Traction aid

[Fromtoronto]

I need some help. I tow with a Minivan, rated at 3500 lbs, boat is 3000 with gas and gear.

ANyway, it tows very well, no issues. My question comes when I have a slippery ramp, steep, loose gravel etc. I was on a concrete ramp and top was loose recently poured gravel. Well I got out, but it dug a hole under tire.

I saw tow truck in a box, saw some other things similar... anyone use any aids or something for this purpose? Just in case?

When I was a kid, my dad had these grates, that folded onto each other, about 9x9 inches and maybe 4 pieces that folded onto each other and un folded to make a great traction aid.. This would be perfect , but I cannot find such a thing now. It was heavy metal, like a grate and was red painted....

Any tricks? or know where I can get these things?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Traction aid

I think I saw something similiar at Canadian Tire. More likely to stock them in the fall. Also check out Princess Auto. They are made by Securi International in Drummondville PQ 819-477-9292

 

[doug glass]

Re: Traction aid

i would not tow that close to your max capacity too much strain on powertrain--but if you must add traction most local auto parts stores have these items

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Traction aid

Minivans don't generally have very "grippy" tires. Perhaps something with a more aggressive tread pattern would help.

 

[salty87]

Re: Traction aid

maybe get your tires siped?

 

[MudSkunk]

Re: Traction aid

lower the air pressure in your drive wheel(s) down a lot. just enough to keep the rims from hitting the ground will help. you will of course have to reinflate the drive wheel(s). this is a tactic that is used to get wheeled vehicles through hazardous areas where a lot of traction is needed. if you choose to do that just dont reinflate on the ramp . but with a rig that heavy a 4wd truck would be better. can get cheap 4wd beaters just for towing pretty cheap.

wonder what people gonna do when anything but golf carts can no longer be purchased in 2012??

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Traction aid

The resale on my 4x4 will go up! After $4.00 a gallon gas it's worth more as scrap metal than as a trade in.