towing
- Thread starter Chel
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MakersTeleMark
Advanced Member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2010
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Well, to be honest, tow straps, come-along's, and winches are a good start. Or, begin with some lockers, a partner, and some prudence to avoid it. I don't see many folks really pushing the capabilities of their trucks (even stock rigs) with campers on them. Something about agitating the beer in the back keeps them away from it. My philosophy with my truck is a bit different though. I never even think of the camper on it.
Chains are really helpful too, depending on where you live. Get a mentor, do some tandem trail rides working up and you'll feel more confident.
The brain, and a lot of times, some well placed wheel location and throttle, will help a lot. Breakage it to be avoided, so know your rig's, and your location's limits.
Sorry not to be more helpful, but it's one of those things you just learn over time. Hard to just read about and apply. Experience, and the SNAFU's that you encounter, teach a lot, that the internet can't.
Chains are really helpful too, depending on where you live. Get a mentor, do some tandem trail rides working up and you'll feel more confident.
The brain, and a lot of times, some well placed wheel location and throttle, will help a lot. Breakage it to be avoided, so know your rig's, and your location's limits.
Sorry not to be more helpful, but it's one of those things you just learn over time. Hard to just read about and apply. Experience, and the SNAFU's that you encounter, teach a lot, that the internet can't.
camelracer
Contributors
I think it all depends on what you plan on getting stuck in. Sand, mud, rocks or over the edge of a cliff will require different techniques.
I carry a strap and have solid attach points on the vehicles. Since I usually don't travel alone in the boonies this seems to work. If I did more solo travel I would consider a winch.
A shovel and high lift jack can also be helpful. The high lift can be used as a comealong in an emergency.
I also consider an air compressor a necessity. It's amazing how airing down the tires can get you unstuck or keep you from getting stuck. Many people won't air down because they don't have a way to reinflate.
I carry a strap and have solid attach points on the vehicles. Since I usually don't travel alone in the boonies this seems to work. If I did more solo travel I would consider a winch.
A shovel and high lift jack can also be helpful. The high lift can be used as a comealong in an emergency.
I also consider an air compressor a necessity. It's amazing how airing down the tires can get you unstuck or keep you from getting stuck. Many people won't air down because they don't have a way to reinflate.
pods8
Contributors
I think it all depends on what you plan on getting stuck in.
<snip>
It's amazing how airing down the tires can get you unstuck or keep you from getting stuck. Many people won't air down because they don't have a way to reinflate.
Again the airing down depends on what you are planning on getting stuck in.
Here are my priorities:
1) Front and rear to point - Nothing more irritating than getting asked to pull someone out of the mud, etc. only to find out they don't have a damn tow point. If really needed you can wrap a strap around a frame member, etc. but it puts a lot of unneeded wear & tear on the strap and when you're asking someone else to use their strap it is just insult to injury. Plus it could bend the bumper on the vehicle getting their frame rail wrapped around.
2) Now that you've got two points get a good two strap - not a 1.5" or 2" dinky strap, get a good 3" 30' long strap. That will do a lot to reach out of a tight spot assuming you are with someone or a vehicle comes by. [A clevis or two that fit the strap to a tow point w/o having to hitch it onto the two point are sure nice too].
The two above items will treat you pretty well assuming you're not way off the beaten path and don't mind being humble in asking for a tug. Also they from a foundation point for many recovery situations so you'll not go wrong by having them. However if you've got cash available and/or you're planning to be solo in the boonies then you might want to start thinking high lift jack, winch, air compressor, etc.
Winches: They sure are nice but I'd wager a larger percentage of winches out there rarely (if ever) actually get used. That is an expensive piece of gear to buy if you're not really going into situations that needed it.
<snip>
It's amazing how airing down the tires can get you unstuck or keep you from getting stuck. Many people won't air down because they don't have a way to reinflate.
Again the airing down depends on what you are planning on getting stuck in.
Here are my priorities:
1) Front and rear to point - Nothing more irritating than getting asked to pull someone out of the mud, etc. only to find out they don't have a damn tow point. If really needed you can wrap a strap around a frame member, etc. but it puts a lot of unneeded wear & tear on the strap and when you're asking someone else to use their strap it is just insult to injury. Plus it could bend the bumper on the vehicle getting their frame rail wrapped around.
2) Now that you've got two points get a good two strap - not a 1.5" or 2" dinky strap, get a good 3" 30' long strap. That will do a lot to reach out of a tight spot assuming you are with someone or a vehicle comes by. [A clevis or two that fit the strap to a tow point w/o having to hitch it onto the two point are sure nice too].
The two above items will treat you pretty well assuming you're not way off the beaten path and don't mind being humble in asking for a tug. Also they from a foundation point for many recovery situations so you'll not go wrong by having them. However if you've got cash available and/or you're planning to be solo in the boonies then you might want to start thinking high lift jack, winch, air compressor, etc.
Winches: They sure are nice but I'd wager a larger percentage of winches out there rarely (if ever) actually get used. That is an expensive piece of gear to buy if you're not really going into situations that needed it.
UglyScout
Contributors
Practice, practice, practice.... And a buddy vehicle....
That is the only way you will learn in my opinion. And I don't really mean practice getting stuck, but practicing not getting stuck. The more time you spend behind the wheel in various conditions the more you will know about your truck - when to stomp it and drive like a wild man, when to stop and go with low range, when to stop, backup, turn around and find a different route...
As for recovery gear - all I carry in my truck with the camper is good strap and a clevis. If I get stuck worse than that I am driving the wrong vehicle. (I do carry tire chains in the winter or when I might encounter snow, but I have used them in mud before when I was really, really stuck)
Now in my offroad truck I carry enough recovery gear for just about anything - including a winch. But again it comes down to practice and knowing how to use the equipment you have. If you don't know how to safley use your winch it isn't worth much.
That is the only way you will learn in my opinion. And I don't really mean practice getting stuck, but practicing not getting stuck. The more time you spend behind the wheel in various conditions the more you will know about your truck - when to stomp it and drive like a wild man, when to stop and go with low range, when to stop, backup, turn around and find a different route...
As for recovery gear - all I carry in my truck with the camper is good strap and a clevis. If I get stuck worse than that I am driving the wrong vehicle. (I do carry tire chains in the winter or when I might encounter snow, but I have used them in mud before when I was really, really stuck)
Now in my offroad truck I carry enough recovery gear for just about anything - including a winch. But again it comes down to practice and knowing how to use the equipment you have. If you don't know how to safley use your winch it isn't worth much.
leadsled9
Contributors
Pods8 is correct, a winch probably won't get used much.
I have put winches on all of the vehicles I've owned for the last 35 years. When I was younger....I would wear out the winch cable every couple of years and have to replace it. After a lot of use the cable gets a lot of little broken strands and they can cut your hands if you are not careful.
The older I get the less the winch gets used. My 2000 Tundra's winch has only been used 6 or 7 times for the life of the truck. My 2010 Ford's winch has only been used once...and probably wouldn't have been needed if I had better tires (the OE tires suck).
You have to consider how much risk you have of getting stuck. If I want to get from point A to point B real bad....and I'm willing to risk getting stuck doing so (often the case when I'm hunting)....then the odds of getting stuck are great. If I am just roaming and find a bad spot....there is really no pressing reason to drive into it....then turning around is the best option.
Of course some times you drive into an area without any problems.....then the mother of all storms comes in and turns the trail to goo.
Sometimes however..... I'm just driving along and the trail doesn't look all that bad....but for some reason or other I end up getting stuck anyway. An example would be some soft mud under a dried top crust. The trail doesn't look bad at all then all of a sudden you find your truck sunk up to the frame in mud. At times like those....it's real nice to have a winch. My trips are almost always done solo with no help available from folks close by.
If you always travel in a group, then by all means a big tow strap will be about all you'll need....as you have other folks ready and willing to help you. If you travel alone....you have to really consider getting a winch to help you out of bad situations. If you are in a remote area...it could be days before someone comes by. And even if someone comes by they may not be willing to risk damaging their own vehicle trying to get a stranger unstuck.
If you travel remote areas often you might really consider getting a winch....even if you don't use it that often. If you do buy a winch take the time to learn how to use it before you need it.
I have put winches on all of the vehicles I've owned for the last 35 years. When I was younger....I would wear out the winch cable every couple of years and have to replace it. After a lot of use the cable gets a lot of little broken strands and they can cut your hands if you are not careful.
The older I get the less the winch gets used. My 2000 Tundra's winch has only been used 6 or 7 times for the life of the truck. My 2010 Ford's winch has only been used once...and probably wouldn't have been needed if I had better tires (the OE tires suck).
You have to consider how much risk you have of getting stuck. If I want to get from point A to point B real bad....and I'm willing to risk getting stuck doing so (often the case when I'm hunting)....then the odds of getting stuck are great. If I am just roaming and find a bad spot....there is really no pressing reason to drive into it....then turning around is the best option.
Of course some times you drive into an area without any problems.....then the mother of all storms comes in and turns the trail to goo.
Sometimes however..... I'm just driving along and the trail doesn't look all that bad....but for some reason or other I end up getting stuck anyway. An example would be some soft mud under a dried top crust. The trail doesn't look bad at all then all of a sudden you find your truck sunk up to the frame in mud. At times like those....it's real nice to have a winch. My trips are almost always done solo with no help available from folks close by.
If you always travel in a group, then by all means a big tow strap will be about all you'll need....as you have other folks ready and willing to help you. If you travel alone....you have to really consider getting a winch to help you out of bad situations. If you are in a remote area...it could be days before someone comes by. And even if someone comes by they may not be willing to risk damaging their own vehicle trying to get a stranger unstuck.
If you travel remote areas often you might really consider getting a winch....even if you don't use it that often. If you do buy a winch take the time to learn how to use it before you need it.
craig333
Riley's Human
I carry a strap, shovel and thats about it. Not all I want but a winch is not yet in the budget. I'd add "don't be in a hurry, never hurts to get out and look the trail over before you attempt it, use a spotter if you have one".
I try and be pretty conservative with the truck. Its big and heavy. It can't and won't go where my Jeep goes. Also doesn't have lockers and a winch
Learn to read the terrain. If you can pick a good line you'll go far. I've seen people in highly modified vehicles that just can't drive where a guy who knows how to pick a line can make it through in 2wd.
Having a few mentors helps. My first time out in my Jeep I was sandwiched between two experienced guys and I just watched what they did and did the same thing.
I try and be pretty conservative with the truck. Its big and heavy. It can't and won't go where my Jeep goes. Also doesn't have lockers and a winch
Learn to read the terrain. If you can pick a good line you'll go far. I've seen people in highly modified vehicles that just can't drive where a guy who knows how to pick a line can make it through in 2wd.
Having a few mentors helps. My first time out in my Jeep I was sandwiched between two experienced guys and I just watched what they did and did the same thing.
Good stuff, thanks!
Long ago a good northwoods man told me skills were more important than things. Solid advice and yet a few things can make a big difference. I think my next purchase is a serious tow strap. 3" x 30' sounds right? Any other advice on that item? Factory anchor points on the 2008 Tundra seem adequate, comments? I need to buy chains just so I will never need them.
The stock BFG tires did not hold up to my use; Idaho/Oregon/Nevada backcountry roads ate 'em up. In my first 12k 3 out of 4 tires flatted off the oil, one twice. I upgraded to Hankook Dynapro AT'm, way better traction and flat free on my 2nd 12k including the Magruder Corridor, White Rim Road and San Rafael Swell. I have had good luck with my Sears Craftsman 12V compressor so airing up and down is an option; it takes awhile but it is simple, small and light.
Long ago a good northwoods man told me skills were more important than things. Solid advice and yet a few things can make a big difference. I think my next purchase is a serious tow strap. 3" x 30' sounds right? Any other advice on that item? Factory anchor points on the 2008 Tundra seem adequate, comments? I need to buy chains just so I will never need them.
The stock BFG tires did not hold up to my use; Idaho/Oregon/Nevada backcountry roads ate 'em up. In my first 12k 3 out of 4 tires flatted off the oil, one twice. I upgraded to Hankook Dynapro AT'm, way better traction and flat free on my 2nd 12k including the Magruder Corridor, White Rim Road and San Rafael Swell. I have had good luck with my Sears Craftsman 12V compressor so airing up and down is an option; it takes awhile but it is simple, small and light.
Mark W. Ingalls
Contributors
In addition to the other basic stuff, mentioned, also carry a piece (or two) of 18 inch-square 3/4 inch plywood for support in soft conditions.
UglyScout
Contributors
I'm not a fan of the huge 30' straps - I prefer 20' straps. With the 30 footers I always ended up doubling them back over on themselves.
Whatever you get - get a matched size clevis that fits your strap and your tow points.
Whatever you get - get a matched size clevis that fits your strap and your tow points.
pods8
Contributors
If you travel remote areas often you might really consider getting a winch....even if you don't use it that often. If you do buy a winch take the time to learn how to use it before you need it.
Secondary consideration if you are thinking you might need a winch once or twice is to get a come along (or cable puller) instead. It'll take some manual labor on your part to crank your rig out but it is much cheaper than a winch if you want that little bit of piece of mind.
By all means get the winch if you think you'll use it though, I'm just popping out alternative ideas as well.
I think my next purchase is a serious tow strap. 3" x 30' sounds right? Any other advice on that item? Factory anchor points on the 2008 Tundra seem adequate, comments?
3" x 30' strap has always treated me well in terms of balancing strength, length, and pack ability. I've never seen a 3" strap (that wasn't worn out) bust on someone in my experience, where as I can't say the same for 1.5" and 2" straps (also replace any strap that is getting worn/frayed in general, it's only a matter of time until they go...). I haven't looked around for deals on straps but something like this is what I carry: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200451242_200451242 Probably could save a few dollars looking around.
No idea what the stock anchor points on a tundra are. Beefy tow points on the front connected to the frame? If so those are likely good (make sure you have something to connect the strap to them if you don't want to hitch it, assuming they aren't hooks). Using the receiver on the rear? If so do you have a clevis that will couple to it? Just tossing the strap over a tow ball really shouldn't be the "planned" method.
Secondary consideration if you are thinking you might need a winch once or twice is to get a come along (or cable puller) instead. It'll take some manual labor on your part to crank your rig out but it is much cheaper than a winch if you want that little bit of piece of mind.
By all means get the winch if you think you'll use it though, I'm just popping out alternative ideas as well.
I think my next purchase is a serious tow strap. 3" x 30' sounds right? Any other advice on that item? Factory anchor points on the 2008 Tundra seem adequate, comments?
3" x 30' strap has always treated me well in terms of balancing strength, length, and pack ability. I've never seen a 3" strap (that wasn't worn out) bust on someone in my experience, where as I can't say the same for 1.5" and 2" straps (also replace any strap that is getting worn/frayed in general, it's only a matter of time until they go...). I haven't looked around for deals on straps but something like this is what I carry: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200451242_200451242 Probably could save a few dollars looking around.
No idea what the stock anchor points on a tundra are. Beefy tow points on the front connected to the frame? If so those are likely good (make sure you have something to connect the strap to them if you don't want to hitch it, assuming they aren't hooks). Using the receiver on the rear? If so do you have a clevis that will couple to it? Just tossing the strap over a tow ball really shouldn't be the "planned" method.
pods8
Contributors
I'm not a fan of the huge 30' straps - I prefer 20' straps. With the 30 footers I always ended up doubling them back over on themselves.
Easy enough to double over than not have enough strap verse hitching two straps (and then trying to get them undone).
Easy enough to double over than not have enough strap verse hitching two straps (and then trying to get them undone).
craig333
Riley's Human
I just tossed my very first strap. A good warn 2" strap, in fact I've yet to find one as well made. Got a lot of use out that strap but it was frayed and very old. Still hated to just toss it.
Speaking of straps, lets not forget they can be very dangerous. Keep other people away when in use.
Speaking of straps, lets not forget they can be very dangerous. Keep other people away when in use.
HERR42
01110010110101
the only folks who say "an expensive winch wont get used much" are the ones who dont have a winch.
i have one.
used it a lot.
beats digging.
i consider it indispensible.
otherwise you only have one option - dont go out with one vehicle.
i have one.
used it a lot.
beats digging.
i consider it indispensible.
otherwise you only have one option - dont go out with one vehicle.
leadsled9
Contributors
i consider it indispensible.
Two days after the purchase of my Ford F250 I was bolting on a winch. So I guess I agree with you!
Even though I don't use a winch as often as I once did.....I still use it from time to time. When you need a winch....you really NEED a winch.
This is the first 3/4 ton truck I've ever owned and with the weight of the fully loaded Hawk on it's bed....the combination is quite heavy. I would hate to have to rely on a hand/arm powered come along to try and get it out of a mud hole. I don't think a come along would budge it.
Two days after the purchase of my Ford F250 I was bolting on a winch. So I guess I agree with you!
Even though I don't use a winch as often as I once did.....I still use it from time to time. When you need a winch....you really NEED a winch.
This is the first 3/4 ton truck I've ever owned and with the weight of the fully loaded Hawk on it's bed....the combination is quite heavy. I would hate to have to rely on a hand/arm powered come along to try and get it out of a mud hole. I don't think a come along would budge it.
pods8
Contributors
This is the first 3/4 ton truck I've ever owned and with the weight of the fully loaded Hawk on it's bed....the combination is quite heavy. I would hate to have to rely on a hand/arm powered come along to try and get it out of a mud hole. I don't think a come along would budge it.
Rig up a pulley for mechanical advantage if need...
Mind you I'm a fan of winches if you can afford and need one. If you are on the fence for less than $100 you could have a 5-ton come along and a couple shackles and pulley in your rig for a "get out a jail (with a bit of work)" card to potentially save your arse. Then you can go buy the winch you've just justified to yourself.
Rig up a pulley for mechanical advantage if need...
Mind you I'm a fan of winches if you can afford and need one. If you are on the fence for less than $100 you could have a 5-ton come along and a couple shackles and pulley in your rig for a "get out a jail (with a bit of work)" card to potentially save your arse. Then you can go buy the winch you've just justified to yourself.
leadsled9
Contributors
Rig up a pulley for mechanical advantage if need...
Mind you I'm a fan of winches if you can afford and need one. If you are on the fence for less than $100 you could have a 5-ton come along and a couple shackles and pulley in your rig for a "get out a jail (with a bit of work)" card to potentially save your arse. Then you can go buy the winch you've just justified to yourself.
Good point Pods8.
I'm a firm believer in pulleys or snatch blocks for winches too. I have one for each winch. The snatch block doubles line pull and allows the user to change the direction of the pull when needed.
Here is a photo of the three.
The atv winch is a 3000 lb capacity with a 3/16" cable (I have a 3000 lb winch mounted on the front AND the back of the ATV as I get it stuck often), the Tundra has a 9500 lb winch with a 5/16" cable and the Ford F250 has a 16.5k winch with a 7/16" cable.
Note the humongous size of the red snatch block used for the Ford. Can we say "heavy duty"?
By the way....these days I only buy Warn winches. I had a Ramsey winch once that I completely wore out. I ended up breaking the internal gears. I've never broken a Warn winch.
Also....I prefer series wound winch motors to permanent magnet winch motors. There are pros and cons for both types.
Mind you I'm a fan of winches if you can afford and need one. If you are on the fence for less than $100 you could have a 5-ton come along and a couple shackles and pulley in your rig for a "get out a jail (with a bit of work)" card to potentially save your arse. Then you can go buy the winch you've just justified to yourself.
Good point Pods8.
I'm a firm believer in pulleys or snatch blocks for winches too. I have one for each winch. The snatch block doubles line pull and allows the user to change the direction of the pull when needed.
Here is a photo of the three.
The atv winch is a 3000 lb capacity with a 3/16" cable (I have a 3000 lb winch mounted on the front AND the back of the ATV as I get it stuck often), the Tundra has a 9500 lb winch with a 5/16" cable and the Ford F250 has a 16.5k winch with a 7/16" cable.
Note the humongous size of the red snatch block used for the Ford. Can we say "heavy duty"?
By the way....these days I only buy Warn winches. I had a Ramsey winch once that I completely wore out. I ended up breaking the internal gears. I've never broken a Warn winch.
Also....I prefer series wound winch motors to permanent magnet winch motors. There are pros and cons for both types.
leadsled9
Contributors
I forgot to mention something about the tow straps. I always carry one in each vechile.
NEVER hook the tow strap over your trailer ball unless you want to see what a trailer ball shot out of a 30,000 lb. sling shot would look like.
Simply remove your receiver hitch and put the end of the tow strap inside the receiver hitch and reinstall the receiver pin through the tow strap loop. Secure and safe.
NEVER hook the tow strap over your trailer ball unless you want to see what a trailer ball shot out of a 30,000 lb. sling shot would look like.
Simply remove your receiver hitch and put the end of the tow strap inside the receiver hitch and reinstall the receiver pin through the tow strap loop. Secure and safe.
UglyScout
Contributors
By the way....these days I only buy Warn winches. I had a Ramsey winch once that I completely wore out. I ended up breaking the internal gears. I've never broken a Warn winch.
I have a 20+ year old warn winch on my Scout and it has been beat hard - still runs better than most guys non-warn winches. When my wheeling buddies need a fast, safe pull they come to my winch. I also have a newish 2500 pound warn on my trailer for loading stuff and it has been awesome as well. I wouldn't waste my money trying to save a few hundred bucks on a cheap winch.
NEVER hook the tow strap over your trailer ball unless you want to see what a trailer ball shot out of a 30,000 lb. sling shot would look like.
Simply remove your receiver hitch and put the end of the tow strap inside the receiver hitch and reinstall the receiver pin through the tow strap loop. Secure and safe.
x2 - (this is probably the main reason I don't run 3" straps - they don't fit into trailer hitches as well. And almost everyone has a trailer hitch to hook to.)
I have a 20+ year old warn winch on my Scout and it has been beat hard - still runs better than most guys non-warn winches. When my wheeling buddies need a fast, safe pull they come to my winch. I also have a newish 2500 pound warn on my trailer for loading stuff and it has been awesome as well. I wouldn't waste my money trying to save a few hundred bucks on a cheap winch.
NEVER hook the tow strap over your trailer ball unless you want to see what a trailer ball shot out of a 30,000 lb. sling shot would look like.
Simply remove your receiver hitch and put the end of the tow strap inside the receiver hitch and reinstall the receiver pin through the tow strap loop. Secure and safe.
x2 - (this is probably the main reason I don't run 3" straps - they don't fit into trailer hitches as well. And almost everyone has a trailer hitch to hook to.)
leadsled9
Contributors
x2 - (this is probably the main reason I don't run 3" straps - they don't fit into trailer hitches as well. And almost everyone has a trailer hitch to hook to.)
I have used the 20K straps (2") extensively.....and have used the 30K (3") just a few times. Here are some pics with the 3" strap installed on my receiver. It's a tight fit but if you wiggle the pin it will go through.
My preference is for the 2" strap. The whole reason a tow strap works so well in getting folks unstuck is because of the elastic properties of the strap. The tow vehicle takes off with some slack in the strap and the strap tightens and streches and the elasticity of the set up pulls the stuck vehicle out. The 2" straps just stretch much easier imo. This elastic property of the tow strap is what makes it far superior to the tow chain.
I have used the 20K straps (2") extensively.....and have used the 30K (3") just a few times. Here are some pics with the 3" strap installed on my receiver. It's a tight fit but if you wiggle the pin it will go through.
My preference is for the 2" strap. The whole reason a tow strap works so well in getting folks unstuck is because of the elastic properties of the strap. The tow vehicle takes off with some slack in the strap and the strap tightens and streches and the elasticity of the set up pulls the stuck vehicle out. The 2" straps just stretch much easier imo. This elastic property of the tow strap is what makes it far superior to the tow chain.
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