How do i pull a stuck vehicle?

[f00dstamps]

we had a winter storm here in the midwest that hit pretty hard. initially, it was 1-3" but by morning it is going to be 6-10" around the Kansas City metro area. The Titan rocks in the snow but i kinda felt bad for everyone else as i was blasting past their stuck vehicles. I'll be purchasing a receiver hitch shackle and a 30,000 lb recovery strap in the next few days to use for the rest of the winter.

My question is... where is the safest place to attach the recovery strap to pull out a stuck vehicles (that don't have tow hooks)? i want to help out the people that i see stuck but i don't want to damage their vehicles. are you supposed to attach it around the axle? i've also read that the owner of the tow vehicle actually have the person with the stuck vehicle physically put the recovery strap around the axle themselves to eliminate any liability to the person pulling the stuck vehicle. Can you guys point me in the right direction?

[rico387]

Wrap the recovery strap, or as we call them in the south-the snatch strap around the back axle close to the rear suspension. Have the stuck vehicle try to reverse (lightly) as you pull them backwards. Pull as straight as you can. Not at an angle if possible. Be gentle! Your Titan has a butt load of torque and can pull a small car to shreads if not careful. Patience is the key. If you can't get them out easily, get them to a safe, warm place and come back in daylight with shovels.

[f00dstamps]

Originally Posted by rico387

Wrap the recovery strap, or as we call them in the south-the snatch strap around the back axle close to the rear suspension.

so the recovery strap should be near the suspension/wheel or should i put the recovery strap closer to the center of the axle?

[Mr. B]

And remember .....no good deed goes unpunished......I assissted in the removal of a car from a small ditch a few years ago and the next day the girls father was at my house trying to get my insurance info so he could get her car repaired....he got nothing from me but some foul language and a face full of morning breath as I laughed aloud.

[rico387]

Wrap nearest to the spring mount, not the center. Oh and what mrb said... Beware of greatful people that are ingrates the next day. Tow. Be happy. Then split.

[bestatchess]

Many people in the ditch should be left there until the snow/ice melts as it is the safest place for them. On the way home, I encountered an entourage attempting to push an older rear wheel drive sedan with hgwy tires along an icy street. The car was literally stuck on flat ground, with no hope of making progress on its own. There were four people pushing the car, and blocking the entire road. I asked their destination. They didn't know. They asked the driver. She lived about 3 miles away. I asked if they intended to push the car for 3 miles. They conferred. No., they didn't think they wanted to push the car for 3 miles in -F temperatures. They conferred again and decided to push the car to the side of the road and give the lady a ride home.

So before you do a recovery on a safely stuck vehicle, I think you need to answer the fundamental question: "Does this vehicle & driver have reasonable prospects of continuing safely to their destination in current conditions?" If the answer is "NO" then maybe it is better to leave them ensconced in the ditch.

[f00dstamps]

good point, best. in today's winter storm case, i was not referring to vehicles in ditches. i agree with leaving vehicles in ditches alone until the weather gets better. the biggest problem today was cars having a tough time making it up a relatively small grade but failing and ultimately blocking traffic. it seems like they just needed just that little bit to get unstuck and to keep traffic moving along.

[phillipyang]

If you do pull out these vehicles, its always important to make sure you secure your own line and pull in a straight line.

Never attach the other end of the cord to another strangers car. He/she should always do it and you should always visually confirm it and suggest alternatives but never assist them physically with the tie down.

You should always double check with them and have a third party there just incase if anything DOES happen. You should explain the proper procedure in what you're going to do and always ask the driver what they want to do. If things don't work out, just politely call AAA or towing service and wish them luck.

[sonnytimes]

I agree with the other party putting the tow strap on their car. But always check it to make sure it is fastened well. I let the other driver attach to their car but they did not do a good job at fastening it. durring the pull it came loose. The hook came back and almost hit my truck. That would have been my loss. Be careful and be wise.

[95wolverine]

Anybody seen the oval holes in the frame / unibody ribs that the car carriers use to chain down a vehicle for transportation? I've got one of those hooks that can be installed in them. I would assume that this method would be even stronger than attaching to any suspension point?

This one time, at band camp.... err, wrong story.

A few years back, a buddy and I were driving through town and there was 3"-4" of snow on the ground. The roads had been cleared and in places was already back to pavement. Well, this smaller car had tried to turn into someone's driveway and had dropped a front wheel right off the edge into a culvert. Being a front wheel drive car with an open diff.. it wasn't moving. So, I stopped. While I was getting out my receiver hitch and a tow rope, my buddy went and talked to the fella and the owner of the house. My buddy came back and said..we're good.. I hooked us up as the owner had no idea. Told him to get in and put it in reverse and give it just a little throttle. Whallah.. out he comes. Stop, collect my rope and he says "Thank you very much. What do I owe you?" I said "One thing.. when you can, help someone else in need." and off we went. My buddy just couldn't stop smiling. I asked what his problem was. He said, your reply to him was just to good.. I was like, "Huh?". Turns out, the fella in need was a minister. I'm pretty sure, he'll do as I asked of him.

[bestatchess]

Shucks, I was hoping for a better ending, like you yanked the transaxle out from under it like the police car in American Graffiti.

[tnbowhunter]

A lot of good info right at your fingertips.....................

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/tita...procedure.html

[FLfinfan]

I am curious about pulling someone out or being pulled out myself if the need arises. Going on a winter trip and it's been awhile since I've driven in the snow. Don't know what is fact or fiction.
Heres the info I have been given over the years.
1. I have heard to never use the straps with the metal hooks.
2. I have heard only use the straps with loops.
3. I have heard for a car with no rear hitch (like me) attach the strap to the rear axel area. But I have also heard not to do that. Some say pull from the frame instead.
4. Some have said the front tow hooks should not be used and that they are cosmetic. But some say just throw the loop of the strap over the hook and you'll be fine. Others say use the hook but loop the whole strap over it not the loop at the end of the strap.

Can the experts chime in.

[bestatchess]

I don't like hooks on straps. They make too good of a projectile if they come loose. I have straps with loops and a shackle for the hitch receiver. I also have two tow straps so I can loop them together and don't have to get too close to the vehicle to be pulled. You need to be extremely careful as some people will have the gas floored when you pull them out. Then they get traction and will ram you hard. When I used to have an FJ-40 with a winch, I always had them unlock the steering and just leave it in neutral to minimize the chance of being rammed.

[DeTitan]

Digging through to my High School memories:


Generally best to winch rather than pull.. more control over the extraction, rescue vehicle secure in one spot.

The attachment point varies as per angle of the dangle (stuck vehicle), tow hook would be a logical first choice.

The strap may cause a body cramp! as the vehicle comes out of the stuck position. When pulling this is difficult to control, while winching it is easier to prevent.

Liability is a huge issue, beware of the witness (may be a friend of the victim).

That said, I still go with the assumption that most people are good people but the idea is to be aware of the risk involved.

Remember in most places the cell phone works and towing is included in many insurance policies.