Traction aids!

[CaptEditor]

What do you guys bring with you for traction aids? Please specify how/where you have used them and how well they worked. (mud, snow, loose gravel, etc.)

Let's rate them from 1 to 5 unless someone objects.
Also state your tires and year/model!

edit: I cross posted this on ultimatesubaru.org for additional response
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/...d.php?t=103389


-Kevin

[CaptEditor]

I'll start:

Aid: Old Towel
Rating:4
Tires: Grabber AT2's 215/65R16
Model: 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon
Conditions: snow drift on a dirt road, I was following ATV tracks

I used a towel when I got stuck in a snow drift. I wasn't entirely stuck, but my wagon kept sliding sideways toward a small tree whenever I accelerated forward.

I cleared a bit of the snow from around the rocker panels and in front of the tires. I then placed the old towel down in front of my passenger rear tire, the side that wanted to go towards the tree. I placed the auto transmission in 1 and slowly went forward and straight out of the 'stuck' area.

I was surprised at how well it worked, however I have only tried it this one time. I usually have an old towel or two in the back since I have 3 dogs.








Yes, I forgot to pack a shovel, too.


-Kevin

[CNY_Dave]

[ETC]

I air down, Increases your contact patch many times. I have a small 12v high output compressor with me at all times.

Depending on the terrain I've used everything under the sun to wedge under my tires. Nature usually provides most of it.

Tires are either Grabber at2 or Bridgestone 009's currently.

[Startiger]

Originally posted by ETC
I air down, Increases your contact patch many times. I have a small 12v high output compressor with me at all times.

What compressor do you use? I had a 12V one but it only lasted long enough to fill 2 tires before it broke it's crankshaft.


Since then I got a Craftsman, 1 HP compressor which works great, but won't run on 12v.

[ETC]

Sorry forgot about this thread

I have a 12v mini compressor I bought at pep boys. I've had it for 3 or 4 years and used it dozens of times. It fills a normal size tire like on the OB pretty quick, the 35's on my truck take forever but it gets it done and hasn't grenaded yet ;]

This isn't one of those plastic plug in the cig lighter units, you hook it right to the battery with clamps and I leave the motor running while I do it. I think it cost $60 on sale ... normally like $99 if I recall correctly.

[hunterlord]

thats a great idea about the towel. i always have a shovel cuase i'm full of stuff. but my gmc savana work van sucks like no other on even the slightest ice. a box of 1" drywall screws spread out works well. also my husky dog nova kane

[hunterlord]

google these things, a towel shaped like snow chains no kidding!

[duallydave]

Just about anything that you can throw under the wheels will work as a traction aid. Dirt, sand, branches, cardboard, kitty litter, your floor mats, they all will provide more traction than ice and snow. Just bring a shovel and dig down through the snow to the dirt, then throw it over the snow in front of (or behind) your tires. Some people have been known to carry a bag of sand or kitty litter.

If nothing else, if you have a shovel, you can dig the snow out and make a clear path, unless you are high centered, that is a whole 'nuther can of worms.

[caoutback]

Bringing up an old thread but, I once got stuck in the snow in an 89 Bronco and we used a butter knife found in the back seat as a flat head screwdriver to unscrew both license plates to use as shovels and the hood prop rod as a pick for the ice under the truck. I keep gloves and chains (both tire and logging) and once carried a 10ft length of chain link fencing (great for mud and sand). Never thought of the old towel truck but will be adding towels to the spare tire well of my rides now.