Thoughts on Emergency Traction Straps

[Mikebtte]

13 minutes ago, aseibel said:

The OP isn't looking for a traction device to drive though an icy mountain pass. He wants to be able to get out of a ditch if he's stuck alone. For the low cost and ability to put them on after you are buried, I don't think those emergency straps are a bad idea.

I should have been a little more detailed. When I was running field repairs in coal mines, oil field and logging the trucks running off road would use the socks to get un-stuck as they could be installed easy when stuck and were lighter than chains.

[aseibel]

5 minutes ago, Mikebtte said:

Almost all the trucks running snow socks were oil field and spent as mush time in the mud and timer as on the hwy, just an FYI.

yeah, but those socks are like chains - you put them on before you enter the low traction situation.

I think he wants to find something that can be implemented after getting stuck. Can you put the socks on if you are buried in a ditch, or do you need to be able to roll into it?

[BB68]

1 hour ago, AE1M said:

My question is a result of getting stuck alone in a ditch (1 ft of fresh snow hid the danger) at a driveway of a hunting cabin I'd never been to before.  So, it's just an emergency issue.  I have good tires etc, but sometimes good tires, 4L, and all the work you can do alone in the woods sometimes isnt enough.

 

Bob

 

I would buy them. I think they will work perfect for you intentions.

 

I remember one time throwing brush under my tires to get out of a ditch. These would have worked much better as they are taller and could "push" better. Mind that you arent matting the gas pedal.

[midwestdenaliguy]

To the OP - I think that strap design is relatively new so I don't know if you'll find any guys who have ran them (or something similar). For your scenario, getting unexpectedly stuck and not able to put on chains, the straps you found seem to be the easy solution. For $40 I say go for it and report back to us if they work. You can be our guinea pig :-)

[AE1M]

2 hours ago, midwestdenaliguy said:

To the OP - I think that strap design is relatively new so I don't know if you'll find any guys who have ran them (or something similar). For your scenario, getting unexpectedly stuck and not able to put on chains, the straps you found seem to be the easy solution. For $40 I say go for it and report back to us if they work. You can be our guinea pig :-)

Thanks, I did.  I have a concern about the clearance of the rubber part of the product and my hard splash guard.   In my episode up north, it took a full size pickup yanking on the front hooks pulling the truck forward and another on the rear hitch pulling to the passenger side to get me out of the ditch and associated rock.....   Made me load up on rescue material in my toolbox.

 

[ftwhite]

If you are thinking of the already stuck scenario, I'd get something like these before I'd try something on the wheel. My experience with chains on 4x4s is that it didn't really get me anywhere the tires alone wouldn't, they were a PITA to install, and installed right, they are not tight to the rubber, so clearance to the wheel well and fender became an issue as the tire spun or I got up speed. Installed tight, they broke off quickly.

 

https://www.arbusa.com/recovery/tred/

 

[L86 All Terrain]

Personally, if I was in fear of sliding off the road and getting stuck I would carry three things with me. 1) a $50 2,500lb 12v winch that has a plate that hooks on either your front tow hook or your rear receiver hitch ball and has alligator clips to the battery. No, it will not pull you out of the ditch but it will put tension on the vehicle assisting it to drive. This little winch is strong enough to pull my 1,500lb ice shack up onto my 36" tall deck over trailer, very handy little unit. This can easily store under the back seat when going into the woods. 2) I would have about 25' of 3/8" chain and a 5 ton come-along. 3) a steel square shovel, not a snow shovel. If you cant get out with these items, you are really stuck. 
 

[BB68]

What are you going to anchor the winch to?

[crushNchowda]

For the price why not throw a set in your toolbox? 

 

I have seen something similar used on a small car, can't hurt to have them on hand - I keep a small shovel, bag of sand (not for weight - for added traction worst case scenario), 5 gallons extra gas can, gloves/hat/blanket/flares in my truck during winter months. I also try to keep the tank @ 1/2 full or better.......but I am leveled/lifted about 3" in total + run studded snows so I don't really worry about getting stuck.......

[Mozzer]

I bought something that looks exactly like the original for the same exact reason, get out of a deep snow f-up.

The strap is quite close to the brake caliper but just clears on front & rear wheels for my 18" summer alloys & original 17" winter rims.

Haven't needed to use them yet but for the cost, size etc feel they could be a good investment.


Sent from my Moto Z2 Play using Tapatalk