Autosock feedback

My exp. is limited to what I have been told. Western Dist. and Trans. lets drivers have these as an option. You can only run them on snow/ice, they will rapidly start to tear on dry pavement, speed is limited to >5 mph on dry, 15 mph max on snow/ice as they risk tearing as well. Traction wise, they supposedly work great, but require gentle on the throttle, and are still not advised in really deep snow.

 

I've done some web research in the past and what I gathered they were "effective enough" in just a few ideal conditions. If the snow was too wet or too dry [and/or too deep], or it was too cold or too "warm", they can tend to become effectively useless, very quickly.

 

I think a lot of states that require chains require chains, not cables, not auto socks.

 

I was on Veil pass and when I got to the top there was truck stuck-spinning tires. He had those socks on, meanwhile I kept on going-had chains on. Wasnt that much snow.

 

They are approved for all states as of last winter as something that can be used instead of chains.

 

They're now legal everywhere in the US where chains are required:



http://autosock.us/products/regulations/

But states care less about you getting stuck than they do about you sliding out of control on ice and hitting somebody else...

 

I'm trying to verify information I have been told; in Washington state, if you drive a two-axle tractor, you can't use the Autosock, because traction devices are required on all four tires. Personally, I would love to try them out.

 

I ran them last winter. They honestly weren't worth the money. First time I used them they worked great. Got me out of a parking spot I got stuck in. I used them over donner pass but the snow was light and I only put them on because they were stopping everyone.so I can't say they really did anything or didn't. BUT I got stuck in Oregons first big snow storm last year and was going up 395 north of lake view when the road got rough, I put them on all my outer drives and decided to cut across 140 to winnemucca.(I know I know). Up that first grade I started my downshifts and soon found out that the auto sock is not the best thing for what we encounter. I also found out that 48k of lumber does not stop on ice. It goes fowards or backwards...its choice... and you come along with it. Me and the guy with the juiced dually that pulled me up the pass to turn around can certify that there is NO REPLACEMENT FOR CHAINS! Which I now carry.