Recovery: TruckClaws vs. Trac-Grabbers ?

[nghiS4]

Has anyone used either of these or both? Thoughts? Seem like a great emergency tool to have. TruckClaws look to be far more aggressive (& therefore better), but cost 3x Trac-Grabbers. May have helped me get unstuck from that bigass mud pit a few months back without a tug.

TruckClaws 2 (Aluminum) $159.
https://truckclaws.com/emergency-tire-traction-aid/

Trac-Grabber (Rubber) $49-$99.
https://www.tracgrabber.com/

 

[techno]

I like the idea of these, but I don't think my mudflaps and fenders would survive long.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Not sure how well they'd work with my 35's... I imagine like the above poster said, it'd rip a fender off pretty quick.

The picture shows a vehicle with stock tires, most of us are trimming fenders and pushing caster and such to barely clear 33" or larger tires...

 

[nghiS4]

For sure as am I, which is why it's an emergency-only tool. And it'd be wise to do some testing to make sure they'd clear, prior to actual need.

Truckclaws promo vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8qHaARSWZA

 

[nghiS4]

Tracgrabbers may be safer, being rubber & lower profile. I might try out both & do some testing.

Tracgrabber promo vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Oy0TzZ_D8w

 

[el_kab0ng]

Wonder how these stack up against something like Max Trax

 

[nghiS4]

Wonder how these stack up against something like Max Trax

Really depends on the situation at hand. I have a pair of 4'x2' industrial fiberglass grating, works similarly to Maxtrax but costs less, which is great for firmer mud, & even bridging.

However, they would likely get completely buried underneath this super watery situation I was in a few months back. I did not have them with me to try, as this was a spontaneous mud puddle we came across. Not sure they would've helped. Had to get a light tug backwards & I was free.

 

[el_kab0ng]

Like tools in a tool box, it's probably a good idea to have a few options at hand rather than just one.

 

[DZNUTS]

Holy crap!! They've found Bigfoot in that first photo in the original post [emoji50][emoji50]









Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

Heck, those tires in the first photo look like they barely have any tread. Don't appear like they would be good for the pavement alone going off-road.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Heck, those tires in the first photo look like they barely have any tread. Don't appear like they would be good for the pavement alone going off-road.

That's because they're loaded with mud. You can see the siping just barely under the layer of mud. Last time I went really muddin' in the 4th gen I had 33" Nitto Terragrapplers and they looked like slicks after getting loaded up.

 

[having fun]

Now this is loading up with bald like tires.
He did get out on his own.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

That's because they're loaded with mud. You can see the siping just barely under the layer of mud. Last time I went really muddin' in the 4th gen I had 33" Nitto Terragrapplers and they looked like slicks after getting loaded up.

No disagreement about them being loaded with mud. I have had an inch of mud caked on mine before. But that tread design is obviously not agressive at all.

 

[MN4runnerman]

I've been in muddy trails in Wisconsin and, unless you have terra tires for tractors, your tires are gonna get loaded up with mud and become like slicks whether they are tsl super swampers or bfg all terrains.

 

[nghiS4]

Not sure how well they'd work with my 35's... I imagine like the above poster said, it'd rip a fender off pretty quick.

The picture shows a vehicle with stock tires, most of us are trimming fenders and pushing caster and such to barely clear 33" or larger tires...

I imagine the rubber Trac-Grabbers wouldn't clear if I had 35's either, I'm just a tad over 33's. Did some preliminary measuring & guessing & it seems they *might* work with my current setup, clearing the wheel wells as well as brakes. The block height for the larger truck or oversize is 1.5". Moreso on the rears, but the fronts should clear...as long as I don't turn my steering wheel haha....

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I imagine the rubber Trac-Grabbers wouldn't clear if I had 35's either, I'm just a tad over 33's. Did some preliminary measuring & guessing & it seems they *might* work with my current setup, clearing the wheel wells as well as brakes. Moreso on the rears, but the fronts should clear...as long as I don't turn my steering wheel haha....

Something else to consider is that even with my 33's, when I was stuffed they ripped out screws from the back mudflaps. So even the rubber stuff can catch objects on there.

 

[mrblah]

id buy fake maxtrax before i buy those. Those look like they can do some damage to the fenderliner if your tires stuff into the wheelwell.

Also, trying to install that while your knee deep in a mudpit..yea ill pass.

 

[atchcraft]

Save your $

I've never used anything like this, but I do have a lot of experience in mid. My personal thoughts; these are the off-road equivalent of the opti-grab.

 

[having fun]

Not advisable with 35s. I still hit in certain areas.
33s are questionable with them spects.

 

[techno]

... My personal thoughts; these are the off-road equivalent of the opti-grab.

Navin made a lot of money of those....