I TRIED

[beachjeep]

Transmissions

Just got back a little while ago taking my YJ out on its first mud run since getting the new tires. They performed great with no problems.

Iwas about to take off when I saw an XJ stuck in mud up to its axles. Its been raining 30 out of the last 35 days here. Got out and took a look and it was bad. You could walk on top of the dirt and feel the water below the surface, it felt like what I believe quicksand would feel like, I have never seen anything like it. Dude had maybe 31's that were just caked in mud and no traction. We hooked up straps and gave it a whirl but he wasnt going anywhere and I was just digging a hole. He called up his buddy and said he was on his way so I took off. I asked if his buddy had a winch and he said no but he had 35's. I guess those 2 additional inches will get him out?

Anyway, it was my first time helping out another Jeeper and I thought I would share it with you guys. Didnt have the camera with me though.

 

[phatyaspen]

best things for pulling people that are really stuck is a thick chain and a solid tow point... aand just yank the hell outta em... thats how i always get people out

 

[dick_wilderness]

No way I'm using a chain. ever.

 

[White]

Think i would dig, Call a tow truck or maybe this guy. He's a Jeep Recovery Specialist...

 

[dick_wilderness]

LOLOLOLOLLOLOLOL

 

[Sully]

That van looks slightly modified.

 

[mud4feet]

You sure that Jeep's not pulling the van backwards??? :shock:

 

[White]

Come on up. Iam sure he dont charge for your first tow Ya, Just a little modded... 2 of them attend almost every ride...

 

[graewulf]

best things for pulling people that are really stuck is a thick chain and a solid tow point... aand just yank the hell outta em... thats how i always get people out

I can't say this enough... NEVER use a chain to "yank" anyone out. If that chain breaks, someone could get killed. Always use a "Snatch" strap - one that is designed to pull hard. Tow straps will break under these kinds of load (I have broken several doing just that). I carry a 40,000 snatch strap for just such an occasion. Chains are good for one thing - winching.. and even then you have to be extremely careful, and a strap is better. Never link straps with any kind of steel either, no hooks, clevis, etc. They can become missles if something breaks. I've seen where a clevis went through the rear window, and the passenger seat, and windshield of a Jeep. Luckily nobody was in the seat at the time.

Didn't mean to jump on you there Phaty, but it needed to be said...

 

[graewulf]

engine swap

Nice attempt... with the right gear (see my other reply) and a little experience, I bet you could have gotten him out.

 

[TwistedCU]

I've seen where a clevis went through the rear window, and the passenger seat, and windshield of a Jeep. Luckily nobody was in the seat at the time.

I completely agree with being against using a chain while "yanking" (or leaving slack then jerking it). As a matter of fact I wouldn't do that with anything. That takes any thought of how much load you are putting on a strap, chain, tow hook, etc and throws it out the window (or through the window :shock: )

I assume by a "snatch" strap you're referring to something that has some type of shock absorbtion? Never used one but I imagine that would be the only exception, although still could be dangerous.

but...

I have used combinations of straps, chains, shackles, pulling eyes, etc. on the job for years. I have worked with some top notch lineman through the years and have never seen a rig break. This is because it is inspected daily and load ratings are verified before each use. If the equipment is designed and rated for the loads you use them on, it makes no difference which item you use.

Note: Buying a thick chain from your local home depot is not what I mean. I'm referring to professional grade equipment designed for towing/pulling etc.

 

[Junkpile]

I've got a big arse logging chain that I'll use to give stuff a little tug every once in a while, but I don't even really like to do that unless I have to. A snatch strap stretches and keeps either vehicle from being jerked. You get a little running start and instead of jerking like a chain or strap, it acts like a rubber band and smoothly pulls out the stuck vehicle. Works like a champ in the sand and mud.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Theory behind using the snatch strap is that it stretches, and when it rebounds it is extra pulling force added to what your Jeep is pulling. Doesn't hurt to get a little slack when using a snatch strap. Now say 'snatch strap slack' three times really fast.

 

[Snitty]

in my experiences... a strap with elastic properties has always been a waste of time... the theory is to use the "rebound" to help pull the vehicle out... but the elastic properties, every time in my cases, has slowed down the tow vehicle, absorbed its force, and wasted the momentum.... I've found that a good, strong, solid recovery strap works best for yanking

i have used chains for the come-along before... but if i start to see the cables stress.. then its time to back off... a good cable, otherwise called a wire rope is really good for recovery... though after one good pull, they stress and are really tough to keep organized in the jeep

 

[graewulf]

I've used tow straps - they work for light pulls if you exert solid force only. In the mud (especially the stuff we have in the pines)- they are all but useless. You will sit there spinning your tires. On the other hand, a snatch strap, give it some slack, get a running start (5-10MPH, usually in low range) and when it comes tight, the stuck vehicle pops right out of the hole. It is rare that a second tug is even needed. I dropped the front of my truck in a mudhole, straight drop, right to the frame. Broke a tow strap (10,000 pull)... a guy came along with a 40,000lb snatch strap that was half broken (almost half of the width was shredded) and pulled me right out first shot. Recovery straps and chains are good for pulling someone out of a ditch or soft sand (if they haven't buried it) because it takes little force to move them, only 5-6000 lbs. When in the mud, it can take in excess of 20,000lb force to move the same vehicle - which is where the snatch strap is designed to work. It slows down the delivery of the force so there is less chance of breaking something. With a snatch strap the idea is not to snug the line first. It works better when you jerk it. As for chain - even grade 8 chain is no good in the pines. The load rating is too low and they do break in the mud. I've seen a 6000lb winch stall in the mud (single line).

 

[graewulf]

in my experiences... a strap with elastic properties has always been a waste of time... the theory is to use the "rebound" to help pull the vehicle out... but the elastic properties, every time in my cases, has slowed down the tow vehicle, absorbed its force, and wasted the momentum.... I've found that a good, strong, solid recovery strap works best for yanking

Are we talking the bungee style recovery ropes, or one that i marketed as a snatch strap? there is a real big difference. A snatch strap looks just like a regular nylon tow strap, but is designed to stratch up to 20% in length. Those bungee recovery cables stretch way too much and are way too light for offroad use. Good for pulling in th snow or soft sand is about it.

 

[TwistedCU]

Seems like that would make alot more sense then letting your bumper or frame thake that jolt :shock:

 

[phatyaspen]

damn i mean I can agree that it isnt the best way to get someone out butafter you spend $200 plus on straps in a month... you start to wonder and well i invested in a mighty thick tank chain w/ drings on each end... and a winch cable with a hook and a ring on the other... I cant seem to find the use of a "Rebound strap" cant understand the purpose... I dont think you get anywhere pulling with snatch straps whats the point!?! sorry had to rant and get it out

 

[88Wrangles]

maybe your jeep just doesn't have enough power.

Just Kidding!!