How to rescue a car stuck in the snow.

[nfpgasmask]

I pulled someone out the other day. I used my hook on my hitch and a tow strap. Make sure you are in 4x4, low gear and go slow and smooth.

Bart

[tomdietrying]

I'd say everyone has come up with some great suggestions. I would add one more thing. Keep a gallon of clorox bleach with you. If you are driving on snow or ice, pour it over your tires. It helps your tires stick to the icy road.
Peace.
Tom

[pbkid]

when i used to pull people with my VX i would put it in 4lo and winter mode and gently let of the brake and lightly apply gas.

its really the only time i used the winter mode, but it seems to help a lot.
and like others said, back right side with shackles and a tow strap.

[Marlin]

when i used to pull people with my VX i would put it in 4lo and winter mode and gently let of the brake and lightly apply gas.

its really the only time i used the winter mode, but it seems to help a lot.
and like others said, back right side with shackles and a tow strap.

If I am not mistaken, winter mode just starts the tranny in 3rd gear? So why bother going to 4lo if you are going to start in 3rd gear in low, which I would think is about the same as 4hi 1st gear? Just curious. I wish it would snow here so I could play too I would drive around all day pulling people out of the snow just for fun.

In addition to the straps, bring a few flashlights. It would suck trying to strap a car at dusk or after dark. I would also evaluate getting a collapsible shovel for digging snow from under the vehicle to get to a tow point.

[Triathlete]

Make sure you get 2 shackles. (that is if the towee has a shackle point of connection)

If not you can double the strap back after wrapping around there connecting point either to your shackle (halving it) or double it back and put the shackle through the loop and then around the strap...(does that make sense?).

[etlsport]

If not you can double the strap back after wrapping around there connecting point either to your shackle (halving it) or double it back and put the shackle through the loop and then around the strap...(does that make sense?).

i also got a "dog bone" from cabelas (outdoors store) basically its a metal pipe with two ends that you can use to adjust a strap to any length you need.. it has come in handy for me a few times pulling people out of the ditch across the narrow road i used to live on

one other piece of advice.. make sure there is plenty of room around you, especially if the VX is also on ice or snow, it will have a tendancy to wander back and forth a bit... and if you are on a hill.. pull them uphill! it makes it a little more difficult.. but you eliminate the risk of having them slide down into you after being pulled free

[JAMAS]

All VERY great advice.

I hope I never have the need to pull someone out. However if I do have the need, I now feel prepared.

Time to go buy stuff.

Thanks!

[Ldub]

If I am not mistaken, winter mode just starts the tranny in 3rd gear? So why bother going to 4lo if you are going to start in 3rd gear in low, which I would think is about the same as 4hi 1st gear?

To keep the TOD from having to work so hard.

[pbkid]

To keep the TOD from having to work so hard.

yup, the dub has the right idea...

winter mode keeps the wheels from spinning and the engine from rapping out.
generally when pulling someone, you wanna use torque instead of horsepower, therefore you would rather use a lower RPM and 'winter mode' will complete that attempt.

i just have tried pulling people in every combination possible and i have had the most success with 4LO and winter mode.
in fact- i have pulled a tacoma, with a siezed motor, in gear...... uphill....... without spinning a tire in this mode.

and yes jamas, most 'offroaders' agree that you should NEVER EVER use a strap with hooks on the end, they quickly become the weak point and snap, therefor throwing a metal hook at your windshield at very high speeds.....

use a looped strap (i use a 4" strap with 3/4" shackles) with ARB shackles (they can be found for around $15-20 a piece)


good luck!!

[Marlin]

To keep the TOD from having to work so hard.

....riiiiiigggghhhht

[Ldub]

....riiiiiigggghhhht

when locked 4 lo, the TOD isn't in play...you knew that though...riiiiiigggghhhht?

[nfpgasmask]

I'd say everyone has come up with some great suggestions. I would add one more thing. Keep a gallon of clorox bleach with you. If you are driving on snow or ice, pour it over your tires. It helps your tires stick to the icy road.
Peace.
Tom

Wow, Tom! That's a new one. Never heard that before. You're not joking, are you? Does that actually work?

Bart