Some guy at work said take all that crap out of your car you don't need to get a small bump in gas mileage.
Anybody have a recommendation on a nylon or some other non-metal cable, strap or whatever that would be 'good enough' for helping pull people out of snow? Do I want something that stores energy or not?
1. If you're out on snowy, icy roads, weight is going to be your friend. In years past, I had 50lb iron weightlifting plates that I stuck in the trunk of my rear-wheel drive cars, and placed on the floor of my front-wheel drive cars. It works pretty well.
2. With regards to recovery gear, you have to be aware that the majority of vehicles that are going to be stuck in snowy drifts and ditches on the sides of roads are going to be cars. Cars typically are not designed to be pulled out of those "sticky" situations and those that try to "help" usually end up damaging the vehicle. It's not like you are preparing to pull a car onto a flatbed tow truck in a smooth, controlled fashion. So, even the pros can damage those stuck vehicles.
If you are out on the trail with other rigs that have the appropriate mounting hardware and recovery gear, that's a different situation.
Sooooo, although it is a noble thought to help your fellow man by getting them on their way, you're probably better off using your cellphone and calling the authorities. Let them damage the vehicle. If people are in physical danger by virtue of their situation or environment, you should help them out, but the vehicle, you can let go. A nice warm vehicle and a cellphone is probably what they need most.
In other cases, a snow shovel, traction boards, kitty litter, etc. is best for getting people out of those minor "sticky" situations. I have a plastic tote in the rear of every vehicle that has blankets, gloves, hats, camping shovel, jumper cables, etc. in it. If you're doing a long trip, then at least have bottled water and food.
I know this is a topic in and of itself, and I am sure there are many thoughts from others on this.
op2:
