Which tires on Triple Axle to put tire chains on?

I am in the chain industry. I sell to the tire stores, truck stops, etc. lots of good answers here.

As stated be very careful of pipes, wiring, etc in the wheel wells. I would chain the rear axle if there's enough clearance there.

Best case always though is to wait it out. An rv will sure take a beating out there on the rutted icy roads.

One poster mentioned spider bungees. I highly recommend those to keep the chains tight. Tighter chains last way longer and will do less damage to the vehicle.

Yesterday on my way to Eugene I saw a number of rv's that had definitely come over the pass. You could tell because of the red dirt all over them.

I would chain whatever axle has the most clearance. If all are the same, the easiest. As far as a chain coming off the front axle and wrapping around the rear, I have never seen that in the commercial world. The speed limit on most chains is 30 mph, much over that and you beat the them to death in short order.

PS - I carry an extra set of trailer chains so if I break one, I can swap it out and repair it at home where its warm.

Mike LeClair wrote:
Just curious, for those who may know the answer, does chaining up an axle on the RV not invite a whole world of expensive damage and repair given the relatively tight wheel well of the RV? Those tire chains can move around quite a bit, can't they? I ask because I have never had to chain up an RV an wouldn't mind learning about the ins and outs of this practice.

Thanks

Mike

I have had links break and cause some slapping, but my trailers have never had any utilities in or near the wheel wells.

The most important think is making the chains TIGHT. I drive about 400 yards after putting the on, with tensioning bungee, then retighten. As long as they are tight, I rarely have problems. I typically run Quick-Fit diamond chains all around, van and trailer. I use "spider" bungees now because they keep the chains righter than the loop style chain bungees. I don't like the strap style bungees because if they come loose, the S-hooks are really good at finding their way into tires.

Yes, Mike.
Tire chains can cause severe damage to the rig whether it is a travel trailer, 5er or a MH. Many do not have sufficient clearance for true tire chains. Yes, the cable chains can reduce the clearance problem.
If a link breaks, it can tear up the fender wells and in some cases damage the rigs wiring, plumbing or propane lines.
I carry chains as required by law, but I would never use them except to lip to a safe place to wait out requirement.

Just curious, for those who may know the answer, does chaining up an axle on the RV not invite a whole world of expensive damage and repair given the relatively tight wheel well of the RV? Those tire chains can move around quite a bit, can't they? I ask because I have never had to chain up an RV an wouldn't mind learning about the ins and outs of this practice.

Thanks

Mike

carringb wrote:
I always do the rear axle.

The placing them on the rear axle moves move the effective turning pivot rearward, making if more stable, and reduces yaw moments on the hitch.

Placing them on the rear axle also means that if a chain breaks, there is less likelihood of collateral damage. Placing them on the front axle means they may get wrapped around one of the following axles.

If it's really icy, (freezing rain is likely next week), I chain up the steer axle too.

X2

clicky
This should answer all your questions

I always do the rear axle.

The placing them on the rear axle moves move the effective turning pivot rearward, making if more stable, and reduces yaw moments on the hitch.

Placing them on the rear axle also means that if a chain breaks, there is less likelihood of collateral damage. Placing them on the front axle means they may get wrapped around one of the following axles.

If it's really icy, (freezing rain is likely next week), I chain up the steer axle too.

I f I was to do it I would do the front axle. when you brake the trailer will tend to pull the front of the trailer down which will tend to put more weight on the front axle. Yes I know the equalizing pivot on the spring should keep the weight even on all axles, but I still think the front axle will have the most weight, even if it is 50lbs more! and you will not have snow piling up in front of the locked front wheels if you chain the middle or rear axle!

Good luck and be safe!