Pulling people from snow

This is my first 4x4 and winter is approaching. I've thought about helping less capable vehicles out of the snow. What is the recommend setup for this? I was looking at a D ring receiver hitch and a quality tow strap. Is there anything more to it than that? Thanks!

 

Some people say don't use straps with hooks for safety reasons. I guess the idea is that if the strap broke the hook doesn't go flying and hit either someone or a vehicle.

 

That makes sense. I guess a chain would be better?

 

Isn't snow recovery almost like pulling someone from the sand?

If not, then ignore this because I'm from Texas where we get snow once every 10 years.

For sand, we use a snatch strap with a d-ring on each end. However, some people make a soft shackle (@SMKYTXN ) that allows you to use it in difficult areas.

Not sure if maxtrax would help any in this situation. But I could see where a shovel might.

Or you could go full recovery and get a winch.

 

No. I mean a hookless recovery strap. A chain is the last thing you want to use

 

You want to use a 2" or 3" rigging strap (nylon slings), with two eyes, at least 10' long, a snow shovel, and a bottle of Tequila, Vodka, or Whisky! I do pull cars out of snow sometimes in winter time here in Maryland

 

Don't do it is what I say, that's what the tow trucks are for.

 

I got a couple of these 3/4" VAN BEEST SCREW PIN SHACKLE

 

Don't bother, unless it's someone you know. You are just opening yourself up for all kinds of issues. They can say you damaged their vehicle. You can do damage to your own vehicle. Let them call a tow company who is insured and does this on a daily basis

 

True. But sometimes you need to help someone out. One of the big snows we had last year resulted in neighbor standing herself at the bottom of a small hill. Her Accord was dead in the water. She walked up the street and knocked on the door. I pulled her up the hill. No need to pay for an expensive tow and wait tow hours for it.

And yes....my PreRunner with Duratracs pulled her up just fine.

 

Ontario, Canada:

If you attach the recovery strap/equipment to the rescued vehicle, you are responsible for any damage that may occur.

If the owner of the stranded vehicle attaches the strap/equipment to their vehicle, you are not responsible for any damage.

Towing companies operate under different insurance rules.

 

Didn't even consider this. I guess I'll stick to helping only friend out. Thanks guys

 

Yeah at one time you could help people out with no problem, anymore it's just not worth the hassle.

 

Yep, it sure is a shame where this world has headed, but my policy is don't help strangers because they will disappoint you. If someone specifically asks for my help, I'm there for them, but no freakin' way I'm stopping to help some random idiot that can't drive and doesn't know when to stay home.

One time I found a wallet in the parking lot of a mall. I looked at the license and found their address and called 411 to get a number to call. Told them I had their wallet, cash was still in there, everything... bitch goes crazy and screams at me, asking how I got their number and that I'm a stalker and a thief and calls the cops on me! So guess what, next time I find a wallet I will pocket the cash and throw the thing in the river. People absolutely suck.

 

be very mindful of what you hook to and where the strap is going. ridiculously easy to damage someone else's vehicle

 

I'd rather inform you, than have you find out the hard way.

On the trails, I have no problem pulling someone out or being pulled out. There is a different mindset than the typical public.

 

Same goes for towing a dead boat!

 

After doing a little research I think I may be covered by the Missouri good samaritan law.

 

This...

If you absolutely want to be prepared to help a friend or family member out though, get a couple d-shackles, and a hook-less strap
NOT THIS


This instead...


Hook it to a d-shackle on your truck's captive hoop up front or a hitch-receiver D-shackle



As far as hooking to their vehicle.... good luck. Most cars don't have an accessible tow point, and you're likely to damage their suspension if you go to a control arm or strut. Only pull from established spots on a truck or SUV... stay away from even trying to do this with a car unless it has a hook exposed (like this).

If they have a tow hook, they're likely not the ones you're going to be pulling out anyway lol.

Put it in 4-low, mechanical advantage is your friend, give it at least 15 feet, and pull GENTLY. It often doesn't take much. If force is needed, start very soft and build. Avoid doing the below... (2:01)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJA3J--g_yI&t=2m1s

 

Thanks @snowmanwithahat!