The GMC CCKW

Snow driver advice wanted:

If you had only 6 snow chains and wanted best control in snow conditions, how would you mount them ........and why ?

OK I'll give this a shot

Both front wheels ......for traction and steering control
Both right and left of the inter-axle...most likely to have the most weight load on it.


But....I kinda want to say... the left rear rear wheel and the right inter-axle wheel because they are the drivers....but I think that the unchained wheels will simply spin with no traction when the chained side meets resistance

Well...Colin how would you do it

Cheers
John

John I really dont know ! I'll go along with a pair on the front, but I really dont have a firm idea about the rear axles.

My gut feeling is to use the four outer wheels, simply because that'll be easiest to fit up, but I argue that the best traction would come from a fully fitted axle, but then all the working load will be on the one axle.

I've been volunteered to do a difficult wreck recovery on soft, greasy ground....off-road traction is going to be the key.

I'm just pleased I have that winch, and a couple of snatch blocks .....in case.

I would definately chain up the steer tires and one rear axle. If you just chain up the outside rear tires, it's possible to spin out in deep hardpack. (chained tires gouging out a trench and inside tires supporting load and spinning)

Colin.
A suggestion,

Get your truck as close a you safely can ( staying on decent ground )and only use you winch for the recovery. Use snatch blocks to double or triple your pulling power.
Use your CCKW to pull with, only when traction will permit it.

Hope this helps
John

John I didnt make myself clear. I will winch the recovery part of the operation. Its the to and from site that the chains are needed !!

True off-road, damp top surface on a clay under surface, in a dense woodland. Hey this is Europe.

US Army way of installing chains on a 6X6. If there are only chains for one rear axle, the chains are installed on the intermediate axle as it has to break the path for the rear axle and needs the extra traction. If installing single chains on dual wheels, the chains are to be installed on the outside tires.
It's in the manuals and bulletins.

Joel thats helpful information, thank you.

I already keep my 8-C-1575 Chains duel tyre, and 8-C-2380 Chain, single tyre, under the drivers seat as required in TM 9-801, but that same manual, is void of information on their use.

Do you have the reference number of the manual or bulletin that lists their correct use ?

With thanks

Not really, it is something that has rubbed off from training, sundry military TMs, and information in the US Army PS magazines from over the past 48 years. I probably could find the PS Magazine article the quickest. WWII Drivers manuals TM10-460, May 42, and TM21-305 Nov 44 touch on the topic.

Can anybody help me with the references Joel quotes, I'm a bit dubious about purchasing: WWII Drivers manuals TM10-460, May 42, and TM21-305 Nov 44. For only a touches on comment......

.........and it begs the question, what happened between May 42 and Nov of 44 for the instruction to change ?

I live in fear of been photographed practicing incorrect chain etequette, and need help. Anybody?

Ps magazine issue 419 of oct 1987 has a reprint of an earlier article
It also ref. to FM21-305 which I think is a drivers manual.
the basics are
Chains on the front axle even if not driven will provide better steering control
If you have a tandem rig but only 1 set of chains install them on the inter axle.
If you only single wheel chains install them on the outside.(on a dual wheel set up ) ( as previously posted )
Trailers usually don't need chains ,but if road conditions are REAL SLICK install them on the last or trailing axle ( to aid in braking )

Installation do's
install with crosslink hooks AWAY from the tire
install with the fasteners to the REAR when draping them over the tire
fasten the inner chain first and the the outer
secured the loose or tag ends with wire
drive a short distance and check them for tightness.

Hope this helps
John

Thank you John, I appreciate the input. Fronts and outers then, for me.