Breaking Tire Chains

Had to chain up for about 100 miles in Eastern Oregon today and broke 3 super single chains. Am I doing something wrong?

All were tight with no slack, they were breaking on the short links that cross the tread. 25 - 30 mph, 79,590 gross weight. Was chaining only one axle (with my weight I wouldn't have chained at all but the laws the law).

I would say either a) 100 miles at 25-30mph was too fast for too long, especially if the snow was thin enough for the chains to hit the pavement, or b) you had some old/cheap chains.

If you have to run on dry pavement with chains, I wouldn't go more than 5-10mph

As an extension to Matt's original question, is it necessary to stop and inspect the chains for looseness? Also, are loose chains more prone to break than tight ones?

I am only asking, because I do not know how to chain or maintain them when they're on the tires.

Sorry for the hijack...

Thanks Persian some of it was dry. I might have to say no to chaining for financial reasons, lol. I've always run if the roads are open before and chained, but I can't afford new chains every time.

Steve if they are loose they will slip and get all ****eyed on the tire, potentially coming off. Hook the hooks as tight as you can on the inside, then outside, then turn your cams and you should be fine. If you still have trouble find some old school trucker chaining in the area and offer to help him chain if he'll show you how.

Thanks Matt!

Thanks Persian some of it was dry. I might have to say no to chaining for financial reasons, lol. I've always run if the roads are open before and chained, but I can't afford new chains every time.

Steve if they are loose they will slip and get all ****eyed on the tire, potentially coming off. Hook the hooks as tight as you can on the inside, then outside, then turn your cams and you should be fine. If you still have trouble find some old school trucker chaining in the area and offer to help him chain if he'll show you how.

was the chain law lifted in the dry area? metal on asphalt will get hot pretty quick, even in snow.. My guess is yours got hot and with the cold it snapped the links.. Next time i'd suggest pulling off and checking with the local DOT or Website and see if the chains are lifted.. or don't run with chains and wait the storm/law out.

I am wondering if the super singles might need a stronger chain? My friend had a set he customized from a front end loader that were really nice and heavy duty, much better than the typical truck chains, twice as thick of links, never broke one. 30mph is your MAX speed with chains on and should not be done for long periods of time. You shouldn't run on dry pavement at all with chains, that will break them. IF you do have to run on some patches of dry pavement go under 20mph. Be especially careful when starting out not to spin the tires if possible and also avoid hard braking if possible to help prevent breaking chains. Sometimes its better to call it off and just park if you can. You aren't making much money at 20-30mph and you're losing money if buying new chains.

Thanks for the replies. There were sections of dry pavement and I did take them off for a six mile stretch only to be forced to put me back on. Chain law was up from Pendleton all the way to baker city and then another section.

I'm running team with the wife so burning a few hours at 25 mph to get beyond something usually makes sense. I'll just be careful if pavement is dry and maybe say no thanks in the future.