Why do all the emergency vehicles I see (firetrucks,ambulances) have chains hanging from the undercarriage dragging the road? Is this just a New England/harsh weather thing? If so,why are they there year round? Are they like that everywhere? What purpose do they serve?

Truck drivers do this to prevent debris from flying up in front of the car behind....mud flaps degrade over time I guess...

I believe it's to ground the vehicle...

I bet it's to prevent the buildup of static electricity on the vehicle in case they are called to a scene where there is a flammable gas present.

No , No , No .. you guys are all Wrong ...........Its to chain it to a Pole incase they have for to .........for some odd reason drive to L.A , so it wont get stolen . :noway:

NBL guys . :thumbsup:

Sounds like a National Lampoon Vacation movie. Is there a dog collar on the end of the chain?

Poor little fella, after the first ten miles or so he tried to keep up with ya, but after that....(shrugs)
-Police Officer


jk - gotta be static related.

yes it is for too ground vehicle for build up of static electricity.amagine to put a oxygen mask on a person and static electricity jumps in. boom goes the patient and any other in ambulance.also early cars(way before the camaro)they where positive ground vehicles. they used straps or like a tractor trailer wheel guard on the ground.

Why do all the emergency vehicles I see (firetrucks,ambulances) have chains hanging from the undercarriage dragging the road? Is this just a New England/harsh weather thing? If so,why are they there year round? Are they like that everywhere? What purpose do they serve?

Peter,

What you see are retractable snow chains. They are extended via an electric motor so they contact the ground under the main wheels in an icy or snowy condition. You see them a lot on school buses and emergency vehicles in the "snow belt". :thumbsup:

http://www.onspot.com/indhisfr.htm

Those are ground penetrating radar antenna to find the other end of Highway Star Joe's metal in his backyard :D

Donut detectors plain and simple.

What you see are retractable snow chains. They are extended via an electric motor so they contact the ground under the main wheels in an icy or snowy condition. You see them a lot on school buses and emergency vehicles in the "snow belt". :thumbsup:

Dave gets the prize. The chains are mounted on vertical shafts that spin based on wheel speed rotating the chains under the tires. Instant snow chains. The last thing you want an ambulance to do is get stuck.

I believe it's to ground the vehicle...


That will teach you to try and give a serious answer.;)

Where's my TFH???

And, right retractable snow chains!!

pdq67

Well Paul if you left it in your TFO you might never be able to find it... :D I think there are some retractable chains stashed in there too...

http://home.freeuk.com/nedslider/image007.jpg

That will teach you to try and give a serious answer.;)
I don't understand why nobody take me serious Gary!! :D

http://www.raptureready.com/photo/tulsa2/z56.jpg