If you’re driving a semi-truck in wintery, icy conditions, it is important to know which axle you should put chains on. As the driver of the truck, it is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is properly outfitted with the right chains, and that they are placed on the correct axle.
When putting chains on a semi-truck, there are three different axles that need to be considered: the drive axle, the trailer axle and the tag axle. The drive axle is located at the front of the truck and is responsible for powering and steering the vehicle.
The trailer axle is located behind the cab and supports most of the weight of your trailer. Finally, the tag axle is an additional drive axle that can be found just behind or in front of your trailer.
The Drive Axle
The drive axle should always be fitted with chains when driving in icy conditions. This ensures that your semi-truck has enough traction to safely navigate slippery roads. It also prevents your tires from slipping and sliding on icy surfaces.
The Trailer Axle
The trailer axle does not need to be fitted with chains under normal circumstances. However, if you are driving in particularly difficult conditions (such as heavy snowfall or icy roads), then it may be wise to add a set of chains to this axle as well.
The Tag Axle
The tag axle should never have chains fitted unless absolutely necessary. This is because too much weight can cause damage to this section of your semi-truck if not distributed correctly.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when driving a semi-truck in wintery conditions it is important to know which axles need to have chains fitted for safety reasons. The drive axle should always be fitted with chains for maximum traction and stability; however, it may also be beneficial in certain situations to add a set of chains to the trailer axles as well. The tag axles should only ever have chains added if absolutely necessary due to potential damage caused by too much weight being placed on them.
