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I'm stuck in a ditch - what's the best way to get recovered?

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dxmedia:
cough - as the title says.  I'm just wondering if anyone has any 'personal' views on recovery processes?

V8MoneyPit:
 :lol: :lol: :lol:

I read this before I saw Chris' post on the other thread..... now I understand  :roll:  :lol:

So....

Basic rules...
If you don't know how to use the kit, don't use it.
If you buy kit, make sure you learn how to use it. This might mean a formal course, or gaining advice from professionals.... and that isn't the bloke down the pub who says he's a professional  :lol:
Make sure you buy proper kit. Not cheap shackles from your local car boot sale and a tow rope from Halfords.
If in doubt, STOP.
Start gently and build up the force slowly. Don't go at it like a bull in a china shop. (feel free to make your own innuendos up here!)
If a mistake is made (we are all, well most of us, human) make sure the vehicle in question is secure and the occupants are OK.

I'm sure there are plenty of other rules to be added......

Disco Matt:
The most important piece of off roading equipment is the squishy grey thing between your ears. Think the recovery through and use common sense.

Don't allow onlookers to stand in front of you.

There should be a minimal number of people directly involved - you, the driver of the stuck vehicle, and a trusted spotter to watch for problems (eg vehicle being recovered is about to get dragged onto a bank that will tip it, tow rope is fraying). The driver of the recovery vehicle should be listening to the spotter and the stuck driver, nobody else.

Try to ensure that the vehicle doing the towing starts on firm ground (use a longer rope if you have to), that will enable them to gently pull you clear rather than having to do anything violent.

Only buy properly rated kit - there are a number of guides that will explain load ratings (usually cast/stamped on shackles, and on a stitched-on label on strops). Nothing sold in your local Halfords is suitable for off road recovery - they are selling for towing broken down vehicles on tarmac.

Look after your kit. Wash the mud off, let it dry properly, check for scuffs, frays, or any other damage. Dried mud getting into the fibres will do a lot of harm as it will act as an abrasive.

Don't use a chain, it has no give in it whatsoever. Even a dead strop has a little stretch in it.

Don't snatch with anything other than a kinetic rope.

Don't use a kinetic rope as anything other than a last resort.

Don't use a kinetic rope on anything that lacks proper recovery points, and inspect them thoroughly before attaching the rope. Any rust or weakness could see the shackle and a chunk of one or other vehicle flying through the air with enough force to kill or at least seriously injure.

burgerman:
 Safety always 1st place

 Waffle boards are a very versatile and worthwhile addition to my recovery kit

Range Rover Blues:
I suppose this is a topic that needs bringing out out in the open.  It's late so I won't go to town but.

I usualy speak to the person I'm recovering and discuss how it's going to work.

I look for the easiest option first.

I try to use the minimum of kit, partly so I have something in reserve eg Hi-Lift on standby incase the winch fails.

I try to do it as gently as possible, only escalating if that fails.

So, tow it, winch it, yank it.  In more or less that order and only when pushing, digging and changing tyre pressures have been ruled out.

Also worth mentioning.  Unless you are an AA recovery agent the chances are you are not insured to carry out recovery.  I'm pretty sure my insurance is void if I recover a venicle other tan my own with my winch, though it says nothing about any other sort of recovery.  Make sure the person you recover underasrtands what liabilty you will accept before agreeing to tow.

Agree on your startergy.  If you are recoving someone who does not underatnd what youe proposing to do and the risks involved, ask yoursefl if you really want to be doing this.

I'd say we had a responsibility to enure we work safely and don't make things worse than they already are, other than that there aren's so much rules and common sense and courtesy.

My 2 penneth.  Let's see what others think.  If we come to an agreement then perhaps we can call it a "code of conduct".

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