Add a shovel to that list of supplies for when you do something stupid and find yourself someplace that you should not be.  Floor mats and/or sections of carpet make handy traction mats that serve a dual purpose both on the vans floor and under the tires. BTDT

Mark in AK

----- Original Message -----
From: Jonathan Poole <jfpoolio@GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thursday, August 30, 2007 5:29 am
Subject: Re: tire chains / cables on snows?
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> I keep cables in my van at all times as they can be very useful in
> mud,snow, ice, wet grass,, etc.  Even though they aren't as good
> as chains they
> are more than adequate in my experience and also a bit easier to
> handle.
> If you start carrying cables or chains I recommend that store a
> pair of
> thick gloves with a long cuff near them.  Wearing good gloves can
> allow one
> a more humoured perspective when hugging a wet and dirty tire
> while kneeling
> in deep snow.
>
> Along with my tire cables I also keep a strong come-along a length of
> tow chain and some tow rope (along with mechanic tools etc etc) in
> my van at
> all times.  Without all of these rarely used items I doubt that I
> would have
> much peace of mind exploring the remote or rugged areas that I
> sometimesvisit.  These tools are sometimes essential for getting
> yourself out of
> trouble, but I have used them more in helping other people or to
> clear a
> road etc.
>
> Jonathan Poole
> '82 ac westy
>