Stuck on beach - where to put tow strap?

i mean i guess if you ripped out an axle they wouldn't be chasing you down the beach, but they'd have your plate number by then...

i think you were smart not to pull them out without knowing where to pull from.

 

I use my traction boards and a shovel first. I'll only get the strap out if there is a point to attach it to.

 

Unless it is a safety issue, let the stuck vehicle attach to their vehicle. Suggest airing down, how to engage 4wd, get grandma out of the back seat etc, but it is onerous getting sued for using your own hands on another person's vehicle. This is a common occurrence here where touristas try to macho out on the back road.
Now masses of Chinese adventure tourists out in remote in alohaland where the rentacar companies say "don't go", in rented jeeps & suv's and fancy sports cars attempting mud trials and stream crossings, then requesting help. Many appear to have limited experience behind any wheel.
We carry the gear and experience, but would prefer to use the cellphone to call them a tow truck unless they are known, local, look competent and have a reason for being stuck, or are in hazard. Didn't used to
feel that way but times have changed.

 

Yeah, I always hand the working end of my strap to the vehicle's owner

 

This right here is the "mic drop" correct answer. All 4WD owner's manuals should include something very similar.

 

Had the chance to refine my instructions on a couple of vehicles stuck between the ferry landing and the cabins on Portsmouth Island this past weekend. The first wasn't even 4WD - yep, 2WD only. To his credit, on Sunday, he did make it from the cabin to the ferry landing on his own with a running start immediately after the 'road' had been drug. Second guy was in a T100 but didn't air down and then dug in up to the chassis after a jeep tried and failed to get him out. Both needed a tug but came out without issue.

For anyone looking for a place to play in the sand, Portsmouth (Cape Lookout National Seashore) is a good start. Twenty miles of open beach (other than sections that may be temporarily closed fort bird/turtle nesting). Free camping most anywhere between the dunes and high tide line or the Park Service has twenty rustic cabins (shower, john, stove, electric, sleep six+) within fifty yards of the water. No other development or amenities on the island,

Photo taken from the porch of our cabin.

 

So did the 2wd air down?