Roll up/fold up traction mats vs. rigid traction boards

Long time member and Tacoma owner, hardly ever post.

I had a long post planned (I'm long winded) but instead I'll TRY to just cut to the point and let y'all ask anything else you care to know.

When it comes to devices to enhance tire traction in a mildly stuck wheel spinning situation, in snowy weather, is a rigid device usually better than flexible one or vice-versa?

I see roll-up ladder mat looking things, folding pieces (like gotreads), and rigid boards (maxtrax and knockoffs).

I'm not an off roader. I've never had an issue of getting stuck. I carry sand (among other things), I'm just considering whether and what type of additional traction aid might be worth carrying on the rare snow days.

I am poor and frugal (and possibly cheap). So I'll probably just make some "whacktracks" out of boards, carry some strips of used carpet, or something along those lines anyways. So perhaps I really should be asking: "what specific sort of garbage should I carry when driving in snow to make myself FEEL more prepared, and to kill time when I'm stuck and waiting for someone to help me, or waiting for the snow to melt?"

 

Tire chains and a shovel if you don't have them. Then consider other traction devices but with chains and a shovel you're already far more prepared than anyone I've run across who is stuck in the snow.

 

I'm probably okay then.

I carried 3 shovels: a full size snow shovel, a full sized flat front shovel, and a quality (Gerber) folding e-tool [which is always in the truck]. I had the sand for extra grit.

I made and carried a set of "ghetto emergency chains" similar to the following picture. I used 7 or 8" lengths of chains, just enough to wrap over the treads an inch or so down either side-wall, and lashing straps to go around the inside of the rim. My plan was to use them only if I got stuck and only on the rear wheels (as I'm aware clearance is tight on the front wheels). These wouldn't be for driving around on of course just to get me unstuck or through a slippery spot if needed. I have these in a cheap HF tool bag and planned to EDC them in the truck from Nov-Mar going forward along with at least the e-tool and a coffee can of sand. I made a set of 8 with the intention of 2 on each rear wheel plus 4 extras.



You reckon that's enough for snow driving once every couple/few years? Perhaps I don't need anything else. Is it worth upgrading to a proper set of chains? They're all over eBay I'm sure I could pick up a set for the rear tires for a reasonable price if I'm patient.

That probably means people with chains and a shovel don't get stuck very often, a good sign!

 

I'd recommend a portable air compressor. you'll be amazed at what you can get out of if you air your tires way down if stuck. For piece of mind you could always pickup a cheap set of traction boards and keep them in the bed.