Stuck on beach - where to put tow strap?

So yesterday I was on the beach and a buick crossover was stuck. Here is my question...

If cars don't have a hitch/hook to wrap the tow strap to, where is the best place to attach the strap? I didn't pull them out because I wasn't sure where to attach and I didn't want to hurt their car. Another truck helped them and put a chain around the front left axle/CV boot. I thought that could hurt the CV joint, but I didn't say anything.

 

Did the axle go boom/snap? Most cars have some sort of a tow hook on the rear

 

I probably would have put the strap around the axle and then pulled from the rear. I could be wrong about that, but that's probably what I would have done in absence of easily seen tow hook.

 

Not what you asked but why I clicked here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXYgCmufzTE



To answer your question I would have used a strap around the sub-frame in the front or the rear. Never around a drive or suspension part.

 

Good video though!

 

A Crossover? I would have looped through the front grill and ripped that ugly sucker right off of it!

OOPSIE!

 

A lot of cars have th threaded eye that screws on to the front. It's usually in the pouch with the jack handle. If it's there, you need to pull off a small tab on the front bumper and screws in to the crash bar. Most people never know it's there.

 

^^what he said. but never wrap it around a drivetrain component. front subframe would be the 2nd best place.

 

A boat anchor can be used as well - you don't dig to set it but you'll probably have to dig it out unless you add the pull rope. Do some searching to figure out what I mean...

and a 2x6 with roof shingles on one side and strapping (like a ladder) on the other - about the length of the truck bed - are required equip on some beaches.

Here's something I pulled from the Cape Cod Nat'l Seashore website:
"Vehicles will be inspected for required accessory equipment:

• Shovel: Heavy-duty shovel equal to a military folding shovel
• Towing Device: Any of the following which are at least 14 feet long:
  Tow Strap: 1.5"; Rope: 3/4"; Chain 5/16"; Cable 1/4"
• Jack: Standard size (e.g., vehicle manufacturer's jack)
• Jack Support Board: Wood: 10" x 12" x 1.5" or Plywood: 10" x 12" x 3/4"
• Tire Pressure Gauge: Must register to 5 p.s.i. or lower
• SCV's and pick-up truck campers must also have a fire extinguisher and permanently mounted holding tanks for gray and black water.
• Spare Tire: Must meet tire standards outlined below. Important Spare Tire Information
• Tires: All 5 tires, including the spare tire, must meet or exceed the standards outlined below. NOTE: Many newer vehicles are being produced with temporary (smaller) spare tires; be sure to carefully, physically check your spare tire size for compliance before applying for an Oversand permit. These standards are minimum acceptable tire standards."

 

ll
Roll down both front windows and wrap your strap around the A pillars

 

Around the CV? fuck that. I ran into a situation like this in the past, only difference was he was blocking the road in my neighborhood in the snow. So I couldn't go home, he couldn't leave, I could have walked home but he really needed to leave the neighborhood. Zero points to pull, not even a screw on recovery point that most new cars use. So after looking everywhere I decided to put the strap around his wheel, pulled the ebrake to prevent the strapped wheel from spinning, and pulled him out that way. Wasn't ideal but it worked

I am not one for helping strangers get un stuck, to me its only putting yourself out for liability. You never know if your equipment fails and causes damage to their vehicle or person, or even just breaking something of your own then having to replace or fix it yourself.

You made the right decision @Cnasianfire

 

Exactly!

 

We spend a good bit of time on the Outer Banks and I'll offer to help anyone who's stuck. Over the years, I've been stuck a few times myself along with mechanical problems and even running out of gas but fortunately, someone has always been willing to lend a hand. This just seems like the right thing to do but I do have certain stipulations.

First, I'll ask if they've aired down to around 15 psi and provide a gauge to check. If not, and unless they're really buried, this is often sufficient. Next, I'll ask if they've engaged 4WD - you might be surprised how many think this is something their vehicle does automatically (and yes, I know that some do). If they're down on the chassis, I'll lend a shovel and tell them to remove enough sand to clear the undercarriage.

Low tire pressure, 4WD, chassis cleared - it will usually come out on its own. If it doesn't, I'll offer a tow but only after explaining that I will not be responsible for any damage that might occur to their vehicle. If they agree, I'll hook my strap(s) to my vehicle and ask them to attach the other end to their's. I never suggest where but, if I don't think they've chosen a safe point, I'll say so and not pull until I'm satisfied its safe for both of us.

In over fifty years, I've only had one fellow refuse my offer and I watched him count out $250 to a tow truck driver out of Buxton. The most I've ever charged was a beer or two.

 

I will help tow Someone, but I will not apply the strap, and try not to offer advise.
I want to be a good person but I don't want to be liable.

 

Great suggestions! I'll have to remember them the next time. I have never been stuck, but I always air down, keep it in 4wd, and not get crazy. But I know that you still can get stuck.

 

I get what you're meaning, but I'm the opposite, if I'm pulling someone out I'm the only one I'll trust to hook up a strap. Way less liable for damage if I know it's hooked up correctly

 

Well, the other day (the day in question), the kid that pulled the buick out ended up with a smoking engine...yikes. Not sure what happened to the truck.

 

I'd rather try to help someone and fail, than not help at all. On the flip side, I'd rather someone try to help me, and fail, than just watch them drive by...

While it's true we need to be smart about it and not create a situation where we have 2 victims instead of just 1, it's just common decency to try and help someone who's stuck. If you can't help, or don't know how, you can *at least* stop and offer to go find help.

Fear of being sued or whatever for failing to help is completely overblown. Find me 1 case where someone got sued, and I'll find 1000 cases where people were genuinely thankful that you at least tried.

 

It was a Buick... Leave it and hopefully the tide will come in and dispose of that fugly thing.

 

Well I am not going to tow with no tow point on the other car/truck. And I am not going to pull hard enough where there is a risk to my truck. But I'll help you dig out!