This is a really good video Casey. I live in a Northern State , School Busses use them , Ambulances , Fuel delivery trucks , highway department vehicles and more. I see them mounted under a lot of vehicles. The reason that they use them is because they work! These look like an excellent product! 👍💯
@@CaseyLaDelle Absolutely Casey! And the School Buses have some of our most precious cargo on board. And it is really telling when essential service vehicles use and depend on them. I do know that they are used widely where I live. Great video showing and explaining how they work!
I drive a school bus with the auto chains. Here in northwest Oregon there isn't a lot of use for them. But when they are needed it makes a lot of difference. Not having to get out and chain up with a bus full of kids is very good. They have saved me a couple of times over the years!!
Oh definetly. Normal chains are on the same level of efficiency as calling a rescue company and waiting for a tow, sometimes if you are loaded, in very risky situation it's impossible to put them on. Auto chains are a league above that.
Wow, with i had these when I drove a new truck to Edmonton Alberta in December one year with no load or trailer. That was a crazy trip. It was a new Navistar day cab. Lots of ice in Canada 😅
Here in Michigan if you go into a ditch because you lost control and get stuck you have to call a tow company a tow company or someone else can not stop and help you get unstuck you and other driver will be ticketed for blocking traffic
OnSpot just got their 2024 sales video! As a parts/service manager for a leading east coast (and global) wrecker dealership, I point a lot of people to your channel. Good stuff, as usual! Keep it up, and stay safe!
We’ve run them for years on our fire trucks at work. Great for exactly what he says in this video. When we get a blizzard, we still put on the tire chains, to gain access to long driveways which may not get cleared for a while after the storm. These are great for their intended purpose.
must give a special mention to Ethan for his camera-work .. his dedication in hanging to the chassis to get the action shots really is above & beyond .. lol
If I was truck driver, and a truck driver who was exposed to icy roads, I would say you have overwhelmingly convinced me that automatic chains are the way to go. 8-)
Does Ethan get paid a bonus for hanging under the truck like that holding the camera? Impressive how steady you can hold that camera while holding on for dear life! Great job Ethan!
It's no big deal for him. At his last job, Ethan was Spiderman. Photography skills of Peter Parker, and spider skills of...well...Spiderman. It's a winning combination for us viewers. 👍🏼
Those are a really cool idea. The fact that you don't need to get out and screw around with normal chains means they'll likely get used far more often, and be a whole lot safer since you won't think "I really don't want to go out there in the cold and mess with chains, I'll just risk it."
There's also the benefit of saving time and wear. Time cause it's on the fly, don't have to stop and chain for 30 minutes, and wear because as soon as the road dries up you switch them off instead of beating up a set looking for a place to pull over
Our volunteer fire trucks have them. We don't need them often but when we do they can literally be a lifesaver. After our first truck with them, the bean counters didn't think they were worth the cost, but the firefighters fought to get them put on all the trucks.
Yep, eliminated setting tones for guys to come in to chain trucks and as it was melting some vehicles would remove chains so they could run at speed on pavement, but would make them unusable (until re chained) for icy roads.
The main advantage is not that you don’t have to put tires chains. The main advantage is that you don’t have to remove them when road conditions improve.
I didn’t know these existed before your video last year and now if I were an owner operator working in the mountains these would be on my truck. Nice work gaming the algorithm by triggering haters first and telling them why they’re dumb later btw.
Hi Casey. I've never used automatic tire chains. I've never seen them before, but because you've taken the time to show us how they work and what they're for, I think the are the coolest thing I've seen for winter driving. Thank you for that! As always, you deliver the goods.
@user-qf7ud5de9h After watching this video, I predict that some version of autochains will be a common option on most vehicles within a few years! This is awesome.
It is because of you that I now look at the local school buses and am like, "Ohhh they have auto-tire chains!!" Then I see a flatbed trailer and I start looking it over for the specs....I've never driven or known any truck drivers in my life....but it's cool engineering.
Mr LaDelle, you are an absolute legend. I believe you improve the lives of almost everyone you come into contact with. I say almost because you and I both know there will always be “those people”.
Love it! I wasn’t sold on these type of chains until I started driving a full size ambulance in winter weather. A great solution especially when time is key to your trip, especially here on the East coast where we tend to get more ice than snow most winters. Thanks Casey, great video!
I don't have any heavy truck experience, but I do a LOT of snow driving/wheeling for fun. I couldn't agree with you more when you said there is nothing that is perfect for every condition. Snow and ice come in nearly an infinite variety of conditions. So I really appreciate that you mention the limitations (deep snow) of the automatic tire chains. And, I also fully agree that it is of little concern if you are operating on roads that are plowed.
Casey, I didn't know that it was illegal to stop and offer your services to those people, but I knew that you wouldn't stop, because you would wait to see if you were called for your services, it is who you are. Now if it were somewhere on a back road and you weren't in your tow truck that might be a different story. Casey, I watch your videos because I like your values on life and how you hold your structure in life. You're a true down to earth kind of guy and I like that in the Male person. Thank you for being you. 🤩
I've used OnSpots on a 40,000 lb fire truck. As you pull out of the station, throw the switch and you don't ruin the apparatus floor. Great for changing road conditions
WOW! THAT is an OUTSTANDING video Casey! I'm not a trucker but have been curious about automatic chains for years and you thouroughly explained everything. If I was a trucker I would have them.
i drive milk truck, my employer installed automatic tire chains. i will attest they absolutely work. i just changed jobs recently (both milk hauling). my previous employer didnt have automatic tire chains. today i was on an icy driveway and lost traction. just turn the power divider on, traction control off, and automatic tire chains on. i drove up that crappy driveway without issue.
Hello Casey This system is very good it’s a great upgrade 👍🏻 Believe or not it’s been developed in 1977’ by Swedish company and put to public use on trucks, buses and other vehicles. So it’s been in Europe around Scandinavia and other parts for a long time. I personally have experienced this in 89’ when I was a mechanic at big transport company there then became a driver. I’ve been using this system on few of my trucks previously in northern Canada. I recommend regular maintenance on them just make sure everything runs smoothly that mean the measurements for distance and the wheel adjustment is still within range. Before every winter. Cheers🇨🇦
Never could figure out why there were these chains hanging under the fire trucks or the ambulances till I got older damn good invention, might save a life or structure.
I sold On-Spot for several years in Pennsylvania. I was amazed when I did the test drive of the first set I installed. Night and day difference. I don't know if the are still available but back in the day they had a smaller model that would fit your little tow truck as well. It had a small electric actuator or they had a small tank/compressor unit that you could put almost anywhere to actuate them.
@@TheOnefalcon07 I would say around three grand because you got a factor in the labor as well as the air kit. To be perfectly honest with you I think it’s worth it in my opinion because if you think about it, you don’t have to get your tires changed out every season and the system is pretty low maintenance. Plus I do the maintenance on my own Onspot system myself, which is actually pretty easy.
Craziest contraption i've witnessed several years ago was a _motorbike_ using automatic tyre chains. It was a vintage 2 cyl boxer (maybe a bmw, or some other brand from the 1950s), running a sidecar, and a rotating chain "addon" at the rear wheel. It consisted of a solid rubber wheel, pressed towards the tyre, by which it was spun, to rotate the chain segments beneath the rear wheel. Crazy as it seemed, that thing obviously worked. The guy hammered it uphill on packed snow like it were summer!
I wish we had those on our snowblowers (think mountain pass rigs - that's what I drove). We didn't chain up that often because of the massive size of our rigs and the traction that they had, but when we did it was a royal pain in the ass, and taking them back off wasn't fun either. Too bad you didn't do a comparison - one stop with the new chains, and one stop without. Anything that makes it safer for YOU to operate your rig is a worthwhile expenditure - you've got two very important reasons to stay safe - Carina and Riley!
When automatic tire chains started showing up back in the early '80s, my dad told us that he'd had the exact same idea years before (slinging the chains under the wheel using the wheel's rotation). Shame he hadn't patented it and developed them... I could've been rich! :) Ultimately, I'm glad someone else had the follow through to do it...
I thought I had the original idea for them back in 2007, but when I researched it they were originally invented in 1941 in the US and Sweden in 1977. My idea was different and I probably could have applied for a patent, but after a little more thought my idea was too complicated and would probably fail in less time than it would have taken to put on regular chains.
well the patent is from 1915 so i guess get a patent in the 80 wouldn´t work, and then a swede developed it to really work in the 70 so to patent it in the 80 wouldn´t work either :)
@@tedyboy3932 Well, his patent application would've been in the '50s, but it obviously wasn't an extremely novel idea... I'm not calling sour grapes or saying if he'd pursued it, he could've pulled it off... :)
I love ON-Spot!! We had them on our Ambulances in Northern NJ. Like everyone says, night and day difference. I loved to hear the jingle of the chains, some of my crew were annoyed by the jingle. Jingle equals traction. The hubs can come off in the off season if necessary. I ziptied em to quiet them down.
When Oregons chain lights are on. It takes me 40 minutes to an hour to chain both drives and drag chains. It’s about 15 minutes to pull them off again. On spot chains would be perfect in Idaho because drag chains are not required. If I do chain in Idaho it’s usually for my own peace of mind. Like a 3 mile stretch of 7% grade 25mph corners. Stay safe out there
We run them on a couple of our fire engines and are adding them to a third this winter. They've always worked great for us and way more convenient than chaining up the trucks prior to a potential storm.
Thank you for the clear explanation of how they work. I have seen them on many trucks in Colorado. I always wondered how they worked. I thought there was a motor to spin the chains. The tire setup works so much better! lol
I had onspot auto chains about 25 years ago on a school bus. They were amazing back then. The only downfall is I was usually driving before the plows and with thicker wet snow they didn’t always work. 99% of the time they worked perfect.
When these first came out I thought they were brilliant. I remember my dad struggling to put on chains waaay back in the day.. not having to drive on the edge of the road until you can find a place to pull over that isn’t already full of other cars doing the same thing. I learned a lot of swear words at a very young age😂
I thought, when I saw the video about these chains last year, what a sensible idea they were. Somehow I missed how they spin. That little rubber wheel is brilliant. So simple! I don't think we have them here in New Zealand - not enough snow, but I think they would be well worth the investment. So much safer to deploy than having to work on the side of a road with vehicles racing (or sliding) by.
See them for years on all the local, school buses, fire trucks and ambulances on the Eastern Sierra. One thing you didn't mention was the two massive vehicle jacks you have on the Zack lift that allows you to put the outer chains on when needed and not laying in the snow. I would like to see the stopping distance with the auto chains turned off verse on.
I live in Texas and here in Dallas we see a couple days of ice per year. No one has chains up nor has the real need for them and even I can see the brilliance behind the automatic tire chains. Those who don’t like them are fighting it from the cost standpoint. I have no idea how much they are but certainly worth on the high end as much as 5-8k.
As a Florida boy that now lives in TN... We get some ice on the roads but if we do I just avoid driving. But I always thought my biggest problem, if I ever needed chains on a trip, would be that I have no idea how to install chains on tires or how or when to use them. So these would great for my chain ignorance. :) Probably best if I just stay inside when it is ice on roads.
I wish more people thought that way. It's good judgment to stay home if you're not prepared for the conditions. We have a saying in aviation that I think applies to other areas also: "a superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations which require the use of his superior skill."
I drove for Coca-Cola and delivered from summit county, vail, Aspen, and Snowmass. First ten years chains, then got auto chains! Saved this old man’s back and fingers. Drove a three axel tractor, only had chains on one drive axel! That’s all I really needed. Couple snow storms I added outside singles but they were needed.
I absotivley love auto chains. I had a 1973 C60 Chevy truck that really sucked driving on snow and ice. I just happened to be at a junk yard when they brought in an old school bus that had a set of Roto-chains on it so I bought them and adapted them to fit the C60 and it made an unbelievable difference in that truck to say the least.
- The thing you demonstrate - there is still that use case for the old school wheel chains - off highway - unswept highway (think of the logging guys.)- ice under deep snow, with slick highway tyres... The ability to unchain the instant there is no further need - fantastic...
Yes, there is definitely a place for both. The speed and convenience of these for on road applications can’t be beat. But for off road or deeper snow, conventional chains are the way to go. Which is why I have both!
Right, I can't even get stopped, open the trunk, pull out the chains and lay them down in 5 minutes, let alone attaching them (tightening and securing) closing the trunk, getting back in the vehicle, releasing the park break and continuing on, even 50 years ago when I WASN'T 71 years old and fat.😝
Lots more information in this video as compared to last year's video. Laying out your chains, detangling, and putting the chains on and snuggers is a minimum of 10 min. per wheel. Sent this vid to my trucker son-in-law.
I chained up 47 times last season. It takes me at least 20 minutes, not to mention I'm usually either covered in mud, or soaked with slush by the end of it. I like this idea.
So many people complaining that these aren’t 100 percent as effective as real chains. When that isn’t the point. They are 100 percent more effective than NO CHAINS. And if you claim you are chaining up for every bit of ice that you may see you are just lying to everyone. Whereas with these you can add a little bit of extra for the price of one button switch. And they don’t prevent you from also carrying full chains. Anyone arguing with you is just delusional. Great content buddy.
Exactly! Three rail 3/8” square link cleated chains are about as effective as it gets when it comes to traction, but as someone who has and runs a set of those, I can tell you that they are the most pain in the ass to put on and tension, and are by far the roughest to drive on. So when it’s questionable as to whether I’ll need them or not, I pretty much always choose not. With the auto chains I’ve never chosen not to hit the switch.
Takes the guess work out of safety! You don't have to think twice about whether you going to chain up, if all you have to do is flip a switch! Great Video in spite of its 30 day production time! lol
Without You getting an EGO....You are awesome at explaining in details without going overboard. We need more HS teachers in trades who can relate on these levels. Keep up the great work.😊
I would say something about the video but from all the comments it already has been said. You brought out all of the great issues about the OnSpot chains as well as the fact that they are not the alll-in-one for every occasion. Leaving the legal issue as to why you passed all of those stuck vehicles until the end ... half the reason I wait until the end to comment on sketchy stuff like that!!!
Yeah, that's why I save any comments until I watch the entire video. Especially with THIS guy. He usually explains exactly why my comment might have been ridiculed. 😬
Casey, I have been a paramedic for almost 2 decades and have had OnSpot Snow Chains on just about every ambulance I've ever driven. From the Ford van unit all the way up to the Freightliner extended cab box unit. They work. And work AWSOMELY. I have never gotten stuck using the OnSpots. Now yes, I do live in a southern state and we only get one, maybe two snow storms a year. BUT we also do not have the infrastructure for snow removal down here, so when it does snow, we're dealing with a mess. Especially when you get off a major highway. I've had nothing but great experiences with OnSpot Chains and highly recommend them. If I lived up north or at a higher elevation, I would probably invest in a set for my personal truck. Great Video.
I have the automatic chains on my school bus. They will definitely get me out of a pickle ! In Wyoming, we bus drivers get into pickles. The auto chains are a pickle saver. Enough about pickles. Have a great day !
Great Video, great product! In Germany a lot of Ambulances and Firetrucks use similar systems. But we have to fit full-length Mudflaps on to the back for the case one of the chains go flying off. Maybe consider it, especialy if you have employees use them who might forget to pull them up and wear out the links faster. Keep on with your great work both online and on the road.
Honestly I love them because they make the person safer by not having to be outside in the elements and other dangers of drivers and they save time! You don't have to stop, you can do it 9n the move. So yes they're an excellent idea!
I haven't had to use my Onspots this year yet but what's funny is we just had a snowstorm come through here in CT. If I did need to go out for something, then I am glad I have them. I also have 4x4 on my F150 as well that also helps but the 4x4 I rarely use. At least I'm not putting extra wear on my transfer case. I feel like a lot of pickup truck owners could certainly benefit from a system like this as I personally have them. It's such an underrated system.
I am the owner of a Freightliner Sprinter Van - New in 2004 with on spot chains from freightliner of Hartford, Ct. The van is awesome in the snow and Ice !!!
I drove in the late 90s and I’ll tell you, I’ve install chains in the slush going up Donner because the highway patrol would not allow anyone to go without them. I would have loved to just flip a switch
Yeah California is famous for making you chain up and run on 10 miles of wet pavement so that you already have broken chain links before you even get to the half mile of wet slush that they’re so worried about. Put these down and roll through the checkpoint, then….
Damn those are pretty cool. I tried to picture how they worked unsuccessfully over and over. I cannot tell you how many times I looked at the chains hanging underneath of our school buses wondering why they would be put there for storage. 🤦 it's all so clear now.
I scrolled down a good ways and all I saw were positive comments. You must have scared off all the trolls when you told them they were making you more money by being trolls. Great video. I was surprised to hear these have been around for 46 years.
My only critique from my experience as a retired Fire Captain and a former logtruck driver from New England. I hated chaining up the log truck and fire apparatus sucked. I would prefer onspots any day or the week. One problem with Onspots is salt and corrosion that can bind up them when you deploy them. Maintain them in the off season so when you need them they work for you. Great job Casey and minion lol
Being a former Southern Californian and relative (since 2009) Oregon winter weather driver, I had never heard of 'automatic tire chains' until I saw a local school bus with a decal stating it was equipped with them. This boggled my mind. I couldn't see them looking at the bus. How did they work. my mind thought of some ramp that lowered in front of the tire, dispensing a full-width tire chain. But my brain could not come up with a way that the tire chain connected and adjusted itself on the tire. I was stuck. It wasn't until your earlier video demonstrating them that the truth was revealed........Whoever invented these chains is a genius.
In 28 years of driving I've never once needed to chain up or have "proper" traction tires...until yesterday. It was friggin' treacherous and literally my first stop when I got to town was the tire shop. It took every car control trick in my book to keep my vehicle on the road. I'm one of those people that takes their vehicle to a big empty place and purposely tries to get it out of control when experiencing new conditions, just so I know what the limits are and how the vehicle reacts. Yesterday, just pulling out onto the county highway, I was tested before I could even get to a big empty place!
Agree about learning vehicle control. The more experience you have with minimal traction where you are sliding, the more you'll know what to do. I'm convinced people who go off-roading are the best drivers, they are familiar with tires sliding across different surfaces and know what to do, know when to brake and when not to, how to steer, how to accelerate. Grandpa bought us gokarts when I was 9, and I've been sliding around on every vehicle I've owned for 30 years.
Great product. No damage from flopping chains, not stopped on the side of the highway, dodging traffic installing chains. At 69 I’m done chaining. If it’s required I park. They can get there freight when the roads get better.
Several years ago I drove a garbage truck in a rural northern Ontario community. I often had to stop on the hillsides to let my helper get the garbage cans. I've stopped the truck on icy roads and had the truck slide off the roads after stopping. After getting the onspot chains I never had any problems.
Enjoyed this video Casey. I was lucky to have lived right there for a year and explored many familiar looking and the same places your videos are filmed and they bring me to a happy time.
I wish them were available the 45 years I spent on the road! I spent a lot of time running the NW lots of chain running in most cases you had to or you didn’t move.yes them would have save me countless hours of stopping putting on taking of chains!freezing temperatures and most of hoping not get ran over.and I was pretty dang quick at putting chains on but not possible to put 4 or even 2 sets on in 5 mins…
I haven't heard of them until you talked about them on your other truck last year.... I think that's a great idea and love the idea of always have chains in case you need them... All trucks should have them...
When I moved to Wyoming (city kid from the south) I was fascinated by these chains. The shop guys at work laughed at me for asking so many questions about them the first winter I was there. It’s amazing how they work
I like how you explain things. I always learn a lot watching your videos. I really hate driving in snow and/or ice. I'd rather stay home. I grew up in PA and have done a lot of snow and ice driving, but I still don't feel comfortable doing it. Maybe I should get these for my RAV4? I first experienced automatic chains on a bus ride from Tillamook to Portland several years ago. Hwy 6 was really bad. There were accidents all over and people were being told to stay off the highway. I had to get to the Amtrack station in Portland, but I didn't want to drive there myself because of the conditions. The Tillamook County bus system said they were still making trips to Portland, as long as they could, so I chose to take the bus. I really needed to make that train! So, we're going and the driver flips that switch at one point and I had been getting worried. I didn't know what was going on, so when I heard the noise I asked the driver and he explained it. They worked really well. The bus had no trouble at all making through the mountain. I made it to the train station, to find out that the train was stuck miles from the station and I ended up waiting almost 24 hours before it could go! They ended up closing the highway after my bus made it back to Tillamook. That cross country train ride I had that year was an adventure in itself. It was a really bad winter for traveling! lol
Unfortunately you won't be able to get them installed on your RAV4. Onspot has stated in a reply I read that they do not fit front wheel drive or independent rear suspensions. The smallest vehicle they can fit them on is 1/2 ton trucks like the F150 for example. Although there is an exception to that rule as Onspot themselves have them installed on their Toyota Tacomas. Also keep in mind that Onspot is not a one-size-fits-all product. And also as they require a certain ground clearance for operation, it is physically impossible to have them installed on an SUV like yours unfortunately.
@@metronorthrailfan2244 - thanks for that info. It does make sense. I was thinking something like that might be the case. My RAV4 is All Wheel Drive, so don't know if that makes a difference. But clearance would be the big issue regardless.
@@CoastDreamz No problem. That would certainly make sense considering Toyota calls it a RAV4 for a reason. Either way though, I would recommend onspots to anyone who drives an F150, Silverado, Sierra, etc. Heck I even have them on my 2020 F150. Onspots are often mounted to the u bolts on most trucks which is how it is with mine. I've wanted Onspots on my personal vehicle ever since I was young hence the reason I went with an F150. I grew up riding school buses with them. We have them here in CT.
I had Onspot chains on my truck from 1978 and ran them for many years On different trucks. It's simply the best stuff money can buy. I lived in the town where the product was invented in Sweden.
The Onspot Automatic Tire Chain System was invented in Sweden in 1977. It was developed and marketed by Onspot AB, a subsidiary of the Swedish VBG Group (public). The freestanding company Onspot of North America imported the product from 1988 through 1992, when manufacturing commenced in North Vernon, Indiana.
I give on spots 5 stars. My friends have ran them for 2 decades on every single truck. I convinced my fire department a few years ago to add them to every new truck they buy. Only one pumper that doesn’t have them and frankly there’s next to no reason it’d ever have to go in out in those conditions. It’s replacement is two years out and it’s likely getting sold down south.
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This is a really good video Casey. I live in a Northern State , School Busses use them , Ambulances , Fuel delivery trucks , highway department vehicles and more. I see them mounted under a lot of vehicles. The reason that they use them is because they work! These look like an excellent product! 👍💯
Exactly! They wouldn’t be underneath all the essential service vehicles if they didn’t work!
@@CaseyLaDelle Absolutely Casey! And the School Buses have some of our most precious cargo on board. And it is really telling when essential service vehicles use and depend on them. I do know that they are used widely where I live. Great video showing and explaining how they work!
I could be mistaken i believe you can get Automatic Tire Chains for a 4x4
I remember an ambulance that ended up in a field because they did not have them. @@CaseyLaDelle
Cool, now I know what those dangly bits hanging under school buses are.
I drive a school bus with the auto chains. Here in northwest Oregon there isn't a lot of use for them. But when they are needed it makes a lot of difference. Not having to get out and chain up with a bus full of kids is very good. They have saved me a couple of times over the years!!
Oh definetly. Normal chains are on the same level of efficiency as calling a rescue company and waiting for a tow, sometimes if you are loaded, in very risky situation it's impossible to put them on. Auto chains are a league above that.
Wow, with i had these when I drove a new truck to Edmonton Alberta in December one year with no load or trailer. That was a crazy trip. It was a new Navistar day cab. Lots of ice in Canada 😅
Sick. Florida boy here so never heard of these either pretty cool though.
Here in Michigan if you go into a ditch because you lost control and get stuck you have to call a tow company a tow company or someone else can not stop and help you get unstuck you and other driver will be ticketed for blocking traffic
I wanted to be a school bus driver before I got hit by a car.
I'm a school bus mechanic in klamath falls and I really like the onspot chains
OnSpot just got their 2024 sales video! As a parts/service manager for a leading east coast (and global) wrecker dealership, I point a lot of people to your channel. Good stuff, as usual! Keep it up, and stay safe!
Thank you!
In the U.K., where a snow and ice event is very rare, nearly all fire engines for rural areas , run this system 👍🇮🇲👌
We’ve run them for years on our fire trucks at work. Great for exactly what he says in this video. When we get a blizzard, we still put on the tire chains, to gain access to long driveways which may not get cleared for a while after the storm. These are great for their intended purpose.
must give a special mention to Ethan for his camera-work .. his dedication in hanging to the chassis to get the action shots really is above & beyond .. lol
It's those dang speed bumps that are the problem.
Ethan does that 'camera work' to get himself out of the real work ...
If I was truck driver, and a truck driver who was exposed to icy roads, I would say you have overwhelmingly convinced me that automatic chains are the way to go. 8-)
Does Ethan get paid a bonus for hanging under the truck like that holding the camera? Impressive how steady you can hold that camera while holding on for dear life! Great job Ethan!
🤣😁😂😜
😆😅🤣😂🤕
🤣😄😅😉
It's no big deal for him. At his last job, Ethan was Spiderman. Photography skills of Peter Parker, and spider skills of...well...Spiderman. It's a winning combination for us viewers. 👍🏼
I work for the school district in my area, we use on spot drop chains on most of the school buses. They're great !!!!
Those are a really cool idea. The fact that you don't need to get out and screw around with normal chains means they'll likely get used far more often, and be a whole lot safer since you won't think "I really don't want to go out there in the cold and mess with chains, I'll just risk it."
There's also the benefit of saving time and wear. Time cause it's on the fly, don't have to stop and chain for 30 minutes, and wear because as soon as the road dries up you switch them off instead of beating up a set looking for a place to pull over
I wish I would’ve known about those chains when I did a short stent of truck driving for 12 years those things look amazing
Our volunteer fire trucks have them. We don't need them often but when we do they can literally be a lifesaver. After our first truck with them, the bean counters didn't think they were worth the cost, but the firefighters fought to get them put on all the trucks.
Yep, eliminated setting tones for guys to come in to chain trucks and as it was melting some vehicles would remove chains so they could run at speed on pavement, but would make them unusable (until re chained) for icy roads.
Bean counters 😉😅😄🤣Love it! 👍
The main advantage is not that you don’t have to put tires chains. The main advantage is that you don’t have to remove them when road conditions improve.
I didn’t know these existed before your video last year and now if I were an owner operator working in the mountains these would be on my truck.
Nice work gaming the algorithm by triggering haters first and telling them why they’re dumb later btw.
Hi Casey.
I've never used automatic tire chains. I've never seen them before, but because you've taken the time to show us how they work and what they're for, I think the are the coolest thing I've seen for winter driving. Thank you for that! As always, you deliver the goods.
Now, if they only had them as an option on a car😅
@@Zoe-c9z Spikes spider is about as close as you'll get for passenger cars. Lock on a disk with spikes to get traction.
@user-qf7ud5de9h After watching this video, I predict that some version of autochains will be a common option on most vehicles within a few years! This is awesome.
Used them when I drove School Bus along WITH driving the SKI BUS ON THE Week End! ❤’em !! 🥰🥰🍀 Mtn.Baker/Stevens Pass ! Love em ❤
It is because of you that I now look at the local school buses and am like, "Ohhh they have auto-tire chains!!" Then I see a flatbed trailer and I start looking it over for the specs....I've never driven or known any truck drivers in my life....but it's cool engineering.
Mr LaDelle, you are an absolute legend. I believe you improve the lives of almost everyone you come into contact with. I say almost because you and I both know there will always be “those people”.
Love it! I wasn’t sold on these type of chains until I started driving a full size ambulance in winter weather. A great solution especially when time is key to your trip, especially here on the East coast where we tend to get more ice than snow most winters.
Thanks Casey, great video!
Actually, in the Rockies they have chain laws. When in effect if you get caught without them you get fined.
I don't have any heavy truck experience, but I do a LOT of snow driving/wheeling for fun. I couldn't agree with you more when you said there is nothing that is perfect for every condition. Snow and ice come in nearly an infinite variety of conditions. So I really appreciate that you mention the limitations (deep snow) of the automatic tire chains. And, I also fully agree that it is of little concern if you are operating on roads that are plowed.
Casey, I didn't know that it was illegal to stop and offer your services to those people, but I knew that you wouldn't stop, because you would wait to see if you were called for your services, it is who you are. Now if it were somewhere on a back road and you weren't in your tow truck that might be a different story. Casey, I watch your videos because I like your values on life and how you hold your structure in life. You're a true down to earth kind of guy and I like that in the Male person. Thank you for being you. 🤩
Yea mixed feelings about this. It's like a firetruck coming to a fire only to watch it burn because nobody called them.
@@LarsDennert It'd be really suspicious if a fire team was just cruising around coincidentally finding fires to put out.
Well said !
I've used OnSpots on a 40,000 lb fire truck. As you pull out of the station, throw the switch and you don't ruin the apparatus floor. Great for changing road conditions
WOW! THAT is an OUTSTANDING video Casey! I'm not a trucker but have been curious about automatic chains for years and you thouroughly explained everything. If I was a trucker I would have them.
i drive milk truck, my employer installed automatic tire chains. i will attest they absolutely work. i just changed jobs recently (both milk hauling). my previous employer didnt have automatic tire chains. today i was on an icy driveway and lost traction. just turn the power divider on, traction control off, and automatic tire chains on. i drove up that crappy driveway without issue.
These seem brilliant! Just by keeping you safely in the truck makes them work their wait in gold.
Weight, not wait.
You missed "worth, not work", grammar cop🤣 @jokester455...err.... @@jakester455
Wait or lack thereof works too.
Hello Casey
This system is very good it’s a great upgrade 👍🏻
Believe or not it’s been developed in 1977’ by Swedish company and put to public use on trucks, buses and other vehicles.
So it’s been in Europe around Scandinavia and other parts for a long time. I personally have experienced this in 89’ when I was a mechanic at big transport company there then became a driver.
I’ve been using this system on few of my trucks previously in northern Canada.
I recommend regular maintenance on them just make sure everything runs smoothly that mean the measurements for distance and the wheel adjustment is still within range.
Before every winter. Cheers🇨🇦
Complete explanation of a complex problem, in a simple direct way. No ambiguity, the trainers most important achivement.
Never could figure out why there were these chains hanging under the fire trucks or the ambulances till I got older damn good invention, might save a life or structure.
I sold On-Spot for several years in Pennsylvania. I was amazed when I did the test drive of the first set I installed. Night and day difference. I don't know if the are still available but back in the day they had a smaller model that would fit your little tow truck as well. It had a small electric actuator or they had a small tank/compressor unit that you could put almost anywhere to actuate them.
Is it true they make them for half ton trucks? I saw on a forum post they do and I'd be interested
@@TheOnefalcon07 Yes it is true. As a matter of fact, I happen to have them on my F150
@@metronorthrailfan2244 I'm definitely interested in that. Can I ask what it costs?
@@TheOnefalcon07 I would say around three grand because you got a factor in the labor as well as the air kit. To be perfectly honest with you I think it’s worth it in my opinion because if you think about it, you don’t have to get your tires changed out every season and the system is pretty low maintenance. Plus I do the maintenance on my own Onspot system myself, which is actually pretty easy.
Craziest contraption i've witnessed several years ago was a _motorbike_ using automatic tyre chains.
It was a vintage 2 cyl boxer (maybe a bmw, or some other brand from the 1950s), running a sidecar, and a rotating chain "addon" at the rear wheel.
It consisted of a solid rubber wheel, pressed towards the tyre, by which it was spun, to rotate the chain segments beneath the rear wheel.
Crazy as it seemed, that thing obviously worked. The guy hammered it uphill on packed snow like it were summer!
I wish we had those on our snowblowers (think mountain pass rigs - that's what I drove). We didn't chain up that often because of the massive size of our rigs and the traction that they had, but when we did it was a royal pain in the ass, and taking them back off wasn't fun either. Too bad you didn't do a comparison - one stop with the new chains, and one stop without. Anything that makes it safer for YOU to operate your rig is a worthwhile expenditure - you've got two very important reasons to stay safe - Carina and Riley!
When automatic tire chains started showing up back in the early '80s, my dad told us that he'd had the exact same idea years before (slinging the chains under the wheel using the wheel's rotation). Shame he hadn't patented it and developed them... I could've been rich! :) Ultimately, I'm glad someone else had the follow through to do it...
I thought I had the original idea for them back in 2007, but when I researched it they were originally invented in 1941 in the US and Sweden in 1977. My idea was different and I probably could have applied for a patent, but after a little more thought my idea was too complicated and would probably fail in less time than it would have taken to put on regular chains.
well the patent is from 1915 so i guess get a patent in the 80 wouldn´t work, and then a swede developed it to really work in the 70 so to patent it in the 80 wouldn´t work either :)
@@tedyboy3932 Well, his patent application would've been in the '50s, but it obviously wasn't an extremely novel idea... I'm not calling sour grapes or saying if he'd pursued it, he could've pulled it off... :)
I have heard of Auto chains but never understood how they work thank you for the demonstration!
I found out about these first on your channel and I think they’re brilliant, what a clever solution.
I love ON-Spot!! We had them on our Ambulances in Northern NJ. Like everyone says, night and day difference. I loved to hear the jingle of the chains, some of my crew were annoyed by the jingle. Jingle equals traction. The hubs can come off in the off season if necessary. I ziptied em to quiet them down.
When Oregons chain lights are on. It takes me 40 minutes to an hour to chain both drives and drag chains. It’s about 15 minutes to pull them off again. On spot chains would be perfect in Idaho because drag chains are not required. If I do chain in Idaho it’s usually for my own peace of mind. Like a 3 mile stretch of 7% grade 25mph corners. Stay safe out there
We run them on a couple of our fire engines and are adding them to a third this winter. They've always worked great for us and way more convenient than chaining up the trucks prior to a potential storm.
A fine example of a tool that works and is relatively simple to use and maintain. Good job , Work that algorithm
Thank you for the clear explanation of how they work. I have seen them on many trucks in Colorado. I always wondered how they worked. I thought there was a motor to spin the chains. The tire setup works so much better! lol
There are ones with a motor. These seem simpler.
I had onspot auto chains about 25 years ago on a school bus. They were amazing back then. The only downfall is I was usually driving before the plows and with thicker wet snow they didn’t always work. 99% of the time they worked perfect.
Never heard of them before your video last year but they're an awesome tool and safety equipment all in one.
When these first came out I thought they were brilliant. I remember my dad struggling to put on chains waaay back in the day.. not having to drive on the edge of the road until you can find a place to pull over that isn’t already full of other cars doing the same thing. I learned a lot of swear words at a very young age😂
A few years ago (20ish) I drove an oil delivery 18 wheeler with these chains. Very good/safe.
I thought, when I saw the video about these chains last year, what a sensible idea they were. Somehow I missed how they spin. That little rubber wheel is brilliant. So simple! I don't think we have them here in New Zealand - not enough snow, but I think they would be well worth the investment. So much safer to deploy than having to work on the side of a road with vehicles racing (or sliding) by.
I know at least one bus company in the central north island highlands that does indeed run autochains in NZ!
See them for years on all the local, school buses, fire trucks and ambulances on the Eastern Sierra. One thing you didn't mention was the two massive vehicle jacks you have on the Zack lift that allows you to put the outer chains on when needed and not laying in the snow. I would like to see the stopping distance with the auto chains turned off verse on.
Yeah, being able to lift my truck completely off the ground to chain up is a major advantage!
I live in Texas and here in Dallas we see a couple days of ice per year. No one has chains up nor has the real need for them and even I can see the brilliance behind the automatic tire chains.
Those who don’t like them are fighting it from the cost standpoint. I have no idea how much they are but certainly worth on the high end as much as 5-8k.
As a Florida boy that now lives in TN... We get some ice on the roads but if we do I just avoid driving. But I always thought my biggest problem, if I ever needed chains on a trip, would be that I have no idea how to install chains on tires or how or when to use them. So these would great for my chain ignorance. :) Probably best if I just stay inside when it is ice on roads.
I wish more people thought that way. It's good judgment to stay home if you're not prepared for the conditions. We have a saying in aviation that I think applies to other areas also: "a superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations which require the use of his superior skill."
Let's bring this in! This can save drivers hours on the road!
That is a great feature for big vehicles in snow country. Thanks for the exhaustive explanation.
I drove for Coca-Cola and delivered from summit county, vail, Aspen, and Snowmass. First ten years chains, then got auto chains! Saved this old man’s back and fingers. Drove a three axel tractor, only had chains on one drive axel! That’s all I really needed. Couple snow storms I added outside singles but they were needed.
Way down here in Georgia,our emergency vehicles have the automatic chain systems. Rarely snows but ice is common and they work.
I've never seen them before. Such a simple, cool 😎 idea.
Simple is good.
I absotivley love auto chains. I had a 1973 C60 Chevy truck that really sucked driving on snow and ice. I just happened to be at a junk yard when they brought in an old school bus that had a set of Roto-chains on it so I bought them and adapted them to fit the C60 and it made an unbelievable difference in that truck to say the least.
- The thing you demonstrate - there is still that use case for the old school wheel chains - off highway - unswept highway (think of the logging guys.)- ice under deep snow, with slick highway tyres... The ability to unchain the instant there is no further need - fantastic...
Yes, there is definitely a place for both. The speed and convenience of these for on road applications can’t be beat. But for off road or deeper snow, conventional chains are the way to go. Which is why I have both!
More lessons from Casey and Nathan on tire chains you need on all big trucks!
Good explanation. The company should be stoked with that video.
Sorry if I'm new here but, I didn't know this was a thing... I love it. It takes me 5 minutes just to pull my chains out of the toolbox on my truck.
Right, I can't even get stopped, open the trunk, pull out the chains and lay them down in 5 minutes, let alone attaching them (tightening and securing) closing the trunk, getting back in the vehicle, releasing the park break and continuing on, even 50 years ago when I WASN'T 71 years old and fat.😝
Whomever says it only takes 5 minutes.. its per tire/chain.
Here in Sweden, the timber trucks have had the same system for many years. Works perfectly when they drive timber from the forest.
Lots more information in this video as compared to last year's video. Laying out your chains, detangling, and putting the chains on and snuggers is a minimum of 10 min. per wheel. Sent this vid to my trucker son-in-law.
They are great
I chained up 47 times last season. It takes me at least 20 minutes, not to mention I'm usually either covered in mud, or soaked with slush by the end of it. I like this idea.
So many people complaining that these aren’t 100 percent as effective as real chains. When that isn’t the point. They are 100 percent more effective than NO CHAINS. And if you claim you are chaining up for every bit of ice that you may see you are just lying to everyone. Whereas with these you can add a little bit of extra for the price of one button switch. And they don’t prevent you from also carrying full chains. Anyone arguing with you is just delusional. Great content buddy.
Exactly! Three rail 3/8” square link cleated chains are about as effective as it gets when it comes to traction, but as someone who has and runs a set of those, I can tell you that they are the most pain in the ass to put on and tension, and are by far the roughest to drive on. So when it’s questionable as to whether I’ll need them or not, I pretty much always choose not.
With the auto chains I’ve never chosen not to hit the switch.
Takes the guess work out of safety! You don't have to think twice about whether you going to chain up, if all you have to do is flip a switch! Great Video in spite of its 30 day production time! lol
Without You getting an EGO....You are awesome at explaining in details without going overboard. We need more HS teachers in trades who can relate on these levels. Keep up the great work.😊
I would say something about the video but from all the comments it already has been said. You brought out all of the great issues about the OnSpot chains as well as the fact that they are not the alll-in-one for every occasion.
Leaving the legal issue as to why you passed all of those stuck vehicles until the end ... half the reason I wait until the end to comment on sketchy stuff like that!!!
Yeah, that's why I save any comments until I watch the entire video. Especially with THIS guy. He usually explains exactly why my comment might have been ridiculed. 😬
You had me at "no need to get out in the cold to put on chains".
You are getting that truck setup so amazing! Smart, very smart for what you do!
You mentioned fire trucks using these chains, my fire dept started using these and what a huge improvement in safety and response time
You learn something every day, more people who have trouble with large trucks and buses, etc.should watch this.
Casey,
I have been a paramedic for almost 2 decades and have had OnSpot Snow Chains on just about every ambulance I've ever driven. From the Ford van unit all the way up to the Freightliner extended cab box unit. They work. And work AWSOMELY. I have never gotten stuck using the OnSpots. Now yes, I do live in a southern state and we only get one, maybe two snow storms a year. BUT we also do not have the infrastructure for snow removal down here, so when it does snow, we're dealing with a mess. Especially when you get off a major highway. I've had nothing but great experiences with OnSpot Chains and highly recommend them. If I lived up north or at a higher elevation, I would probably invest in a set for my personal truck.
Great Video.
I have the automatic chains on my school bus. They will definitely get me out of a pickle ! In Wyoming, we bus drivers get into pickles. The auto chains are a pickle saver. Enough about pickles. Have a great day !
Great Video, great product! In Germany a lot of Ambulances and Firetrucks use similar systems. But we have to fit full-length Mudflaps on to the back for the case one of the chains go flying off. Maybe consider it, especialy if you have employees use them who might forget to pull them up and wear out the links faster. Keep on with your great work both online and on the road.
Honestly I love them because they make the person safer by not having to be outside in the elements and other dangers of drivers and they save time! You don't have to stop, you can do it 9n the move. So yes they're an excellent idea!
I drove semi for 38 years delivering groceries. Can't tell you how many times these would have saved me....
I haven't had to use my Onspots this year yet but what's funny is we just had a snowstorm come through here in CT. If I did need to go out for something, then I am glad I have them. I also have 4x4 on my F150 as well that also helps but the 4x4 I rarely use. At least I'm not putting extra wear on my transfer case. I feel like a lot of pickup truck owners could certainly benefit from a system like this as I personally have them. It's such an underrated system.
I am the owner of a Freightliner Sprinter Van - New in 2004 with on spot chains from freightliner of Hartford, Ct.
The van is awesome in the snow and Ice !!!
I drove in the late 90s and I’ll tell you, I’ve install chains in the slush going up Donner because the highway patrol would not allow anyone to go without them. I would have loved to just flip a switch
Yeah California is famous for making you chain up and run on 10 miles of wet pavement so that you already have broken chain links before you even get to the half mile of wet slush that they’re so worried about.
Put these down and roll through the checkpoint, then….
Never seen a set i think they are pretty awesome 😊
DOT must love these too, saving wear on their roads.
They're on all the school busses, wreckers, and local haulers here in WY. No one would be getting around in the winter without them.
Damn those are pretty cool. I tried to picture how they worked unsuccessfully over and over. I cannot tell you how many times I looked at the chains hanging underneath of our school buses wondering why they would be put there for storage. 🤦 it's all so clear now.
I scrolled down a good ways and all I saw were positive comments. You must have scared off all the trolls when you told them they were making you more money by being trolls. Great video. I was surprised to hear these have been around for 46 years.
My only critique from my experience as a retired Fire Captain and a former logtruck driver from New England. I hated chaining up the log truck and fire apparatus sucked. I would prefer onspots any day or the week. One problem with Onspots is salt and corrosion that can bind up them when you deploy them. Maintain them in the off season so when you need them they work for you. Great job Casey and minion lol
Thank goodness I do not live where it snows. Great safety for people who do! Thank you for sharing 👌 😊
Another fantastic, informative video from doctor Ladelle! You guys Rock.
Being a former Southern Californian and relative (since 2009) Oregon winter weather driver, I had never heard of 'automatic tire chains' until I saw a local school bus with a decal stating it was equipped with them. This boggled my mind. I couldn't see them looking at the bus. How did they work. my mind thought of some ramp that lowered in front of the tire, dispensing a full-width tire chain. But my brain could not come up with a way that the tire chain connected and adjusted itself on the tire. I was stuck. It wasn't until your earlier video demonstrating them that the truth was revealed........Whoever invented these chains is a genius.
In 28 years of driving I've never once needed to chain up or have "proper" traction tires...until yesterday. It was friggin' treacherous and literally my first stop when I got to town was the tire shop. It took every car control trick in my book to keep my vehicle on the road. I'm one of those people that takes their vehicle to a big empty place and purposely tries to get it out of control when experiencing new conditions, just so I know what the limits are and how the vehicle reacts. Yesterday, just pulling out onto the county highway, I was tested before I could even get to a big empty place!
Agree about learning vehicle control. The more experience you have with minimal traction where you are sliding, the more you'll know what to do. I'm convinced people who go off-roading are the best drivers, they are familiar with tires sliding across different surfaces and know what to do, know when to brake and when not to, how to steer, how to accelerate. Grandpa bought us gokarts when I was 9, and I've been sliding around on every vehicle I've owned for 30 years.
Hey Casey! What were you saying about "no snow"? Just wait and see what's in store for YOU and Heavy Rescue!
Professor Casey at it again. 😊
Having zoom classes in the snow .
Great product. No damage from flopping chains, not stopped on the side of the highway, dodging traffic installing chains.
At 69 I’m done chaining. If it’s required I park. They can get there freight when the roads get better.
THANKS for the great camera angles and excellent commentary about these auto tire chains.
Several years ago I drove a garbage truck in a rural northern Ontario community. I often had to stop on the hillsides to let my helper get the garbage cans. I've stopped the truck on icy roads and had the truck slide off the roads after stopping. After getting the onspot chains I never had any problems.
Enjoyed this video Casey. I was lucky to have lived right there for a year and explored many familiar looking and the same places your videos are filmed and they bring me to a happy time.
I wish them were available the 45 years I spent on the road! I spent a lot of time running the NW lots of chain running in most cases you had to or you didn’t move.yes them would have save me countless hours of stopping putting on taking of chains!freezing temperatures and most of hoping not get ran over.and I was pretty dang quick at putting chains on but not possible to put 4 or even 2 sets on in 5 mins…
I haven't heard of them until you talked about them on your other truck last year.... I think that's a great idea and love the idea of always have chains in case you need them... All trucks should have them...
When I moved to Wyoming (city kid from the south) I was fascinated by these chains. The shop guys at work laughed at me for asking so many questions about them the first winter I was there. It’s amazing how they work
I like how you explain things. I always learn a lot watching your videos. I really hate driving in snow and/or ice. I'd rather stay home. I grew up in PA and have done a lot of snow and ice driving, but I still don't feel comfortable doing it. Maybe I should get these for my RAV4?
I first experienced automatic chains on a bus ride from Tillamook to Portland several years ago. Hwy 6 was really bad. There were accidents all over and people were being told to stay off the highway. I had to get to the Amtrack station in Portland, but I didn't want to drive there myself because of the conditions. The Tillamook County bus system said they were still making trips to Portland, as long as they could, so I chose to take the bus. I really needed to make that train! So, we're going and the driver flips that switch at one point and I had been getting worried. I didn't know what was going on, so when I heard the noise I asked the driver and he explained it. They worked really well. The bus had no trouble at all making through the mountain. I made it to the train station, to find out that the train was stuck miles from the station and I ended up waiting almost 24 hours before it could go! They ended up closing the highway after my bus made it back to Tillamook. That cross country train ride I had that year was an adventure in itself. It was a really bad winter for traveling! lol
Unfortunately you won't be able to get them installed on your RAV4. Onspot has stated in a reply I read that they do not fit front wheel drive or independent rear suspensions. The smallest vehicle they can fit them on is 1/2 ton trucks like the F150 for example. Although there is an exception to that rule as Onspot themselves have them installed on their Toyota Tacomas. Also keep in mind that Onspot is not a one-size-fits-all product. And also as they require a certain ground clearance for operation, it is physically impossible to have them installed on an SUV like yours unfortunately.
@@metronorthrailfan2244 - thanks for that info. It does make sense. I was thinking something like that might be the case. My RAV4 is All Wheel Drive, so don't know if that makes a difference. But clearance would be the big issue regardless.
@@CoastDreamz No problem. That would certainly make sense considering Toyota calls it a RAV4 for a reason. Either way though, I would recommend onspots to anyone who drives an F150, Silverado, Sierra, etc. Heck I even have them on my 2020 F150. Onspots are often mounted to the u bolts on most trucks which is how it is with mine. I've wanted Onspots on my personal vehicle ever since I was young hence the reason I went with an F150. I grew up riding school buses with them. We have them here in CT.
I had Onspot chains on my truck from 1978 and ran them for many years On different trucks. It's simply the best stuff money can buy. I lived in the town where the product was invented in Sweden.
And 40years later.. they start to hear about them in USA.. 😉🤭
@@heltratt6363 Stunning dellay. I'm still waiting to see a really good Tailgate lift. Over here. LOL.
The Onspot Automatic Tire Chain System was invented in Sweden in 1977. It was developed and marketed by Onspot AB, a subsidiary of the Swedish VBG Group (public). The freestanding company Onspot of North America imported the product from 1988 through 1992, when manufacturing commenced in North Vernon, Indiana.
@@BoWallenUSA
Absolut.. all ( almost ) good things come from Sweden.. ;)
@@heltratt6363 🇸🇪 = Good stuff. 💪
Finally! You got some snow and ice so that you could make this video! LOL 👍
I give on spots 5 stars. My friends have ran them for 2 decades on every single truck. I convinced my fire department a few years ago to add them to every new truck they buy. Only one pumper that doesn’t have them and frankly there’s next to no reason it’d ever have to go in out in those conditions. It’s replacement is two years out and it’s likely getting sold down south.