TESTING A 4x4 Conversion Van In A Snowstorm 

SUPER DEAL ON A TOW STRAP / SHACKLE COMBO amzn.to/2Ef8wqP

Hi Cody, One trick you could do providing you carry an air compressor, is to lower the tire pressure by 30% or so before you install and tighten the chain. When you re-inflate your tire you will maintain a positive contact. (only inflate till the slack is taken from the chains- over inflation will damage the tire). Another option is to add another 1'inch block on your rear differential to help with tire clearance. Super easy job at minimal cost. Best case would be to install airbags in the rear with on-board air. This would eliminate clearance issues, maintain a level stance when haul your dirt bikes or heavy loads eliminating wear and tear on front end components and give you on-board air to air up/down tire's after a day on the sand. Thanks for the tips on using a rear shackle as opposed to a tow hitch. I just ordered a new shackle kit for my truck and van. Stay safe out there!

Can we please have a shop tour

If you have a compressor with you on youre trip , remove the airpressure in the tire befoure you put on the chain tight , when it is on pump up the tire again and the chain will nerver go loose.

I stick my tow strap onto the hitch, no receiver. And put the pin in, going through the loop. I don't do it often enough to justify the nice hitch. :)

Best part of the video was driving over the bridge you built with your son

I don't know why I keep coming back - the only outdoor work I do is planting the flowerbeds! But I do keep coming back, so you must be doing something right - keep at it!

When I was in high school, a friend of mine was working with his dad and uncle to free a tractor that was stuck in their field. Using an F350 Super Duty Diesel Dually, they attached the tow chain to the hitch ball, and then attached it to the front of the tractor. My friend was told to steer the tractor as they pulled, and like you said, sometimes you need to jerk a vehicle that's stuck. They got a running start and jerked the tow chain. The ball sheered off and rocketed back toward my friend. It impacted his face downward from his cheekbone and nose through his jaw. It shattered his eye orbit, his nose, cheekbone, jaw, and he lost 12 teeth. He was in the hospital for 2 weeks. It was a miracle that he even survived. Cody is right; never attach to a tow ball with a rescue strap/chain.

I was a recovery specialist in Alaska years ago. The real problem with the short clip that you showed wasn't the hitch so much, things break. A safety rule in recovery operations is that bystanders should be at a minimum distance of two times the length of the strap/cable/chain away to the sides and never inline with the operation before the recovery starts. Even the ground guide if used! If possible better that everyone onsite is inside a vehicle as well.

I’ve heard of raining cats and dogs but snowing lock tight is a new one. Whit

when you put those chain bungees on it's a good idea to have the openings of the hooks face out so there's no risk of them damaging the sidewall

I pulled out a dozen or more stranded people a few years ago when we had a snow storm in upper texas thanks to you Cody recently I witnessed someone using he called it a bubba rope with a soft shackle would you be willing to test this out for us if at all possible?

Its good to see you have learned about this, I pointed it out in one of your previous videos towing logs around. I guess people just think things are unbreakable, but dont realise when something "unbreakable" breaks it does so spectacularly. Another related killer is joining snatch straps with shackles.

Over the years I always had six extra steel rims for my full size van ( with limited slip rear end ) . Four studded tires and two with chains on them . I mounted the chains tight while making sure the ice cleats facing correctly with tires slightly deflated , then bring up to pressure . Takes less time to swap wheels than trying to mount chains in a snow storm in the the dark . Chains on rear are great for moving forward , but in the olden days we would install on front or all four . For ice or very packed and polished snow you can't beat studs . The only advantage is you can also stop AND steer . Chains should only be used in deep snow . The best way to crash in a four wheel drive is to sail down the road in high four wheel drive , that way you can lose steering ability on slippery surfaces . Note , modern all wheel drive and possibly high tech four wheel drives all vary in how they work . Back in my rescue days 99% of roll over 4 X 4s were in high lock .

The multipurpose hook on the Swiss Army Knife also works well for pulling bungee cords

Evening from Denmark. Hope you guys are doing awesome. Just wanted to say hello now that I for once caught the video early. Keep going.

Finally some snow

Do not use a chain for pulling... they come unhooked and are not designed for pulling, made for holding. Tow straps are cheep and easy to use. Worked for an oilfield company where someone was killed by pulling on the ball hitch. Broke off and went through the back window hitting him in the head. Use the right tool for the job 👍

Cody, I love it when you are doing something like sawing the chain and you saw “cut on the push” that is the info I am always listening for in your videos. These are the little things I missed from my dad and there is no manual to read from so from the bottom of my heart, thank you and have a merry Christmas.

The ability to run chains on an adventure Van is a must IMO.

One of my favorite videos of yours (I have many) is the two-part vids of your maintenance and brakes on the ford truck you had a few years ago. Kind of resembles the epitome of your channel.

As a truck driver I have a suggestion Cody. It’s about seeing your wipers going in that lighter snow. If you can keep your windshield cold the snow ❄️ flakes won’t melt on the glass. God bless you and yours

2 things, dynamic recovery strap and longer lower control arms on the rear axle to fix the large gap behind the rear wheel and small gap in front of it.

You taught me something about the weaknesses of the ball tow bars. This is making me better prepared. Thanks a million!!!

Should not have any traction problem on the homestead since Locktite is pouring down!

Cody It was nice seeing you test drive your new van on your own land! I don’t think many of us are so blessed to have so much land we can call our own. There’s just something about living a quiet life where you don’t hear all the noise around you. It’s like your private play ground! You have been blessed because you have been faithful with what God has entrusted to you 🙏👍

Rather that a dedicated hitch for the shackle I just carry a wrench to suit the tow ball and put the shackle through the tow ball hole 😁 but yes towing off a tow ball isn't the best solution

Hey Cody. It is certainly not a good idea to attach a recovery strap to a tow ball, but it can also be very dangerous using a d ring, as they can also (albeit not as often) break under a heavy load and send pieces of metal flying. The absolute safest way to hook up to a vehicle is to use a synthetic soft shackle instead of a traditional d ring. They are also more versatile than a steel shackle, meaning you can attach them to other parts of the frame, not just a d ring mount. If a soft shackle were to break, it would just fall to the ground along with the recovery strap. They are most definitely more expensive, but well worth your money for the added peace of mind.

The first video of yours that I ever saw of was of your original adventure van and I have watched every one prior and since. You and your family have come a long way sir, and I congratulate you. Thank you for the great content.

There's another option,they have electric over stow away chains that are automatic auctioning with a electric switch and you can put them on and off when needed too,they are about 500 to buy and work excellent too.

make sure to have a high quality pin as well! while using a shackle hitch i was recovering a buddy and i started pulling and sherd the receiver pin and the whole d ring and mount flew out of the hitch receiver went straight through my tailgate!

If you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle in you have to put tire chains on you should always change up your front tires instead of your rear tires you are better off pulling your vehicle up a Hill instead of trying to push your vehicle up a Hill you will always have better traction because of your engine weight versus your empty bed weight . I know someone already said it but dynamic straps is your best friend and also think about buying a couple soft shackles

I like how you tap a cut chain link open with a hammer. I’ve always just used a large strait blade screwdriver & pried it open, never even thinking there was another way? I laughed at myself again!

gonna need it. couple of back to back storms headed to PNW. some saying high elevations upwards of 10 feet of new snow.

Not sure why we can’t just put the tow strap into the receiver and use the pin to hold it. Any ideas?

Get your rear axle centered back out. I am assuming that you have a small lift of sorts on there, it's pulled your axle too far forward, recentering it would fix your chain clearance issues. Also, whether you know your floor jacks work well or not, you should have axle stands under a vehicle on the off chance that a jack should fail, last thing you want is that can coming down on your hand as you slide a chain under.

A good follow up video is going over static vs kinetic (snatch) straps when pulling people out

Your videos are awesome. We are in the search for a used van for our family of 4 to live in traveling full time. We print havebyour budget but your videos of the work and conversions is inspiring. We love the back seat, the bed frame, etc. And the cinematic quality of this video, while you were driving through the snow is gorgeous. Great editing and filming making.

Snow or no snow if you plan on offroading in your van you'll need to cut the wheel wells an inch or two. I noticed it when you first had those tires installed. The clearance would be really tight especially when you load up your van to go out adventuring. Plus what type of shocks and springs do you have.

The first day of snow where I live is a day of panic because people always forget how to drive in snow.

I'm dreaming of a Loctite Christmas......

Mr Palmer has a fine idea. He removes the trailer ball from the receiver and puts the shackle on it. Now, that is a good brain at work! I looked far and wide for a socket for tightening or removing the trailer ball. And the breaker bar for it (1/2" drive) stays in the truck also. [Along with a deep socket for the lug nuts and a short extension]. I have a good chain but I intend to take Cody's advice and get a heavy strap at the Tractor Supply store. To those who just put the strap on the receiver pin, I would fear bending the pin. But leaving the receiver piece in (see previous description) leaves no room for the pin to bend. Think it over.

Love the van

The "right answer" is to have a body shop modify the front of the wheel arch. Expensive, but then you can run "real" tire chains. I would also highly recommend two tow mounts on the front bolted to the frame !

That's some really expensive snow you get at your place !

gotta have snow tires when you live some where were you get alot of snow and ice, just wreck less to not have them. a all season tire compound is like rock in the cold were a winter tire stays supple

Hey Cody, I’m a trucker and I stopped using chains a long time ago. I switched over to Snow Socks and I love them, extremely easy to put them on and off. Only downside is sometimes they fall off, rarely but it has happened and I just get a new pair no big deal, I have been using them for about 2 years now and they have only fallen off twice and by fall off I mean only 1 fell off both times and the others stayed. The brand I use is AutoSock, I would recommend those to anyone

You don't need no stinkin' chains! Just install a Snow Cat track system on the Adventure Van!

Another point to consider - always make sure that your shackle ratings far exceed your recovery strap rating. If a failure occurs, you want the strap to break rather than the shackle. I've seen a few light duty shackles paired with massive straps and if that shackle were to break it would become a deadly projectile on the end of massive slingshot.

Cody, look at a product called 'Bubba Rope.' They make really good kit.

I think you should ask the guys that did your 4WD conversion is if you can move the rear axle back an inch, you have 4" of clearance in back of the wheels and only 1" in front. This may not be a quick solution, but it would certainly be a good one long term. Stay warm! Cheers from Tokyo!

Auto chains are awesome, I've only seen them on ambulances, fire apparatus and snow plows. But I'm envious everytime I see them.

We got towed out of a snow covered ditch just after Thanksgiving in the middle of Kansas, and paid $150 for it. A good Samaritan would have been much appreciated. =)

I work in emergency medicine and have seen numerous severe injuries from towing. Ball hitches snapping, and worse, using chains to pull stuff. The clevice or chain snaps and shoots right through the back of the window of a tractor 😬mega head and facial trauma. Airway nightmares. Usually end up with long term disability.

I appreciate Cody’s taste in music.

So glad you covered the dangers of using a ball as a tow strap connection point. I've seen that recommended a bunch of times and it can be so dangerous.

Buyers guides are great videos! Thanks for the tow kit idea...I’ve been carrying exactly that setup for years and it has paid dividends.

Hey Cody, LOVED your lead-off "philosophical" view point. That was great !

Use a proper receiver with a strap or rope that is rated for twice the load it will pull, also use a threaded shackle only as a hitch pin and clip can fail turning it into a flying object. Other trick is to lay a heavy coat over the tow strap so if it fails and let's loose the coat will help absorb the elastic force and act as a cage for the strap. It's a life or death situation so take your time when towing and tugging.

Snowing Loctite at the bridge crossing. Ha Ha Ha It doesn't get better than that!!

You can get a type of "sock" that goes over your tires to provide traction for your tires in snow/ice. They are super easy to install and remove, and they are designed for vehicles with low clearance between tires and body/frame. I'm not sure how well they would work in an off road condition, but they are used by the DOT on busses in Washington.

I would consider trimming the fender well a bit if you can't tell if is safe on your own ask the conversion guys about it. They may even be able to do it for you but its fairly easy considering your skillset and tools. There's always RU-vid for DIY, I understand being concerned, rust being a big one and warranty conscious tho. I just feel like those chains can work with a little trimming if it's only that one spot.

@wranglerstar i live in northern Quebec (53th parallel north) here, winter start in september and ends in may and NO one uses chains on tires, most dont even have 4x4 or wont use it. there is plenty of great winter tires out here iced roads are a thing here more than 6 months/yr its just a thing of having the correct tires for winter. in Usa winter tires are not something very known even in the northern regions. so there is few good winter tires that peoples uses in here: 1: the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 (studded) Ice and Heavy snow 2: the nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 Ice and Snow 3: The michelin X-Ice Xi3 --->thoses are tires made for grip on ice 4: the Bridgestone Blizzak ws80 - ice and medium snow (i would say up to a feet) --nb very good tire but wear fast 5: The Yokohama Ice Guard IG52C -- Ice tire light snow thoses tires will perform great between 5°C and -50°C you will ideally change them when the weather goes higher than -5°C and absolutely not use them during summer or the wont last more than a week. (they will just melt, compound is made for sub zero temperatures)

Yes the best thing to use the Hitch D-Ring. The offroading community has been using them for years.

The ball hitch is not only in a single shear condition but the load is also located above the connection point adding a bending moment to the shear. This is a combined loading condition.

Don't forget a heavy blanket (or jacket) to throw over the strap/rope to absorb the energy of a strap/rope if it breaks

Tow straps are for towing, for retrieval, you should use recovery ropes. they are made for jerking vehicles out of mud/snow without breaking. Get one rated for at least 30k. The extra stretch built in actually helps and you have less chance of breaking them or the vehicles. Most definitely use clevises whenever possible and I would get good ones, they are cheap insurance .

The loctite flurry was 10/10

If you have to you can just use your hitch pin and put your loop into the receiver and us the pin to hold it

Ill be looking to buy a new reciever hitch now, pulled MANY vehicles outa the mudd and snow useing a ball hitch and never thought twice about it. Thank You.

I always took the hitch out and put the pin through the loop in the strap

I would love to see a Christmas wish list. If you dont have a shackle and receiver insert you can easily put the pin through the loop of the pull strap and achieve the same result safely.

Love the falling Locktights. Lol

I love these educational videos. I'm greatly indebted to you Cody for all that I've learned from you.

"Discipline Equals Freedom" Good evening, Wranglerstar.

Another way to attach tow strap is run loop into receiver and place the hitch pin through the securing holes and the loop end essentially locking the loop into the reciever

The nylon strap pulls through the elasticity then the tension hits. The towing force is multiplied and helps to "snatch" the stuck vehicle out of trouble, I just this from the first strap I bought. I think it was a Keeper. It was part of their moto.

In my truck (not just for towing but also for other work tasks like working with a trailer) I generally carry a canvas "bolt bag" I bought at harbor freight with (4) 20' lengths of USA made 100 proof transport chain with hook ends. In addition to that (4) large 2" wide ratchet straps. (3) good shackles and (2) 10' 3" certified chokers. Also usually always have a jet chain come along. I know It's slow, but I've pulled vehicles out with it.

Put a cable tie through the hole in the bolt of the shackle and tie it to the shackle. It will stop it from rattling loose and fall of on the highway. Just a tip

Their is a company out there called on spot tire chains that are automatic we used them on school buses and they mount under the vehicle maybe they have something for cars and vans

Cody - The rare few times that I have had to chain up my 4x4 I have always chained the front wheels. HUGE difference in steerabilty and traction in snow and ice. I would not use this setup for off road in non-snow conditions unless it was an absolute emergency for fear of damaging the front axle components.

Funny I just re-watched your truck retrial kit video from a couple years ago yesterday. Now you are doing another. Snow hear in the south has me thinking.

Hey wrangler, i noticed you mentioned Nokian Hakkapeliitta, Nokain has a "underbrand" that is Nordmann, And the principle is that this years pattern from nokian will come next year as Nordmann, so it´s the "same" tire but cheaper, For the people who run on a bugett My self has run nordmann tires senis 5 years ago and never had a problem or that the road has been to slippery (run both summer and wintered stud tires)

As always, great content Cody! And yes to the buyers guide!

I didn’t know it snowed locktight in the northwest...makes for interesting snow removal 😂

Since you have 4 wheel drive, you can put chains on the front wheels. You might have more clearance there, so they might get you out of a fix. Since the engine is in front, you may have better traction in the front.

Snow is love, love is snow

Love the video.

So true the ball will breal off and turn into missle lucky to be alive.

Thanks Cody

Good tires and 4 wheel drive - priceless.

I may be stupid but since you have four wheel drive couldn’t you use those chains on the front wheels especially since ten to one says if you where to really need chains you’d have it in four wheel. Just a question. I honestly don’t know

I was always taught that if you had only one set of chains and a four wheel drive, the chains go on the front. That being said, some vehicles have less clearance up front, and many more sensitive components vulnerable to potential damage.

How about chaining up the front end instead of the read end? I was taught it to be the best way on a 4x4. Great for pulling and steering...

Cool vedio that was nice to see a 4x4 van in action

Here in australia we have a had people die from the tow ball coming off in a snatch recovery goes straight threw the front window also to note U should get a snatch strap it uses kinetic energy to multiply to pulling force

Thanks for the edjumacation. Did not know that shear point stuff!

It's always nice to find loctite on the ground after a good snow storm. If it's just the fender bend the chains hit you could just cut it off get an extra finger and hit it with a coat of paint problem solved.

Your always the first to get snow

It's strange that in some parts of the world tire chains are very popular in winter. I live in Canada, been driving for more than 20 years, yet I never used chains of even know anyone (friends, family, co-workers) that ever used those. I never had a four wheel drive either, good snow tires on a fwd works. And I'm a fan of snow storms, I'm always trying to find a reason to drive in the snow. My first car was an '83 ford escort, with 4 seasons tires, I remember driving in so much snow that it was coming over the hood. In those ancient times, cars where actually made with metal, so you could push a snow bank and not have any damage. Nowadays my current car has a cracked bumper just because I hit a little snow when parking, at a walking pace. Pathetic.