My teenage son got his mother's car stuck in the ice & snow last week, and it took about 45 minutes to get him unstuck. I first tried to pull out the two wheel drive car out with my 4x4 Silverado, but I too got stuck in the ice and snow. How frustrating?After this most recent time of getting stuck, I decided to pick up a pair of Trac-Grabbers. Now the next time I get stuck in the ice, snow or mud, I should be able to rescue myself in a matter of minutes.I researched Trac-Grabber on their website, but ultimately found them with free shipping on Amazon. I have no affiliation with the company, just thought I would pass this info along for anyone else interested.Trac-Grabber Website

Looks like they would work on some cars/trucks. But a lot of vehicles have the brake caliper way inside the wheel close to the rim, and that strap would hit the caliper. Guess a person would need to check closely for clearance before purchase.That type of traction device has been around a long time. Looks like it's less likely to cause damage than the old metal chain type straps.

$5 worth of rope tied around the wheel in exactly the same manner does the same thing.And you won't be too upset when the brake rotor cuts it in half on the 5th revolution.Years back a guy in a big 4 x 4 diesel p/u got stuck in our private road, when I pulled a chunk of 3/4" yellow poly rope out he gave me the 'Whatcha gonna do with THAT?' line, I told him I was going to get him out.He pointed at my SUV and snickered 'With THAT?'I said 'Yup'I pulled out my pocket knife and tied 3 loops around each wheel and told him to drive his truck out of my way, I was late.The look of shock on his face as he rolled his truck out onto the road was priceless.

Gee When My Daughter got her car stuck she ha a boyfriend dig out to the attach point and called Daddy's rescue Service.. Took about 45 minutes, including time to print out Daddy's Rescue Service signs for my car windows, and I got her out with ye old tow strap.

Kitty Litter!Make a little trail and drive right out.

Our first Family Car was a Ford Model A which Mom and Dad drove until 1954. I remember Dad winding binder twine around the wheels and tires if we got stuck in snow--which was rare. It always got us out as far as I remember.

Trac-Grabber | Good Sam Community

pira114
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2017
I don't think these are marketed to replace chains. Nor do I think the OP meant that.

What I think is they are another viable tool to carry should you find yourself in a bad way. I play in the snow and mud and lot. I wouldn't mind trying these.
ryegatevt
Explorer II
Mar 03, 2017
Take out a couple of floor mats and put them under the drive wheels. Zip! You're out! Shake out the mats, put 'em back, and you're good to go!
Jebby14
Explorer
Mar 03, 2017
my jeep won the war so your Honda cuts my grass
JaxDad
Explorer III
Mar 03, 2017
Army11Bravo wrote:
JaxDad wrote:
$5 worth of rope tied around the wheel in exactly the same manner does the same thing.

The rope would probably work, but I think the strap is easier to cinch down. Plus, with the ice and snow I drive through in Montana, the big rubber block will have much more bite.

The rope actually work better if it's a little loose since it then pulls back out into a chevron shape as the wheel spins and it gets far better bite since it's then a much longer contact length, it also keeps it from falling into the tread grooves.

Rope also doesn't get hard when it gets colder, nor does it get slippery on ice like wet rubber does.

It's also a LOT gentler on your paint & bodywork if it comes undone.
TimnJo
Explorer
Mar 03, 2017
"This makes me want to see about a bumper mounted wench."
I tried that but my wife didn't like being tied to the bumper, didn't much like being called a wench either.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Tim
Horizon170
Explorer
Mar 03, 2017
ryegatevt wrote:
Take out a couple of floor mats and put them under the drive wheels. Zip! You're out! Shake out the mats, put 'em back, and you're good to go!

I use carpet strips on the sandy beach. Tie a rope to them and to the bumper/hitch,etc. and you don't have to stop 'til you are on solid ground.
JaxDad
Explorer III
Mar 03, 2017
TimnJo wrote:
"This makes me want to see about a bumper mounted wench."
I tried that but my wife didn't like being tied to the bumper, didn't much like being called a wench either.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Tim

Ok Tim, you owe me another Timmies and a new keyboard.......

To quote Larry the Cable Guy........

"I don't care who you are, that right there is FUNNY!!!"
Army11Bravo
Explorer II
Mar 04, 2017
ryegatevt wrote:
Take out a couple of floor mats and put them under the drive wheels. Zip! You're out! Shake out the mats, put 'em back, and you're good to go!

I have tried floor mats and all dimensions of lumber in the past with poor results. When it's icy and the drive tires are dug into a snowy hole, it's tough to get the floor mats or wood under the wheel.

Again, I think the rubber block cinched to the wheel solves this problem.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Mar 04, 2017
I would be careful pulling out any modern car. There is not much to hook to and they bend / break so easily. I don't tow people out anymore. To risky.

The different ideas on putting things around the tires look like a good idea though.

Forum Discussion

Trac-Grabber

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Re: stuck on wet grass

Re: Common issues with Dodge 6.7L or Ford 6.7