Firetruck Chains, Good or Bad???

We've been looking into getting the chains that hang near the rear tire for firetrucks, it helps then with icey roads, which we've got a lot during the winter months, just wanted to know who has them or had them and wether or not they help at all.

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Permalink Reply by FETC on February 3, 2009 at 9:32pm

- WE USE BOTH.

All of our trucks including the ambulances have on-spot chain system. We also chain all the trucks in any snowstorm over 4" and (cease) the use of the on-spot chain system. Auto Chains are designed for ice and moderate snow. One thing to remember is you must be moving fast enough to throw the auto chain, under the tire to work.

I have seen a driver panic and apply the brakes on an icy driveway only to slide faster, that will never happen with what some call the "older pain in the ass chains"

Those work great even when you are crawling down a steep driveway, when your auto chains are just slapping the tires inner sidewall...

The manual chains we use are the more expensive then traditional J-hook ones. We buy them from a company called, BB Chain. The chains are called (Pe-wag) the cross links are made from carbide (non-roller style) designed to stay tighter on the tire, less wear and you can travel a little faster. We haven't thrown one yet since change over.

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Permalink Reply by Asst Chief Tim Cook on February 3, 2009 at 9:44pm

We haven't put full chains on ANY rig in over 10 years.With the distances we travel,the chains often tear up equipment and damage paint.If our 44000# Engine won't go,we'll call out the 6x6 until DPW can get there.All our rigs are specced with air lockers in the rear and aggressive rear rubber.They'll easily operate in 12" of snow.We're fortunate to have direct contact with our Public Works,if it's lousy and we're out, they're out. Several of our members have sanders in their POV's so if we have an icy drive,we'll treat it first. Pewag is one of the best chains on the market,but they still break.

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Permalink Reply by FETC on February 3, 2009 at 10:22pm

The new Pe-wag chains do not loosen, loose links or fly off like the old ones did. They may break eventually but waiting for a 6x6 or DPW is not doing much for fire attack. Just saying newer technology in chains that are way better than the old ones.

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Permalink Reply by John on February 3, 2009 at 10:29pm

We don't have them so no help here Sorry.

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Permalink Reply by Asst Chief Tim Cook on February 4, 2009 at 11:00pm

Considering our 6by runs out at 60 plus and is 5 miles from Central,you don't wait long.DPW is usually less than 3 minutes.If it's that bad that I need full chains,I'm thinking traveling will be 35MPH MINUS.Yeah,I CAN wait that long.We cover 60 Square out of 4 houses.DPW has 12 trucks on constant rotation within those squares.Haven't had a situation in the 10 years since the policy was put in where lack of full chains prevented or slowed fire attack.Not saying our policy is right for everyone,but we routinely operate with heavy snow or ice conditions:on spots only. No issues.DPW monitors Fire and if they hear upgrades or multiple callers,they're headed.Often there before we can get there.And,as I mentioned earlier,several of our members have 1.5 yard sanders and plows on their pickups. Chains break,regardless of MFG.And when they break,they slap the snot out of the rig,can't be helped.We just DON'T use full chains. The Gain vs damage hasn't been a good trade off.If you're having good luck,keep doing what you're doing.You obviously don't have the issues we did.

Firetruck Chains, Good or Bad???

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