Pulling Q's (not sledpulling) safety

[DZink24]

With winter on the way, just wondering what kind of setup you guys use for those times when you help someone out, or get yourself out of a bind. I carry a more than ample logging chain, but what about the attach point on my truck? Is the factory installed class IV tow hitch a strong enough tow/pull point? I know never ever use the ball for an attachment, so how about a slip-in with a clevis? Thanks for any tips.

 

[OKish]

i have a myriad of tiedowns, tow ropes, chains, and all that stuff and i either use a hook to my hitch bumper or i have a tow hook hitch.

 

[MA2LA]

One of the shackle mounts that slides in your hitch will work. I stay away from chains and have a very nice and stout strap that i can slid in my reciver and put the pin through to hold it.

 

[GaryCarter]

Use straps, not chains.

Loop around the front hooks or use a shackle to the rear receiver.



I rarely pull out anyone I don't know anymore. Not since the time the idjit overrevved his car and hit me after I freed him. He never paid my damages, either.



Gary

 

[WadePatton]

I have sled pulled off the receiver hitch. Oo.





Straps are great, but I usually use chains.



Lot of guys mount a receiver hitch on the front. It's a custom deal.

 

[jkalchik]

Kind of what Gary said. There's too many idiots out there.



In addition, you can run afoul of the law. In IL, I could be ticketed for pulling someone out of a snowdrift without a towing license.

 

[JasonCzerak]

Kind of what Gary said. There's too many idiots out there.



In addition, you can run afoul of the law. In IL, I could be ticketed for pulling someone out of a snowdrift without a towing license.

heh, yet another way to spend money. damned if you do, damned if you don't

 

[chwhit]

The hitch and the rings on the front are strong enough, but for the rear definitely use the hitch pin or a d-ring, I've seen a lot of busted head/tail lights from flying tow straps. I personally don't really like chains, they don't have any give in them that straps do, and sometimes you have to give a little running start to get people out, and that unforgiving jolt from the chain tightening always made me cringe. I would get a strap rated for about 20-25000 lbs, I've been jeepin for years and have abused the **** out of those straps over and over and have never seen one break.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I've been in situations where we've broke chains and tow straps. I would never recommend using chains. Like said above, there's no give and when they let loose it's not a pretty site. I saw 6 feet of chain fly thru the back window of a pickup, hit the drivers shoulder and continue thru the windshield. Another trick, when using a tow strap drape a jacket or sweatshirt(anything of the sort) over the strap. If the strap breaks under high tension, this will reduce the rebound drastically.