110 replies to this topic

[Mark W. Ingalls]

[Cross reference placeholder for the excellent subject matter in this thread started by MarkBC.]

[MarkBC]

Thanks for starting this, M.W.I, and thanks to Desert Rancher for suggesting it.
Though it wasn't my intent when I started the thread, I'm glad my "Incident" seeded such a rich discussion -- I learned a few things from it!

[Desert Rancher]

Let please keep subject to "what works - past experiences and most importantly - procedure and product recommendations" in a summary. Not a big story (although that is what intrigues/inspires us!)....

Agreed?

[Mark W. Ingalls]

Let please keep subject to "what works - past experiences and most importantly - procedure and product recommendations" in a summary. Not a big story (although that is what intrigues/inspires us!)....

Agreed?

+1

[Desert Rancher]

A hi-lift jack is just about the best tool you can have. It is a jack and a winch.
You need to be able to use it. Good jack points. Stock bumpers may not work. Soft ground requires a platform or the jack will sink. I (and many of us) carry some 2x6's for leveling.
In really soft sand/mud, your spare can be used very effectively, however if your are buried up to the rear axle, it will be hard to get to (unless mounted elsewhere). If you are looking at / going into a bad situation, pull that spare while you can!

Bust a bead while you are stuck and you really will be. You can re-seat a tire but it is not easy (done that).

Also a good strap and frame mounted attachment points.

For those who posted previously, please condense and re-post, OK.

What else?

[pods8]

What's a good length? Is 20 feet long-enough for most situations?
Or is 30 feet standard?

Mark different folks have different preferences. Personally I carry a 3" 30' strap. Others like the 20' ones, I like the extra reach and you can usually double over the strap to 15' if it's too long. I like the extra capacity of a 3" strap, esp. as it gets some wear. 2" straps are good as well but you need to be more diligent about replacing them sooner if they're getting used. I've seen a lot more 2" straps bust as opposed to 3", but based on your limited use it probably doesn't really matter.

[craig333]

I carry something similar to this http://www.google.co...ved=0CGUQ8wIwAQ
in the Jeep. Comes with a carry case too. Truck has a 30'x3" strap. I also have shackles and hooks but needless to say those can be extremely hazardous used improperly.

I know wanderthewesters have more common sense than most but I'll add for the lurkers, keep bystanders away. Well away.

[Smokecreek1]

Mark different folks have different preferences. Personally I carry a 3" 30' strap. Others like the 20' ones, I like the extra reach and you can usually double over the strap to 15' if it's too long. I like the extra capacity of a 3" strap, esp. as it gets some wear. 2" straps are good as well but you need to be more diligent about replacing them sooner if they're getting used. I've seen a lot more 2" straps bust as opposed to 3", but based on your limited use it probably doesn't really matter.

Never- never stand directly behind a handy man (hi-lift) jack as you jack the truck up!!!!! Jack it up from the side. Are we really going to tell stories about what to do and not do out there; sounds like fun, lot's of safety tips and helps that were started by "the Battle Creek" story. Really should figure away to put that data out there for the masses! Maybe a good thing for Stan to do for FWC! Did never trust a strap for pulling used the chain (cept for jerking a rig out) , but there is start-tall stories and how to live!!

Smoke

[pods8]

Ah not sure why you're quoting me there...



As for pulling with a chain, unless it's a slow/steady application of force I would never use one. So to me that is limited to winching, never for pulling a vehicle out. Plus way to much weight for a reasonable length/thickness verse a strap.

[Ramblinman]

Great thread. I will be monitoring hoping to learn as much as I can. I have little experience with the Hi - Lift. I did come across this article recently. It looks as thought there is a lot of great info on how and when to use the Hi Lift. http://www.expeditio...all-trades.html