Practical winter traction information for heavy trucks, fleets and operators.

Winter driving in Alberta can change quickly. A clear highway can turn into packed snow, ice or slippery conditions in a short stretch of road. For heavy-truck operators, being prepared is about more than getting through the day – it is about having the right equipment on hand before conditions get difficult.

Tire chains are one of those pieces of equipment you may not need every day, but when traction becomes a problem, having the right set ready to go can make a real difference. At Hayworth Equipment Sales, we stock heavy-duty tire chain options for common 11R22.5 and 11R24.5 truck tire sizes, including single and triple V-bar chains.

Why Tire Chains Still Matter

Modern tires and traction systems have come a long way, but there are still situations where additional mechanical traction is useful. Ice, packed snow, sleet, steep grades, logging roads and demanding work sites can all reduce the amount of grip available at the tire.

The V-bar chains we carry are designed to add traction in slippery conditions. They are manufactured from hardened carbon steel for strength and durability, making them a practical option for operators who work through Western Canadian winters.

What Is a V-Bar Tire Chain?

A V-bar chain uses V-shaped traction elements on the cross chain. Those raised contact points are designed to provide additional bite on ice, snow and sleet compared with relying on the tire alone.

For a truck that regularly sees winter highways, industrial sites or other low-traction conditions, V-bar chains are a straightforward piece of winter equipment to keep on board. The important part is making sure the chain is the correct style and size for the truck before it is needed.

Singles vs. Triples: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference is how much of the drive axle tire set the chain covers.

• Single tire chains fit over one truck drive tire. They are a practical choice when you need added traction on an individual drive tire.

• Triple tire chains span a dual-tire assembly and are designed to go over two truck drive tires, providing broader chain coverage across the duals.

Which setup is right for you depends on the truck, tire configuration and the conditions you expect to encounter. If you are unsure, our parts team can help confirm the correct option before you head out.

Start With the Correct Tire Size

A tire chain is not a one-size-fits-all product. Before buying a set, check the tire size printed on the sidewall and confirm the chain is intended for that size. Two common heavy-truck sizes we currently stock chains for are 11R22.5 and 11R24.5.

Checking fitment ahead of time is a lot easier than finding out on the side of the road that the chains in the truck do not match the tires.

Tire Chain Options Available at Hayworth

We carry the following V-bar tire chain options through our parts department and online store:

A Few Things to Check Before You Need Them

Tire chains are most useful when they are ready before the weather turns. At the start of winter – and periodically through the season – it is worth taking a few minutes to make sure your chains are complete, in usable condition and matched to the tires on the truck.

• Confirm the tire size and chain fitment.

• Inspect the chain for worn, bent or damaged links.

• Make sure fasteners and tensioning components are present and working.

• Know how the chains install before you are dealing with snow, darkness or roadside conditions.

• After installation, check that the chains are properly fastened before operating the vehicle.

For the V-bar chain products we carry, the manufacturer also specifies that the vehicle should not exceed 50 km/h (31 mph) while the chains are in use. Always follow the instructions supplied with your specific chains and any applicable road requirements.

Do Not Wait Until the First Bad Road

Winter preparation is usually easiest when it is done in the yard, not on the shoulder of a highway. If tire chains are part of your winter setup, check what you have now, make sure the sizing is right and replace anything that is worn or missing.

Hayworth Equipment Sales has single and triple V-bar tire chains available for common heavy-truck applications, along with a range of other winter essentials. You can stop by our parts department in Acheson or shop through the Hayworth online parts store.

Not sure which chain you need? Give our parts team a call. We would rather help you sort out the right fit before the snow starts flying.

HAYWORTH EQUIPMENT SALES – PARTS

26180 – 114 Avenue, Acheson, Alberta

Phone: 780-962-9100

Online Parts Store: hayworthparts.com

Monday-Friday: 7:30 AM-4:30 PM