How to pull a vehicle out of a ditch?
08-13-2009, 12:36 PM
#1
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline 6
How to pull a vehicle out of a ditch?
Hey Guys!
Im new to the Jeep community
but im glad to finally be apart of it. I live in northern Illinois and we can get some bad snow and ice storms, and some of my friends have already told me in getting the call if they need to be pulled out of a ditch. Only problem is i dont know how to do so correctly so i figured i'd ask around before i try doing so this upcomming winter. Any suggestions on how? Im putting a rear hitch on my cherokee once i get the money, but thats it. Will i still be able to pull people out? What kind of straps should i use?
Im new to the Jeep community
but im glad to finally be apart of it. I live in northern Illinois and we can get some bad snow and ice storms, and some of my friends have already told me in getting the call if they need to be pulled out of a ditch. Only problem is i dont know how to do so correctly so i figured i'd ask around before i try doing so this upcomming winter. Any suggestions on how? Im putting a rear hitch on my cherokee once i get the money, but thats it. Will i still be able to pull people out? What kind of straps should i use?
08-13-2009, 01:07 PM
#3
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Jeeps are pretty tough, but I would leave the recovery to professionals.
Property damage and/or personal injury are real possibilities.
Not to mention the liability involved.
Thats why wrecker companies have to have a $1,000,000 + umbrella insurance policy.
Property damage and/or personal injury are real possibilities.
Not to mention the liability involved.
Thats why wrecker companies have to have a $1,000,000 + umbrella insurance policy.
08-13-2009, 01:43 PM
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Year: 1989 2 door
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Engine: 4.0
Pulling people out isn't rocket science! Thought the pull points on the car in need will very so u need to hook up to the most solid steel u can get to under there car!
The hitches dude recomended are definatly a plus! U will want a tow strap (NOT A CHAIN), with all that just hook up to the car!
Now put ur jeep in 4low & 1st gear take it slow & if 1 of ur rear tires starts to spin freely pull ur E-brake up just about 1/2 the way!!!
Good luck & welcome to the jeeping community/cherokeeforums.com
The hitches dude recomended are definatly a plus! U will want a tow strap (NOT A CHAIN), with all that just hook up to the car!
Now put ur jeep in 4low & 1st gear take it slow & if 1 of ur rear tires starts to spin freely pull ur E-brake up just about 1/2 the way!!!
Good luck & welcome to the jeeping community/cherokeeforums.com
08-13-2009, 02:05 PM
#7
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i'd leave it up to the professionals, it's not how you hook up to your jeep, as much as how you hook up to the car.
without the correct hooks and know where to hook them, you can do serious damage or injury.
cars don't have recovery points like we do on our jeeps.
they have certain reinforced recovery slots in the frame that require proper hooks for each different car/truck/minivan.
and not to mention, it's illegal to block a road without a police attendant.
without the correct hooks and know where to hook them, you can do serious damage or injury.
cars don't have recovery points like we do on our jeeps.
they have certain reinforced recovery slots in the frame that require proper hooks for each different car/truck/minivan.
and not to mention, it's illegal to block a road without a police attendant.
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08-13-2009, 03:55 PM
#10
Do you hear banjos?
I have an easy solution to your problem. If it is not a Jeep, then keep on driving!! Jeeps won't wind up in a ditch anyway, so you are free to play in the snow this winter!! LOL!!
J/K!! Just be safe with any and all extractions!!
J/K!! Just be safe with any and all extractions!!
08-13-2009, 03:59 PM
#11
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i pulled a brand new SRT magnum out of the sand once, i had to be very careful. but i was comfertable doing it..
If you dont know what your doing, its not hard to cause 5 grand in damage. do not get pressured into helping someone. if your friends are all sure they will be in the ditch... then tell them to ride public transportation.
If you dont know what your doing, its not hard to cause 5 grand in damage. do not get pressured into helping someone. if your friends are all sure they will be in the ditch... then tell them to ride public transportation.
08-13-2009, 05:19 PM
#13
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Well now that most everyone has advised you to not pull anyone out of the ditch, you will still get those calls and feel compelled to help. I would. I've been pulling people out for years and have developed a few rules to go by.
First, establish good towing points. Those gizmos shown up at the top of the page fit into a class 2 or 3 receiver hitch. If you are going to pull something, a receiver hitch is a good thing. Get one that fits an XJ and one of those inserts. Front towing hooks are a good idea also. You never know.
Second, get yourself a nice stretchy recovery strap. These are invaluable. They take up the shock of little mistakes and such. Most straps only have loops on the end so you will need a clevis or something. Personally, I have two foot chains with hooks on both ends of mine. Nobody cares much for this idea, but if you have to pull one of your buddies out that doesn't have towing points, you can wrap the chain around and axle or something else solid that you can't fit that clevis around.
Third, and this is important. You hook up your own vehicle, and let your buddy hook up his. That way if you pull something off, you are not to blame. Conversely, if you rip something off, you have only your self to blame. Besides, if they are in a huge mud hole, they get to be muddy.
First, establish good towing points. Those gizmos shown up at the top of the page fit into a class 2 or 3 receiver hitch. If you are going to pull something, a receiver hitch is a good thing. Get one that fits an XJ and one of those inserts. Front towing hooks are a good idea also. You never know.
Second, get yourself a nice stretchy recovery strap. These are invaluable. They take up the shock of little mistakes and such. Most straps only have loops on the end so you will need a clevis or something. Personally, I have two foot chains with hooks on both ends of mine. Nobody cares much for this idea, but if you have to pull one of your buddies out that doesn't have towing points, you can wrap the chain around and axle or something else solid that you can't fit that clevis around.
Third, and this is important. You hook up your own vehicle, and let your buddy hook up his. That way if you pull something off, you are not to blame. Conversely, if you rip something off, you have only your self to blame. Besides, if they are in a huge mud hole, they get to be muddy.