of a switch (for less than $2200), install a front ARB locker to go with your rear locker.
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are setups like that out there that are marketed to fire trucks and ambulances. Wouldn't limited slips in both axles and standard chains do more? I know that lockers are bad news in snow/ice since they will induce sliding so I think most people that live in those areas use limited slips. A couple of Truetracs is the way I would go - but of course I have lockers front and rear so I'm not one to go mildly when it comes to traction.
#6
Registered User
What happens when you stop? Do the chains keep beating against your tire? That looks more like a gimic than a real product, but I guess if it works then it works.
Rob
Rob
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Kansas
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thats pretty cool. Never heard of it before. Wouldnt be worth 2200 to me though.
And it uses the force from the tire it looks like, so when you stop, it would stop.
And it uses the force from the tire it looks like, so when you stop, it would stop.
Trending Topics
#8
Because the chains are spun relative to tire speed, they wouldn't work when you got stuck which is when you need them.
For really slick surfaces where both wheels have about the same level of traction, a locker really isn't much help.
For really slick surfaces where both wheels have about the same level of traction, a locker really isn't much help.
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Granite Falls, WA. U.S.A.
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have theme on our ambulances, it is a love hate relationship. I love theme because when we are transporting a patient we can use theme on the compact snow and ice for traction, and turn theme off as the road conditions improve, therby making for a more comfortable ride. I hate theme because they do not work unless you are moving, they can brake if you turn theme on after you get stuck, being as they only work when moving they don't help much for stopping. I would rather not have theme, give me a rig with cables and I will engage my brain and common sense, seems to work better every time.
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Calgary, Canada
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When it comes to wheeling with chains, V-bar chains are the only way to go IMO. Otherwise those auto-chains seem interesting. But as others have stated, there are much better ways to spend that cash...
Cheers
Cheers
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Granite Falls, WA. U.S.A.
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On the ambulances, when the switch is turned on a small air compressor starts, which supplies air to a cylinder,the cylinder pushes an arm down into position, attached to that arm is a "drive shaft" on one end of the "drive shaft" is a rubber wheel that is pushed against the sidewall of the tire, on the other end of the "drive shaft" is a metal wheel that has short sections of chain attached around the outside of it. When the rubber wheel is pushed into the sidewall of the tire, it spins the "drive shaft" that in turn spins the chain wheel, throwing the chains under the tire.
Another problem for a trail rig is that they hang so low when deactivated that the ends of the chain's are barely off of the ground and when the sidewalls flex even a small amount that they hit the ground. Not a problem in an ambulance, they just jingle a little.
Another problem for a trail rig is that they hang so low when deactivated that the ends of the chain's are barely off of the ground and when the sidewalls flex even a small amount that they hit the ground. Not a problem in an ambulance, they just jingle a little.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gibbonsballer10
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
9
10-26-2023 07:13 AM
_Nicco_
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
35
09-21-2015 03:06 PM