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SnoClaws - Any Users?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by BigFan, Oct 21, 2011.

  1. BigFan

    BigFan Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2009
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    Location:
    New Jersey, USA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    While I plan to get a set of Winter tires for my new Prius v (pre-ordered), I was considering getting some emergency traction assist like that provided by the SnoClaw product below (sorry as a newbie I cannot embed URLs). This would be for the rare (I hope) situation when I need more grip than the Winter tires can provide.

    Does anyone have experience with this product or other similar ones?

    Thanks!

    --Rob

    myweb.ecomplanet.com/FTAT7947/mycustompage0026.htm
     
    #1 BigFan, Oct 21, 2011
  2. stevemcelroy

    stevemcelroy Active Member

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    Location:
    Boulder, CO
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    It looks like they are just a different take on tire chains. You can buy a set of basic chains for about $75 - these are twice that.

    Also - I doubt that you will ever really need them. I grew up in Boston and spent some time in Syracuse NY and have never been in a situation where I have needed chains. As far as I'm concerned all you need is a good set of all season tires with enough tread - a set of radials (you mention winter tires) will be even better. If you need more traction than that you probably should not be out driving.

    If you are new to winter driving I'd recommend keeping a small shovel and a bag of kitty litter in the back (the storage space over the spare tire is perfect for this). They will help get you going if you are stuck in a parking spot or other situations.
     
    #2 stevemcelroy, Oct 21, 2011
  3. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    I used chains when I lived in California, driving through mountain passes at 9,000 ft they are required by law. But here in Maine they are only needed for off-road driving in the winter. Different regions need different things.

    I shift to studded snow-tires in October and swap them in April.

    I am in Northern / Central Maine.

    For driving across frozen lakes/rivers studs work great!

    If you are in NJ, I am not certain that you honestly need chains, ever.
     
    #3 ForestBeekeeper, Oct 22, 2011
  4. BigFan

    BigFan Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2009
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    Location:
    New Jersey, USA
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thanks guys. Yes I agree my need for traction assist (e.g., chain like devicess) would be rare and in my view only for emergency situations. I do plan to use a dedicate set of Snow tires on the Prius v, but emergencies still can occur. It is just a question of how remote the possibility and is it worth the investment to plan for the possibility.

    Thanks for your feedback.
     
    #4 BigFan, Oct 24, 2011
  5. stevemcelroy

    stevemcelroy Active Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Boulder, CO
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
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    II
    If you still plan on getting them be sure to practice getting them on a few times - it is not all that hard, but when you need them you will likely be stuck in a snow drift and invariably it will be dark (this stuff always seems to happen in the dark).
     
    #5 stevemcelroy, Oct 24, 2011
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