Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 21:59:37 -0500
Reply-To: Todd Olson <todd.olson@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Todd Olson <todd.olson@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: GoClaws are awesome! Playing in the snow report.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Hello Fellow Vanagon Pilots!
Let me start by saying I do not work for GoClaws and they are not paying me
for these comments. I am just so impressed with the engineering of this
product that I had to give everyone a report. GoClaws is an alternative to
conventional tire chains. I like things that are unique and well engineered.
This is why I like Vanagon Westfalia Campers. GoClaws is without a doubt a
unique and well engineered product.
There was some discussion on the list a while back about tire chains. This
started me on my quest to find the perfect tire chain for my Vanagon. One
day I stumbled upon GoClaws and I posted them to the Vanagon list for
everyone to see. They seemed very intriguing so I ordered a set. I figured
if they sucked I would try to send them back.
I just got my set of GoClaws today and could not wait to try them out. We
have been receiving lots of snow this week. Our ground in Western Michigan
is covered by 10-14 inches of fresh, wet, heavy snow. Under the snow is a
thick layer of ice because we started out the week with an ice storm. I have
a 2WD Vanagon Westy that is absolutely terrible in the snow with its
Michelin Agilis tires and standard 2WD transmission. But when I put the
GoClaws on the rear tires today I blazed through fresh snow that was 10-14
inches deep. I even busted through a snow drift that was close to 2 feet
deep. I took off down a two track trail that had not been driven on yet
making new tracks and the van just ripped through it like an animal. For a
fleeting moment I thought I was driving a Syncro. I was in the height of my
glory when I got stuck going up a small grade. The snow was around 14-16
inches deep and had drifted in a low spot at the base of the small hill. My
first thought was my wife was going to kill me. She was already laughing at
me because she knew I was about to go do something stupid. But I was able to
rock the van back and forth about 4 or 5 times, each time going farther up
the hill until I made it out.
My drive way is another good test because it is a steep sheet of ice. I
could drive up the driveway and stop half way, and start out again without
loosing traction. I was also able to back up the driveway slowly without
loosing traction.
My Vanagon has factory alloys on it so one thing that was important to me
when I was researching tire chains was to find a solution that would not
scratch the alloys. And these being rubber don't tear up the wheels.
I love these things and can't wait to try them out on mud and sand. When I
get a chance this summer to use them off road, I will give another report to
let everyone know how they worked.
I can't wait to go four wheeling again! (ok. two wheeling with style)
To watch videos and find out more about GoClaws you can find there info at:
http://www.flextrax.com/
Wishing you many miles of smiles!
Todd Olson
Buses By the Beach
Coming Events:
Bus BRR! February 9th - 10th 2008 Angola, IN
Bus Benefit! May 15th - 18th 2008 Grand Rapids, MI
Bus Boo! September 12th - 14th 2008 Grand Rapids, MI
For more information go to: <http://www.busesbythebeach.com/>
www.busesbythebeach.com
http://www.myspace.com/busesbythebeach
What song is stuck in my head these days?
Daisy May, "A Letter from Downstream"
Listen at: http://www.savethewildup.org/downstream/
Check her out at: http://www.earthworkmusic.com/daisyMay/
