Recovery/Towing Random Folks in the Streets

I was cruising around Pittsburgh last night, enjoying the snow.

While I was out and about, I came across a Dodge Challenger that was having issues trying to get up a hill.

I picked up one of these, because I'd like to do some off-roading and didn't want to go out without some kind of recovery equipment.

https://www.rhinousainc.com/collect...s/combo-tow-strap-20ft-shackle-hitch-receiver

So, obviously, the shackle and receiver would go on my truck. How would I hook to the Challenger? I'm not even sure they have a tow hook on the front.

I'm assuming I would need some sort of hook to latch on to the tow point of a vehicle, correct?

If so, any recommendations?

*Edit*

I figured this fell into more of a "recover" topic instead of an actual "towing" topic. If this belongs in "Towing", let me know and I'll post there. Thanks!

 

Me personally, I wouldnt. I'd just throw down some kitty litter and help the guy as best I could without touching him or his car. Hooking up to randos on the street opens you up to all kinds of liability. That's what tow trucks are for.

 

Yeah, that's true.

I figured I would do a video record on my phone prior to doing anything to cover myself.

Not sure if that would be a fool proof plan or not.

I'll leave it to the pros.

 

Recording wouldnt even cover you I dont think. There is an unspoken trust on the trails. Its generally assumed that everyone knows and accepts the risks from recovery. If shit gets mangled, oh well, its part of the sport. The street is a different animal. You could hook the guy up, he panics during the recovery and bangs up either his metal or yours or both. But because you tied the strap to his car, he will raise hell with his insurance, which will raise hell with yours. And depending on policy, your insurance might try to put you on the hook for the whole bill since you were playing tow truck (from their point of view).

 

Ummm.....no.

Just drive on past. If you must stop to assist, just offer to call a tow truck.

Don't get out to Push their car by hand. This is a very good way to get injured.

 

People I don`t know I give them what is needed to attach to their vehicle .

Some people get stuck in really bad places sure you could wait a few hours to a professional shows up but till then you have a big mess with 50 plus vehicles stuck and running out of fuel.

 

I agree with others that it's not worth the risk. The caveat to that is it all depends on location as well as the vehicle. You're in a city? They can wait for a tow truck. Out in the middle of nowhere? I'll lend a hand. If the vehicle has somewhere to easily hook to then I'd help as well, such as a tow hitch.

I've done that once, winched a car out of a ditch. While I was hooking up the state police showed up and blocked the lane for me (four-lane highway with a median). Everyone was appreciative because it would have taken forever for a tow truck to arrive and the police would have had to just sit there and wait with them.

 

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense and can see it playing out in my head. Haha.

I'm not a tow truck. There are people out there who make a living doing this sort of thing. I'm definitely NOT one of them.

Thanks for the perspective.

He wasn't in a bad spot. This was on the south side of Pittsburgh, not quite the middle of nowhere.

 

It all comes down to location if they are at a place they can get out of the weather not a problem .

Over the years it was often someone I knew in the middle of no where but now and then someone taking a shortcut .

Anymore I just stay home I had enough adventures in my Misguided Youth

 

This attitude of ignoring others in need on the highway is sad.

I know I grew up in a better time, but I was taught to help strangers in need. More than a few times dad pulled over to help change a tire. More than once lending his spare to get someone down the road.

If you came across a car with the hood up, you stopped. It was the equivalent of a vessel at sea helping another in distress.

Today most young folks are too self centered to even feel the slightest remorse for passing someone in need.

Sorry if it doesn’t fit into your sad and depressing view of the world, but if you’re broke down I’ll still stop and try to help.

 

There's a big difference between stopping and helping someone broken down and playing tow truck during a snowstorm because someone in a 2wd challenger wanted pancakes after a good snow.

 

And this is exactly the attitude of which I speak.

 

Me thinks someone might feel a bit guilty for not stopping in the past. It’s okay. You’ll still get a trophy.

 

I usually let them attach said rope to their vehicle, I've pulled out tons of people in the winter, every one was very appreciative, beats waiting hours for a tow truck.

 

I think youre broad brushing here. I have absolutely no issues with stopping. Make sure the guy is healthy, lend him your bag of kitty litter or traction boards, even let him sit in your truck as you call AAA. But there is a huge difference between helping out in a way that keeps yourself protected and sticking your neck out to play snatch strap badass.

First rule of first aid is "protect yourself - dont become another victim." The same principal applies to helping in non-urgent situations too.

 

In today's world of entitlement and litigation........no....

I will offer help. But I won't tow them or push them by hand. I'll call a tow truck or give them a ride to shelter.

Once upon a time ago, I would help.

Unfortunately, you must protect yourself.

<edit> Helping someone change a flat tire is much different than towing.......

 

Well said.

 

I know, man. If I see someone stuck, I stop to help.

 

Soft shackle will work on most cars/trucks