Getting stuck is part of the deal – some would say part of the fun – of going off-road.
If you are by yourself, getting unstuck can be a long and difficult process. Which is why it’s always best to take some company when you head off-road, so your mates can use their truck to get you under way again.
The quickest way to recover a stuck truck is by a ‘snatch’ tow from another truck. This uses the elasticity of specialised nylon ropes or straps to increase the amount of pull on the vehicle that is stuck. The stuck truck is then being pulled not only by the momentum of the towing vehicle but also by the energy ‘stored’ in the stretched rope.
Only proper snatch-towing ropes or straps should be used – if you attempt to snatch-tow with chain or non-elastic rope you will cause severe damage to both vehicles.
Snatch-towing puts the rope and attachment points under extreme strain – up to 7000kg – hence the need for properly mounted recovery hooks. These, along with specialised snatch straps, are readily available from stockists of 4WD accessories. Buy a quality brand – they are not expensive, and the consequences of failure under load can be fatal.
Never attach a rope to a tow ball for 4WD recovery – the rope could slip off under load, or the ball itself could shear off, becoming a missile.
Here’s how to do a snatch tow:
- Attach the rope to the tow hook and drive the towing vehicle forward until you have taken up any slack. (Never do a snatch tow in reverse gear – that’s how you break axles and destroy gearboxes).
- Reverse the towing vehicle a short distance to allow a run-up.
- Engage low-ratio second gear and drive away at a steady pace. All going well, the rope will stretch and the stuck vehicle will pop free.
- If the vehicle stays stuck, dig around it before trying again. Break the suction holding the wheels by jacking them up and putting something firm underneath.
Easy, eh! The driver of the stuck vehicle will likely be amazed at how smooth the process is, and how much extra “pull” comes from the stretched strap.
To repeat, the forces involved in snatch towing make it inherently dangerous. Passengers should either remain in the stuck vehicle or stand well clear of both trucks. In particular, keep children and pets under control and well clear.
