On Spot automatic tire chains

namwob · 03-23-2010, 09:19 AM

Has anyone had any experience with this product? It is a system of tire chains that allows to engage & disengage tire chains from switch on dash. A bit expensive at $1500 but could save a lot of trouble when chains are required. I understand they are approved for use in states with chain control laws.

Web site is: Onspot of North America

Mike Canter · 03-23-2010, 02:37 PM

They are used on all emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks in Brunswick, Maine. They work very well.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 03-23-2010, 05:46 PM

A friend of mine drove school buses in Colorado that had these chains. They're just not chains though. There's quite a bit of mechanism that make the setup work. This mechanism along with the chains adds a lot of weight. You didn't mention what type of vehicle you might want to add them to but most of the vehicles that utilize them have a lot of clearance in and around the rear axle and dual tires.

Lt46 · 03-23-2010, 06:39 PM

They're on all our fire trucks and good for up to 4" of snow any more and we put on regular tire chains. Not very good at slow speeds. Operate on air and are noisy when in the up position, the jingling of the chain link will drive you nuts.

namwob · 03-24-2010, 08:58 AM

Great input thanks! I got a chance to look at a system mockup at a Frightliner shop. It is actually simple and didn't look like it would add much of weight. I think the noise factor would be the kicker. My coach is pretty well insulated sound wise but considering the number of times that they would be needed... probably not worth the cost and noise down side. Thanks again.

skigramp · 03-27-2010, 01:27 PM

I grew up on a farm in Nebraska ... we had chains for our farm trucks and pickups ...

I saw how difficult it was to install tire chains so that it did not damage the vehicles when travelling at even 10 or 15 mph. The centrifigal force causes the chains to stand out from the tires by at least 4 inches ... the chains become flails that continually hammer the vehicle ...

I would not even think of installing tire chains on my motorhome .. my 2 cents worth ... time to park and wait for the snow plows to clear the roads ....

seattleguy · 01-03-2012, 12:29 PM

I have On Spot automatic chains on my Jayco Seneca and the work great. Installer had to add an air compressor to my rig to power them but they are MUCH easier than installing regular chains.

tekrsq · 01-04-2012, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt46

They're on all our fire trucks and good for up to 4" of snow any more and we put on regular tire chains. Not very good at slow speeds. Operate on air and are noisy when in the up position, the jingling of the chain link will drive you nuts.

Dead on info, AND they don't work in reverse.

rescue7 · 01-04-2012, 07:27 PM

You also need to drop them while moving or they may not get under the tire from a stop.

seattleguy · 01-04-2012, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tekrsq

Dead on info, AND they don't work in reverse.

I left mine on all summer and I can’t hear them jingle in up position. I think the road noise is pretty loud in my RV. They do work in reverse and work whenever the wheels spins. Never tried them in 4” of snow though.

tekrsq · 01-05-2012, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seattleguy

I left mine on all summer and I can’t hear them jingle in up position. I think the road noise is pretty loud in my RV. They do work in reverse and work whenever the wheels spins. Never tried them in 4” of snow though.

Unless they have a different setup for RVs compared to fire apparatus and ambulances, I don't see how they work in reverse. I've been around on-spot chains for as long as they've been on the market for 18 wheelers and fire apparatus, and they have never worked in reverse. Infact, the reps will tell you they don't work in reverse because they fall under the FRONT of the wheels. Like I said, they might mount different on RVs, but I've never seen it.

IMDSailor · 01-05-2012, 05:36 PM

The power of invention never ceases to amaze me. What a fantastic idea. Looked at the video link from above, can't see anyreason why they wouldn't work while the wheels are turning in reverse. The chain wheel is driven by contact with the Tire so what everway the tire spins the chain wheel will follow. Unless it contacts forward of BDC of the tire, in which case it may flail the sidewall a bit before going under the tire, when the wheel is turning in reverse.

DAN L · 01-06-2012, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMDSailor

The power of invention never ceases to amaze me. What a fantastic idea. Looked at the video link from above, can't see anyreason why they wouldn't work while the wheels are turning in reverse. The chain wheel is driven by contact with the Tire so what everway the tire spins the chain wheel will follow. Unless it contacts forward of BDC of the tire, in which case it may flail the sidewall a bit before going under the tire, when the wheel is turning in reverse.

the ''description of operation'' says that onspot provides traction in forward and reverse.

Onspot of North America