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dleepnw
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so do you think they are a one time use or you'll be able to use them again?I got to (had to) try out my AutoSocks for the first time coming over Santiam Pass on Saturday, towing a 20ft trailer. A few folks have asked about it so I figured I'd share a very brief report.
For those who aren't aware, Rivian recommends against using chains or cables on the 20" wheels due to clearance, so the only option is AutoSocks. They are nylon/fiber wheel wrappings that work similar to (arguably better than) chains in ice and snow, and satisfy DOT requirements for chaining up when needed.
Long story short, they worked out great in both snow and ice and seemed to hold up well over about 15-20 miles over the summit (I kept it below 30 mph). They're eerily like driving on velcro once they're mounted - lots of traction even compared to the Blizzak LT tires I'm already running.
Because I'm planning to take the trailer to lots of ski areas and there's a blizzard incoming, I've got another pair on order for the trailer since it technically needs its own.
The socks themselves are super easy to work with, you just slip the sock over the top of the wheels and as far down the sides you can, pull the truck forward a half rotation, and repeat for (what was) the bottom. I raised the suspension all the way to make it easier to get my hands in there but it really couldn’t be easier - no straps/links/clips, just an elastic like a fitted sheet. 3-5 minutes tops and it was my first time.
Removing them is almost harder just because they really cling to the wheels once they get cold and waterlogged, and they’re a bit of a mess to shake out and dry overnight afterwards, but it beats repacking chains.
As for the drive itself, the R1T was an absolute dream taking my Basecamp 20X over the pass. I left a HipCamp in Sublimity, OR around noon heading for Sisters. Once we saw the chain requirement and increasing snow in the forecast, we decided to charge an extra 10-20% at Detroit Lake (50kw charger there) just in case we got stuck and had to spend the night, but we would have been fine without it.
The trip computer was bang-on for the range (after about 400 miles towing this trailer so far to calibrate), and we arrived with pretty much exactly the forecasted range even after climbing through the snow. Overall I'm average 1.1 mi/kWh including lots of 65+ mph highway time and the mountain passes.
The trailer tracks great, the brake controller is super well integrated, and I never had a single moment of concern in the snow. Naturally I'd love a bit more range but beyond that, the R1T really slays snow and is an effortless tow vehicle.
KootenayEV
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Do these sock thingies ball up in certain types of snow? (Awesome idea on socks for the trailer - I have a 20FB that I'm hoping to tow to some snowy places in the future and was idly wondering the other day about having the trailer wag the dog so to speak...)
silkyjohnson
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Why rear instead of front for the socks?
SPITmadFIRE
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To be clear, OP did it on all four wheels for their trip.
But if you're wondering why a single pair would go on the rear wheels, then I'm assuming that would be to follow the guidance the user manual provides for all other tire sizes when using chains:
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kylealden
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Definitely seems like they're good for multiple uses. I'm sure they're a consumable but not in one go, at least in my experience so far.
I haven't had any trouble but I've only used them a couple times (once on the R1T and long ago on an older car.)
Proxy
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I was always taught high pressure/less contact patch works better in the snow and ice.
pdfontes
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Nice review. I did buy the Autosocks for my 22". Not expecting to have to use them but great to know your experience.
usulio
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I think that guidance is only because of clearance issues with chains on the front.
Same, I thought you want to "punch through" rather than float on top. Maybe it's different in deeper snow and with socks though.
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sierraskier
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Wait, you put socks over Blizzaks?? Do they really enforce that up there?
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RexRemus
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Holy crap - $220 for a set of 2? They BETTER be reusable... highly reusable. I realize there's peace of mind and all that but damn... are they spun with gold? I wanted to grab a set just to have em in case of emergency - and sure, when you need it you'll be glad, but I was honestly expecting half that price.
EarlyAdptr
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shamoo
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My friends' experience with socks is that they tear up in a very short time when the road surface isn't covered in snow.
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