forget about snow chains. if you really want to challenge the thick snow terrains with your trusty truck, then grab yourself a set of the Track N Go. instead going through the tedious process of removing the wheels and replacing them with tracks, Track N Go are addon tracks for the wheels, ready to be affixed on your truck whenever you need them. billed as “the first ever wheel driven track system”, the kit promised an easy wheel-to-track conversion in less than 15 minutes. each Track N Go kit comprises of four tracks and two loading ramps. the tracks are installed in pairs (obviously) and installation involves lining up the pair with the loading ramp in front of the tracks to lead the truck onto the tracks.
apparently, this ‘sitting’ onto the tracks is pretty secured, but for added measures, there are guiding flaps and also a locking mechanism that ‘ties’ the tracks to the respective wheels. the latter is the only part where a hand tool is needed. other time, it will be just your brute strength to lug it down the bed (assuming you had the kit on the truck bed) and dragging them in place. the ramp appears to be pretty light, though. each of the truck’s tire rests on a set of grip-textured geared rollers within the track and as the wheel turns, it turns the rollers, which in turn rotates the rubber track at 1:1 ratio. as such, this transfer of motion will have little or no loss. unlike real tracked vehicles that has turning motion based on varying speed between two tracks, the Track N Go-equipped truck still turns as per normal and the front tracks will pivot along.
each track also features a ski-like extension that will aid in riding up to the top snow instead of plowing right into it. since the tracks are of rubber compound, trucks fitted with the Track N Go can also transverse on hard road surfaces with speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h). Track N Go certainly sounds awesome, but it does come with a rather hefty price; a complete kit will slap you with a $25,000 bill. you could always go for a snowmobile that cost just a few grand, but then again, sometimes you do need that comfy sheltered cabin and a bed to ferry stuff, don’t you? you can see the Track N Go in action in the embedded video after the break. tell me you are not impressed at all.
Track N Go via Gizmag
