Recovery Winch
Off-road recovery techniques
Whether your vehicle is the king of 4×4 off roaders or a low range off road vehicle, one thing is for sure – mud sticks. It does not matter whether you are an expert or novice driver, if you get stuck there is nothing you can do and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. More often than not drivers who are more experienced are the ones who tend to find themselves getting stuck as they are far more adventurous.
When it comes to off roading there are no rules set in stone when it comes to vehicle recovery as no two recovery operations are the same. However, skills required by the driver are common sense and the correct equipment for recovery situations. It is imperative that safety remains paramount and the utmost priority.
Using tow bars for recovery of vehicle
The first rule of using tow bars for recovery is simple, never us a tow ball for winching or when using a snatch strap. Quite simply the tow ball is likely to snap during recovery when using a winch or snatch strap. Tow balls are constructed from mild steel not suitable for high stress pulling.
Using a spade in recovery
Instincts tell us that if you are stuck in mud, using a spade to dig out the vehicle will help the recovery. However, when out off roading there is a lot more to it. When in the field almost all recovery operations require some digging or clearing of the path directly in front of the vehicle. More often than not it is only a small amount of digging that is required. If you get bogged in on a beach then first you need to deflate air from the tyres to the required pressure. As long as the vehicle is not too deep and the axle is not buried underground, some digging with your spade can get the vehicle out. Dig out around the wheels and attempt to reverse the vehicle. If this method fails then you need to use a winch. Always clear a path with your spade before using your winch.
Over extended axles
Whilst out off roading the most common way of getting bogged down is where you find yourself in a situation where the wheel has no weight on it – known as over extending the wheels articulation. The best way to get out of this situation is to place material under the spinning wheels.
Hung-up
When a vehicle attempts to traverse uneven terrain and exceeds its break-over angle and the chassis between. The recovery procedure in this situation is to dig away the round from under the vehicle or to raise the vehicle with a high-lift jack and place material under the wheels. It is important to never climb under a vehicle supported only by a high-lift jack as this can be extremely dangerous.
When off roading and your vehicle does get stuck then ensure you always take safety precautions before attempting any type of recovery of the vehicle. Only use recovery equipment that has been designed to recover your vehicle. If using winches then ensure they are in perfect working order before you go off on your adventure.
About the Author
Freelance copywriter
Arbil 4×4
Winch recovery
|
|
ARB ARB207D Bow/Clevis D Shackle $10.65 The importance of D shackles in particular cannot be underestimated for vehicle recovery, indeed for most 4x4s, the D shackle is how you attach the strap to the vehicle. we have a range of D shackles that cater for the largest heavy duty trucks to the smallest SUV. This shackle is rated for 10.600 lbs…. |
|
|
WARN 69645 Hook Strap $3.65 WARN PRODUCTS… |
|
|
Neiko Heavy-Duty 5-Ton Come-a-long Power Puller – 3 Hooks and 2 Gears $29.68 This heavy duty come-along has a 10,000 lbs pulling capacity for fencing and construction. With its heavy duty 3/16-inch x 12-ft steel cable, and 3-1-in open safety latch hooks for versatility, non slip grip, and long handle, you will find this tool very useful. Perfect for farm, ranch, and constructions…. |
|
|
Backcountry 4×4 Recovery Tools & Techniques $19.95 Backcountry 4×4 Vehicle Recovery Tools & Techniques covers a wide range of recovery topics for the backcountry adventurer and four wheeling enthisiast. Backcountry 4×4 Recovery Tools & Techniques segments cover winching techniques, winch selection, winch product evaluations, using a ground anchor, using the Hi Lift Jack and accessories, winching with a Hi ift Jack, recovery geaqr and tools, using… |
|
|
Backcountry 4×4 TV Episodes 1 thru 4 $19.95 Backcountry 4×4 TV is an internet TV show covering a wide range of topics for thebackcountry adventurer and four wheeling enthisiast. Each episode is 24 minutes in length. Backcountry 4×4 TV offers segments covering 4×4 trails, tires, recovery gear, 4×4 driving, expeditions, rock crawling, suspensions, rig tests and a selection of tips to make anyone’s backcountry experience safe and rewarding.Thi… |
|
|
Smittybilt 3/4 D-Ring Tow attachment points are critical in off-road recovery. The Smittybilt Shackle/D Ring provides a strong attachment point when you need it most…. |
|
|
Neiko 20′ Ft Heavy Duty 10,000 Lb Tow Strap with Hook $9.50 Features 2″ x 20″ strong polyester tow strap with a maximum pulling at 10,000 lbs. With two safety hooks on both ends, allows for easy and fast hook ups and releases…. |
|
|
Smittybilt CC Recovery Strap … |
|
|
Electric Winch Wireless Remote Control System $30.95 Control your winch wirelessly with this Wireless Remote Control System for most brands of 12 volt winches. This wireless winch control delivers convenient power in/out control from any position within 65ft radius. It allows operator to keep clear from dangerous rigging. Operator can monitor winching from different positions, plus the wireless control eliminates running cable over vehicle. It’s rea… |
|
|
Recovery 8000 12v Remote Control Electric Winch $299.95 Efficient Three-stage Planetary Gear Train, Automatic Braking Action, Handheld Corded Remote Switch. Powerful HorsePower, Extra Fast Speed, and Compact Design make this winch a must-have for recovery applications. Features: 8000LB( single line rated pull )Electric Winch |
This entry was posted on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 5:43 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.