Reddit mentions: The best car & suv snow chains

We found 92 Reddit comments discussing the best car & suv snow chains. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 44 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.

20. Car Snow Chains Snow Tire Chains for Most Cars Anti-Slip Car Chains Car Emergency Chains All Season Anti-Skid Snow Cables Car Cables SUV Tire Cables (for Tire Width: 185-295mm/7-11'')

    Features:
  • ★【For Universal Car Models and Material of car snow tire chains】★: For universal car models whose tire width is 185-295mm/7.2-11.6inch; made of pure premium steel, thicken TPU, steel studs, aluminum alloy fastener. All the parts of the car chains are cold-resistant, no harm to tires, lower noise, wearable and tough, anti-aging, grip firmly, ultra safe; Greater durability than conventional tire chains or cables, which you will not regret buying
  • ★【Difference and strengths】★:2021 Newest Tire Chains, Genuine car snow chains with UTILITY MODEL PATENT, Car’s must have, Necessary car accessories for driving and emergencies, 100% Refund if buyers are dissatisfied(We have confidence with our car snow chains). Our chains have been approved by ISO. They have also gained the DESIGN PATENTS and EVALUATION REPORT of UTILITY MODEL PATENT. All of these features will provide much more security for you, your family and your car
  • ★【Occasions of our suv snow chains】★: This anti-skip snow chains for cars work well and have high performance whether you are stuck in sand, mud, snow, ice, climbing or other emergent situations; Your car will get more traction in bad situation; cheaper alternative to snow chains
  • ★【Simple mounting and removal for driving and trip】★: No need to take down tires. You can install our car chains by yourself without anyone’s help. You can refer to our car snow chains picture or installation manual. With adjustable straps, the car chains can be used on almost all tires. Better compatibility with car tires and offer a smooth ride; fast installation and removal in minutes, safe to use and affordable
  • ★【Tire chains size and include】★: 20*35cm/8*14’’, fit most cars, SUV and trucks whose car tires width from 185-295mm/7.2-11.6''; 10pcs car snow tire anti-skid chains & portable packing bag & a pair of gloves are included; 5pcs on one tire, offering a smooth ride and better not on flat ground. If you need to pass mountain road or stone road, we recommend installing on four tires. On snowy days, you can install car chains on two tires.
Car Snow Chains Snow Tire Chains for Most Cars Anti-Slip Car Chains Car Emergency Chains All Season Anti-Skid Snow Cables Car Cables SUV Tire Cables (for Tire Width: 185-295mm/7-11'')
Specs:
ColorYellow
Height0.4 Inches
Length42.5 Inches
Number of items1
Sizefor Tire Width: 185-295mm/7-11''
Weight0.57 Pounds
Width1.8 Inches
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🎓 Reddit experts on car & suv snow chains

The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where car & suv snow chains are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
Total score: 8
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Top Reddit comments about Car, Light Truck & SUV Snow Chains:

u/funkymunniez · 1 pointr/Portland

Moving sale! Got fired from my job and now I'm going back home so I have a lot of odds and end type shit and some furniture I want to get rid of. Prices are fixed, but only because I'm already lowballing everything because I just want to get rid of it. I'll post pictures of the actual item based on interest.

Things I'm offloading right now:

edit: New Stuff!!

  • Assorted beer glasses - two tall pilsner glasses (22 oz) (has a logo like this on the glass), small 3 oz taster glasses (3) one from Sam Adams, one from Wachusetts Brewery, one from the Copenhagen Beer Festival - Pilsners are $2/each and tasters are $2 for all three.

  • Assorted wine glasses (3) - $1/each

  • Digital Food scale - $2

  • This type of waffle maker. I think it's a black and decker, just all black colored, entirely plastic. Used but in great condition. - $5

  • Orange Safety Vest - $2

  • Two paper coveralls (Tyveks) - $2 for the pair

  • Orange work gloves. They're insulated a bit so they'll keep your hands warm and have a rubber palm/finger grip.

  • Hand warmers...I have 4 or 5 packs. - $1 a pack

  • Vacuum cleaner. So it's seen better days but it still gets the job done. Canister style vacuum, has primary floor attachment with a beater brush, solid floor attachment, wand attachment (the narrow high suction thing for getting under tight spaces), a bristle brush, and a smaller upholstery attachment with a beater brush built in for doing things like couches, cars, etc. There is something wrong with the connection between the primary floor attachment and the handle because recently it only operates the beater brush when the handle is turned at an angle. Like I said, it's seen better days, but it still works fine and would be a great vacuum for a shop or secondary thing to clean places that are typically dirty. Whole thing is $5 + some bags. Maybe you can fix it :)

  • 1.5ish ft by 2ish ft rubber entry mat. Used it to change my shoes after a muddy hike without trying to balance around and getting my feet wet or dirty. Take a hose to it and everything cleans right off. - $1

  • This Floor lamp - $5. Add $1 and you get bulbs!

  • These tire chains. New, never used (still sitting in the box amazon sent it in unopened), model QG1142. Bought it to fit a 2008 Honda CRV stock tires. And these rubber tighteners. Also brand new, still sealed in packaging unused. They go together, $20 for both.

  • This Leaf Antenna. Bought it in January, it's been sitting next to my TV. Delivers crystal clear, uncompressed broadcast channels. I used it to watch football for a month and get the morning news, works perfectly here in the city. I'm leaving a F/F coax connector with it so if you want to run a longer cable, you can. $5

  • FitBit HR Charge (original). Color is black. I have two of them and three charging cables. $20 each + charging cable.

  • This silverware tray. Fits in a standard sized drawer and has an expandable slot. $5

  • Brand new black and decker iron. Still in box. $5

  • Black and Decker toaster oven. Like new, been using it for 3 months to make small batch cookies, toast sandwiches, cook biscuits, and heat up food. I think this is the model, if not exact it's near identical. Has all pans and racks, black. Goes up to 450F. $10 Sale pending

  • This paper towel holder. $3

  • This table from Fred Meyer. Still brand new, sealed in box. Never had a chance to set it up. $75

  • A 3 foot, True Temper square shovel. Almost new, used it for work a few times. Only a couple months old. Looks kinda like this shovel. but not quite the same. Black grips instead of red. $10 Sale pending

  • ID badge holder. Holder also prevents proximity based copying...or something like that. It was given to me when I worked for the gov several years back, I don't know. $1

  • Two boxes of nitrile rubber gloves. Large and XL. Used maybe 3 pairs of XL but both are opened. $4 for both boxes. Sale pending

  • Stack of white envelopes. Idk...write me a poem.

  • Knife block. Your basic multipiece knife block. Steak knives, chef knife, carving knife, etc. Also comes with some kitchen utensils like a large plastic spoon, a spatula (I think) and a few other odds and ends. It's one set - $5.

  • These bottles of Nikwax waterproof restoration stuff. Never used, $5.

  • This napkin holder. New. Been sitting on my table for a month holding napkins. $5

  • A copy of the Kite Runner. Used, but little wear and tear. $1

  • The Unthinkable. $1. Sale pending

  • Zombie Survival Guide. 1 poem.

  • ATT cordless handset phones. Two handsets. One main docking station that has a voice mail built in and a secondary dock for the other handset. Still have the manuals too. $5

  • I have two stethoscopes. They're in pretty good condition, one never been used, the other was used last years ago and only for a brief period. Both in good condition. $10 for the pair.

  • Metal measuring spoons and measuring cups - $5

  • This TV stand. Color black. Surprisingly well built for "cheap" furniture. I have one back where I'm moving and it's held up great for 5 years. $75

  • Coffee Maker. I think it makes 4 cups, I'll have to check. It's a small one that I basically had for guests as I don't drink coffee. - $5 sale pending
u/SIGNUM1 · 2 pointsr/subaru

Hi there, I live in LA area as well and make a lot of trips to the mountains (bear/mammoth) during winter season and I have some recommendations. I just wanted to get this out of the way first: AWD is great but tires are the number 1 factor. AWD won't save you when your tires just flat out can't grip. I just went up to mammoth for MLK and bear the weekend after (both times were either dumping or just got dumped on) and with decent all season tires had absolutely no problem without chains. I'm talking ice, 4-5 inches of powder, etc. etc. just make sure to drive smart.

Now, IMO even if your tires and car are enough to meet the challenge it’s a good idea to have a set of chains handy (also you can get ticketed for not having them). I’d recommend something like these:
chains
Reason being they are easier to put on than something like these: glacier chains
Also, I’ve had tow guys tell me about how brake lines sometimes getting severed from the cable overhang.
I’d also get some tensioners to keep everything tight: tensioner

Good luck and hope you get this!

EDIT: Those links are not specific to your car/tire. I just wanted to give you an overview. The links on amazon will have sizing charts so just find one that fits your specific tire size.

> I am considering buying four sets of snow chains or cables

Assuming you meant 2 sets with a total of 4 chains (they come in pairs) I think that would be overkill. I'd check your manual but I'm pretty sure you only want to put chains on the front tires.

u/YoudontknowSMIT · 12 pointsr/tahoe

I moved to Stateline, Nevada (Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe) from Pittsburgh (Irwin, by way of Dormont) back in 2011. Make sure to get a hug from everyone because you're not going to want to return. Lived at one of the higher elevations around, Top of Kingsbury Grade, and have yet to own a 4wd/AWD. That being said, you will need chains. I'd recommend something easy to put on, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Laclede-7021-540-07-Alpine-Premier-Passenger/dp/B00EZWWPJS. Avoid the chains that look like a ladder when laid flat, they are terrible.

Coming from the city I'd recommend South Lake/Stateline ( no income tax in Nevada!). Preferably some place within walking distance of Heavenly. If you will be renting a place try to find one with a snowblower, because you will need it!

Good luck. Oh and bring Yuengling! There's none out here.

u/pointblankjustice · 2 pointsr/Portland

Definitely depends on a number of things, the biggest ones being the capabilities of your vehicle and the types of roads you expect to be traveling on.

AWD and 4WD are not invincible. Good traction tires (they do NOT need to be studded, studless snow tires are actually generally better than studded tires in most conditions) should be your first investment, because they make it markedly less likely that you'll need to be recovered in the first place.

Assuming you are just driving around on mostly paved roads or well-kept Forest Service roads, I'd be prepared with jumper cables, a spare tire with jack/tire iron/wheel chock (and some blocks of wood to shim in case you need extra height on your jack), tow straps, a come-along, possibly chains, a snow shovel (and snow gloves) and possibly traction mats of some sort (like these). Know where your tow points are on your vehicle, because if you get stuck and can't dig yourself out or use traction mats or your come-along to get yourself out, you will need someone to pull you out. If you have a vehicle where you can store gas externally (roof basket, pickup bed, etc) consider getting a 5-gal jerry can for spare fuel. Otherwise, I strongly advise never venturing into the backcountry without at least half a tank.

If you get deeper into wanting to overland/offroad, you'd want to look at improving your ground clearance and investing in a good winch. Ground clearance will definitely help with not getting stuck in the first place, and a winch will greatly improve your ability to self-recover. However, being new to this, I'd strongly encourage you to do this in a group with at least one other vehicle.

I could write a novel on what sort of survival gear to have with you. But figure at a bare minimum you'd want:

  • Blankets/sleeping bags

  • At least a gallon of water per person, augment with a water filter

  • Spare food/snacks

  • Firestarting equipment

  • Layered cold and wet weather gear

  • First aid/medical gear matched to your level of training

  • A good, bright headlamp or flashlight like those from reputable brands like Nitecore, Fenix, FourSevens, OLight, Black Diamond, Petzl, etc along with spare batteries

  • Hand saw and potentially an axe for clearing brush that might fall across a road and block your travel

  • If there are multiple vehicles in your group, consider adding a cheap CB radio to each vehicle or handheld UHF radios like cheap Baofengs or something

  • A PLB (personal locator beacon for life-threatening emergencies) or other satellite communicator (DeLorme InReach being the best, also the SPOT line of products). A true PLB like those from ACR are about $250 on Amazon and are only to be used in situations of grave danger, whereas a two-way communicator like the InReach can be useful if you get stuck somewhere without cell coverage and need recovery/support but you aren't actively dying.

u/maddiedog · 9 pointsr/overlanding

Ridgeline! Ignore any haters, I "overlanded" in my Honda Element and love the hell out of the Ridgeline. You'll get a lot of unnecessary hate in a Ridgeline, including from pavement princess Tacomas, Jeeps, etc. Remember, if you're having fun, that's all that counts. Plus, your ride is way more comfortable than theirs to daily drive.

I had General Grabber AT2s on my Element, they were awesome. I have BFG KO2s on my Tacoma now, they're just as awesome. Discount Tire runs good promos, I highly recommend waiting and going with them. Definitely don't go anywhere before tires though, you'll regret it.

If you can, fit 1" larger diameter tires and upgrade from there. I did a spacer lift on my Element and it was enough, just take it easy.

Above all else, don't get caught up in all the gear and hype, go out there with your standard camping gear and enjoy the journey. If it's for you and you like it, upgrade over time to better gear. I went on dozens of trips with my V-Strom or PCX, had a kid, then went on 4 trips with my Element. I had so much fun and sometimes miss that freedom, but it's hard now that kid #2 is here. I've since upgraded from the Element to a Tacoma and bought a ton of crap... But that crap is just that. I could fit everything I needed to "overland" in a backpack on my motorcycles, and that's all you really need.

Get out there, have fun, and let the gear and expenses come if you enjoy it. If you've got a hole burning in your wallet, based on your rig, I'd recommend some basic recovery gear. I have a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AV2HONS/ and they'll get you out of most trouble without a winch. Start easy with forest service roads, and go up from there.

u/cryospam · 1 pointr/ATV

Yea they do, but you can't buy shitty chains. The best ones have nubs that stick up rather than just being chain wraps. I have a set of THESE that I throw on my LT Z400 when the snow starts to fall. I did also buy a set of THESE which make a tight fit easier to get (plus they're cheap).

If you want to "Go Big or Go Home" you can look up XGEN track systems. They give you a lot more traction compared to wheels in the snow, but they're expensive.

u/olek2012 · 7 pointsr/4x4

https://www.amazon.com/Escaper-Traction-Off-Road-Extraction-20333/dp/B00AV2HONS

MAXSA Escaper Buddies are great, I cannot praise them enough. I’ve used them for two seasons now and they’re still good as new. The key is to be very careful not to spin your tires on them. If you spin tires then you melt the plastic and the little nubs flatten. You want to position them where your tires won’t spin at all. Plus if your tires are spinning, you need to adjust anyways because it means you still don’t have enough traction for forward motion.

These have saved me out of quite a few precarious situations. They have held up very well and just on my last trip we jacked up a YJ and used two of these board stacked on top of each other as a platform in the snow to jack from. They held up great and no signs of cracking or breaking!

u/inversend · 6 pointsr/Denver

Here is the Colorado State Department of Transportation link for Traction and snow chains. As noted the "auto sock" is deemed to be meeting this requirement and are fairly light, fold up easy and don't take a ton of space.

First make sure you have good tires in good condition and be aware of possible weather conditions before making the trip.
Here are a few links

u/BentBomber · 3 pointsr/overlanding

I guess they're actually $120 a pair, but free shipping with Prime. Maxsa is the brand. I've had mine for almost a year and have used them a few times with good results. Totally worth the $120.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AV2HONS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01

u/TinyMetalTube · 6 pointsr/vandwellers
  1. Go someplace where it's not snowy.
  2. Good insulation, ventilation, and a heater.
  3. Sub-zero sleeping bag.
  4. Make sure you check the area around your intake(s) and exhaust(s) for snow accumulation. Blockage is bad.
  5. Have a good squeegee / ice scraper / snow brush. Ideally on a telescoping pole.
  6. Have a good collapsible shovel, for (1) digging yourself out of the snow/mud, (2) clearing large swaths of snow from atop and near the vehicle. Be sure not to scratch the paint.
  7. Have a set of what Bob calls Portable Tow Trucks for when you inevitably get stuck.
  8. Stay with someone / get a hotel / etc.
  9. Put some reflective tape on the rear of the vehicle, and possibly elsewhere, so you can be seen. Many of us have white vehicles, and those blend into the snow quite readily.
  10. Camp somewhere that has cell reception so you can always call for help if you need to.
u/lordofthefeed · 2 pointsr/Westfalia

I'm a fan of these wine glasses (which come in red, white, and champagne!).

We also just got a set of rescue ramps (they might've been these), which we haven't tried out yet but are looking forward to!

Happy trails to you and your wife!

u/nerex · 1 pointr/snowboarding

I thought snow tires were just for areas where you will be driving in snow for several months at a time during winter? I would imagine driving all the way to mammoth on snow tires would be more dangerous (handling-wise) than having normal tires on up in mammoth.

Why not just grab a set of chains? Or, if you're worried, 2 sets, since AWD can actually benefit from a 2nd set (Just make sure to get the right size for your tires).

What Subaru did you get, and do you like it? I'll most likely be getting a 2011 WRX hatch in a couple weeks- I can't wait (except for the insurance increase, of course)! The WRX has summers on it, and i'll be heading up to baldy on pow days, where some of the roads are pretty steep, so i'll definitely be picking up a couple sets of chains just in case.

u/Standeck · 1 pointr/Wrangler

Good looking wheels! The sand mats are from Amazon and help to completely block any view out the rear window so I have a rear view camera with wireless 7" display screen that is searching for a good mounting solution.

u/Yourestupider · 1 pointr/VEDC

These are on the expensive side but are great to carry for all terrains

Here

u/tunersharkbitten · 1 pointr/Toyota

to my knowledge, that year it didnt. hence the reason i said pulse the throttle. little bursts of low gear input and it should give more grip than normal. then again, i got THESEfor a friend with an older non crawl tacoma. worked like a charm

u/powerdeamon · 5 pointsr/overlanding

FWIW I have the knock off maxxtraxx and they never have failed me. Technically I've never used them for me but they worked perfectly for the people I helped recover, including a weekender RV out of a soft sand and gravel patch in the high desert.

u/Lunares · 2 pointsr/teslamotors

https://www.amazon.com/Quality-Chain-Passenger-Traction-QV343/dp/B005N7IKE8

here's some tire chains which claim to fit a 245/35/21 tire (which tesla says is their premium turbine wheel size : http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/model-s-wheels-tires-and-tire-covers/products/21-silver-high-performance-wheel )

there's also this crazy ass expensive one that doesn't seem to sit on the rims, might be better to not damage the car

https://www.etrailer.com/p-TH02230K45.html

u/fucky_fucky · 3 pointsr/Yosemite

I bought two sets of these for a trip last year. Might be cheaper than renting them. Used them twice; they're surprisingly well made and definitely got the job done.

u/mr_masamune · 2 pointsr/overlanding

How'd they fit?! I've used this style of adjuster the last couple of times I used my chains and I seem to like them better. As you can see by the reviews there (I used a different brand), some people didn't fancy them. That being said, most of the time I saw them break was when the user left them on for days/weeks and the sun dried them out.

u/nixsee · 1 pointr/vandwellers

I've loved my copper at3s, but they're useless in snow. I've been having a lot of difficulty with them in western Canada lately. However I'll only be in snow for a couple more months, so I'll deal with them. I've now read a bunch of other awful snow reviews for them, but let me know how you find yours.

I also have chains, which you'll need with any tire when the snow gets too deep. I've been happy with mine - they go on quite easily. However a plastic piece broke recently so I just replaced it with some wire and other attachments that I got at home Depot. Hopefully it works well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003SK8DMQ

u/stubbornmoose · 3 pointsr/overlanding

Used my maxsa to pull myself 60 yds out of rim deep mud. Awesome kit
MAXSA Escaper Buddy Traction Mat (Set of 2) for Off-Road Mud, Sand, & Snow Vehicle Extraction Orange 20333 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AV2HONS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0OlTzbV0RKMNP

u/ogrotrabajador · 1 pointr/mazda3

I've heard good things about the AutoSock (be sure to get the right size) for serious traction help - like before the plows have come out if you need to go out during an emergency. You can't go above 30-40mph, but it would get you out in a pinch. I got snow tires for my 3 and I am 100x more confident than driving around in all-seasons, even when there isn't snow on the ground, but because at below ~45F, the materials get hard in all-seasons and you lose grip.

u/jes2 · 4 pointsr/volt

your post was caught in the spam filter. I approved it, but for future reference, submitting links without the tags might help. for example:

u/Brandocomando · 1 pointr/subaru

This is what I got: Security Chain Company SC1032 Radial Chain Cable Traction Tire Chain - Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VAKXVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_OLuMKkwuaHv4x

Even with my larger than stock tires they seemed to fit OK. they were a little tricky to get on but eventually got them on. Just make sure you check the tire size. They are really low profile.

u/MP-The-Law · 2 pointsr/accord

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7YZV46/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8YCEDbXCZKVXX

These, but only one on each front tire. I’m sure more than one would work though.

u/Helen____Keller · 42 pointsr/pics

Nice pic. Traction boards and a shovel next time.

u/[deleted] · 0 pointsr/IdiotsInCars

Its more than 2 seconds in snow for following distances,

https://www.drive-safely.net/s

This site recommends 6-10 secs

also they make some neat snow accessories for tires if chains are not allowed.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2016/01/snow-traction-when-you-need-it/index.htm

They make accessories to put on tires once stuck also.

https://www.amazon.com/Trac-Grabber-Traction-Alternative-Unstuck-Install/dp/B01BDWRECU

Also down shifting into a lower gear in automatics works wonders in for slowing down without braking hard.

u/itchybitsyjockstrap · 19 pointsr/EngineeringPorn

They produce things like this, more expensive than a chuck of wood but same thing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BDWRECU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eNMCCb84433CP

u/SmokeOneBro · 2 pointsr/4x4

10,000lb recovery strap w/ tow hooks and hardware along with these:

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AV2HONS/ref=pd_aw_sbs_1?pi=SS115&simLd=1&dpPl=1&dpID=41r0N2OOheL
Edit: you may want a higher rating than 10,000 depending on your use!

u/adventure_dog · 3 pointsr/BuyItForLife

I live in Colorado and have had the same pair of tire chains for my car since before the traction law became a thing.

self adjusting tire chains can also he found at walmart for the same price.

I've had them for 4 years now.

If you're using them to drive on black ice or anything thats not snow theyre going to get torn up and break. If you're driving faster than the recommended speed limit on the case then they're going to break. The suggested max speed limit with any chains is 25 - 35 mph.

Any chains will break and tear up your vehicle the only thing you can really do is make sure to drive on snow, keep within the speed limits and inspect them after use for links that are wearing thin.

Also the chain/traction law on I 70 in the Colorado mountains can be b.s. at times. They forget to change it during the day or it's not updated between midnight and 6 am.

u/driftingrover · 1 pointr/CampingandHiking

These for getting unstuck.

u/illegible · 1 pointr/pics

hah, never mind... I figured it out

u/ultrakill01 · 1 pointr/Montero

Maxtrax

Also D-Rings and a tow strap or snatch strap for somebody to pull you out.D-Ring Snatch Strap

u/IJUSTWANTTOUPBOAT · 2 pointsr/Trucks

As others have said it's your money; do as you wish.

All that said; how bad were you really stuck?

You can get recovery boards to leave in your toolbox

http://www.amazon.com/Innovations-20333-Escaper-Orange-Traction/dp/B00AV2HONS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410038008&sr=8-2&keywords=maxx+traxx

You can get winches and pull anchors for use when you don't have a tree to strap to and mount them on a receiver plat form so you can remove it when you need to;

http://www.amazon.com/WARN-86245-VR8000-000-Winch/dp/B004UJ3IAQ/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1410038095&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Warn+winch

http://www.amazon.com/PULL-PAL-WINCH-ANCHOR-11000-Heavy-Duty/dp/B004WFX8HQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1410038122&sr=1-1&keywords=Pull+pal

You can run an all terrain tire and you will get further than highway tread even on a 2wd truck- and your truck needs tires anyway why not go all terrain if you can find one that has decent road manners (I run firestone destination A/Ts and they have been just fine).

See the thing is- that entire list is all stuff that people hang off of 4x4s anyway!

So, buy recovery boards, buy a winch on a hitch mount, buy A/Ts and leave your stockers out in the garage. See if your truck still gets stuck. Still getting stuck? Upgrade to a 4x4. Sell your truck with the stockers on it, throw the A/Ts and recovery boards and winch on your new 4x4.

If you read off road magazines, most of them will tell you not to go off road by yourself in the first place. None of them will tell you to take a 2x4 off road, but none are going to tell you that a 4x4 simply will not get stuck.

u/photonoobie · 9 pointsr/XVcrosstrek

I drive the local beaches in my area (east coast US) often have have little problems. My '14 sits on 1" of lift and a set of BFG KO2, which are decidedly not well suited for the sand. The factory tires did just as well, if not better, as they have a much more compliant sidewall than the BFGs.

Most of the time, airing down is not necessary. One beach in particular can be very soft at times, so I usually run about 20psi there. I've found that wet sand can be as hard as pavement sometimes. Other times, it might as well be quicksand. Nonetheless, I rarely have an issue. I do carry a shovel and traction mats, just in case. I have used them a few times, but only because of my own poor decision-making when choosing a path.

Keep an eye on the tides if you'll be driving below the high tide mark just in case you do have a problem. You'll want to leave yourself enough time to get rescued should need be.

The CVT is fine in sand. You'll find that you need to use a bunch more throttle input in order to get moving and stay moving.

Turning off the traction control (as much as the button allows you) seems to help keep the car from killing any semblance of power when the wheels start to spin a little. If you do encounter wheelspin, remember to give the car enough time to sense the spin before letting off the throttle.
The system will kick in, make creaking and other strange noises, and apply less power to the wheel that's spinning, and continue on its' way.

Sometimes, the traction control light, hill assist light, and CVT temp lights will illuminate while driving on sand or other loose surfaces. This is [I think] caused by wheelspin events that last longer than normal, or when the steering wheel input doesn't match the direction of travel for longer than the car is expecting. It doesn't do any permanent damage, but the traction control system is completely disabled when those lights are on, to beware. The fix is usually to restart the car.

A couple of other [maybe not so] obvious items.

Rinse off sand and salt after you get off the beach.

Be mindful of your approach and departure angles. The XV bumpers are all plastic, and the rear specifically has a tendency to be pulled off if it tries to scoop up a bunch of sand.

Your factory tow hook isn't designed to take the stress of offroad recovery. It's designed to pull a car straight onto a flatbed towtruck. If you do need to use it to get unstuck, you'll need to do your best to pull straight forward or back. Any sideways pull has a tendency to bend the hook.

For Reference.

TL;DR Go For It.

u/Hellvis · 3 pointsr/VacationColorado

You'll need to have them on your vehicle if they enact the winter traction law. When the roads are dry, no problem, but if it gets bad having a set of chains makes a big difference.

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Chain-Company-SC1032-Traction/dp/B000VAKXVA/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1481570111&sr=1-2&keywords=tire+chains

Get a set sized to your tires and keep them handy. There are stations along the side of 70 to stop and chain up if necessary.

They're not stopping people to check, but if you're involved in an accident you'll get an extra ticket if you're not compliant.