Flex-Trax GoClaws replace chains

From Flex-Trax, GoClaws are an engineered tire-traction system for use in mud, sand, snow, and ice, said to be much easier to install and more likely to stay on than chains. It’s a unique injection-molded, high-strength and high-durability polyurethane assembly, representing a “significant” improvement over historical traction devices such as tire chains, says Tony Bright, the inventor.

Once installed, it’s “impossible” for the GoClaws bolts and screws to ever come loose, he says. Dual locking pins cannot disengage once pulled into the opposing keyhole slots.

These improvements provide a smoother ride and add longer life through improved abrasion resistance and less damage to tires. They’re said to work well for many demanding applications, for everything from cars to heavy trucks.

They can be installed easily without moving or jacking even if the vehicle is already stuck, the company says.

The SnoClaws variation is similar, distinguished only by its ratchet fastening system for vehicles having smaller clearance, typically every tire size from garden tractor for plowing driveways up to large SUV/truck size tires for highway use. It does require that the product be test-fit and adjusted to the exact dimensions of your tire. It’s essential that the links be custom-fit, especially on smaller tires on smaller vehicles. If not, it’s possible that excessively long straps may interfere with the undercarriage during use and cause damage to SnoClaws.

These products are said to eliminate road damage, exceed SAE clearance requirements for each vehicle class, and meet the stricter laws enforced by many federal, state, provincial, and local transportation departments and authorities. As an example, many Canadian jurisdictions have made tire chains illegal (and studded tires on light vehicles) while giving full approval to Flex-Trax traction systems.

GoClaws and SnoClaws are available in sizes for passenger vehicles on up to large trucks and tractor trailers. They’ve been around for a while, in fact, but not well known in Canada.