How to rescue a car stuck in the snow.

[JAMAS]

This is the first winter that I will have the VX and I want to be prepared.

If I had a need to rescue someone who slid off the road, what do I need and how do I do it?

[Triathlete]

Tow strap and shackles. Connect between both vehicles and yank

Just need to connect in a way that will not damage the vehicles. You have tow points in both front and rear.

[JAMAS]

You have tow points in both front and rear.

Are those tow points or tie-down points for original shipping of the vehicle?

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

try to do it smoothly if possible....I had to resort to aggressive tugs to pull a stuck Ram and later had to replace my pinion seal as it started to leak very soon after....can't prove this caused it but.....................

[JAMAS]

for now, I just want to make sure I can help my Wife or Mother if they get stuck. I don't want to put the VX at risk for a stranger....Unless the situation calls for it.

[alterastro]

If stuck in snow, then chances are that a gentle tug is all that is needed. The VX has a strong hook on the front and an eye on the rear - either are fine for snow pulling. Use the winter button to pull gently without slipping yourself.

Nick

[AlaskaVX]

I would say to hook up to the back right of the VX with a shackle (I have ripped the back left off with not that tough of a pull.) And put it in 4-lo, shouldn't have many problem then. A stretchy tow strap would be nicer than a non stretchy one, not so much jerk to both vehicles, but either will work.

[Triathlete]

for now, I just want to make sure I can help my Wife or Mother if they get stuck. I don't want to put the VX at risk for a stranger....Unless the situation calls for it.

I would take a look under both their vehicles before hand to familiarize yourself with potential tow points while it dry...might save you some discomfort in the nasty weather. Also throw a cheap tarp in the back of your VX in case you need to get down on the ground or crawl underneath on of the vehicles. Big cheap rubber floor mats work good for placing under tires for some sdded traction if needed also.

[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.

[JAMAS]

I would take a look under both their vehicles before hand to familiarize yourself with potential tow points while it dry...might save you some discomfort in the nasty weather

Thats a great idea! That way I am not trying to determine tow points when its freezing and dark.

Do you have any suggestions for potential tow points?

Also, any suggestions for what to look for in a shackle and tow strap?

[tom4bren]

Once again, I'll have to pit myself against the convention here on the forum. I prefer a chain over a strap ... at least for on road motorist assistance. Straps are better for off road applications tho. With a chain, you can double it back on itself to adjust for length. Many times it's difficult to position the recovery vehicle to use the full length of a strap. Just don't try to snap with a chain like you can do with a strap (snap is only useful if the stuck vehicle is axle deep in gumbo anyway).

As far as where to connect to the stuck vehicle ... GFL. There are precious few points on modern cars. Usually you'll have to get dirty & climb underneath to find anything strong enough like: the frame, the axle, or part of the suspension. Just be careful that whatever you hook to, even if it's strong enough, there may be fragile 'things' around it (such as brake lines or wire harnesses). If you're helping a stranger it's not a bad idea to let them make the connection so that they are responsible for any resulting damages (but be nice & check to make sure they didn't do anything stupid).

Remember also that the best way out is usually the way they went in. If they dropped a wheel or two into a ditch, you'll probably have to come at it at an angle though.

Don't underestimate the usefulness of spotters - just make sure they stand at a safe distance.

If at all possible, drape a blanket over the strap or chain at the 1/2 way point to act as a dead weight if the strap or chain should break.

[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

[nfpgasmask]

If at all possible, drape a blanket over the strap or chain at the 1/2 way point to act as a dead weight if the strap or chain should break.

Good suggestion, Tom. I can't remember where I read it, but I a while back a read a forum post on some 4x4 site about a guy who got instantly killed while trying to pull someone out with a strap and hook. They were mudding and I'm sure they were doing a lot more hardcore strapping that normal, but the strap broke and he had his head out the window and the hook damn near decapitated him. Just something to remember, be safe when doing this stuff.

When I pulled the stuck car out here at work, I was originally going to pull forward, but this car had NOTHING but plastic trim under the whole front end. Absolutely NOTHING to connect the hook to that wouldn't rip off as soon as I pulled. I ended up attaching the hook to a hole in the frame rail on the back and pulling the car backwards.

Bart