One of the many types of driving work I have done, was to work with a long time friend, Jol Fleming. Jol and I go back more than 35 years, so when I rolled back into The Alice awhile ago, I assisted him with his 4X4 training programme. Jol never fails to amaze the people he teaches, because he has been wheelchair bound for half of his life, and is more than capable of driving his specially rigged Falcon, of F 250 ute over any sort of country, especially the deserts. He regularly takes "Tagalong" tours to virtually every part of the country. However, his thriving business in Alice Springs is teaching anyone, but in particular, all government employees who go "bush", how to handle a 4X4. Between us, we would cover all the basic mechanical checks, from fluid levels to tyre changing. Then out into the sand hills south of town where we would demonstrate the correct, and ONLY way, to use a "snatch strap". For those of you who are going to buy 4X4 retrieval gear, PLEASE go to a licensed 4X4 school. There you will learn where to, and where NOT to hook up for a safe tow. I know of two occasions where people have used their tow ball as the point of towing. Both times, the tow ball broke off and became a missile. As a result, the two people died from head injuries. Most recently, people hooked onto a bullbar, took the strain, and the bar flew off the vehicle and killed a nine year old girl who was standing some hundred feet away. So, once again, let me emphasize that there's a lot to see, but please be careful. Regards Pipes. E mail jol@direct4wd.com.au (If in The Alice, and say G'day)
Gerty Dancer said
08:46 PM Mar 16, 2011
Yes you are right Pipes... sorry I shouldnt have made it sound so easy as watching a video. Thought that at least the video would be better than nothing at all.
We did a 4WD recovery course with the same people who run Tow-Ed and they stressed the safety angle.
bill12 said
09:48 PM Mar 16, 2011
I have seen what a badly used snatchem strap can do. One snapped pulling a a 4wd out of a bog, and hit a guy who was standing too close inthe leg cutting him like a razor . They are a great tool ,but can be a trap to people who have no experience.Training or experience in paramount in these situation.Its like most things, a tool is only as good as the user.
Wombat 280 said
11:15 PM Mar 16, 2011
How many of the do it in the dirt vehicles owners use the winch and never put a coat ,blanket , gear bag or even a tree branch over the cable to dampen the cable should it break. Seen many winch outs where every bugger stands around alongside the tensioned cable or alongside the vehicles , get well behind the vehicle or well out of the way Look for a safe spot to stand at least 1 1/2 times the length of the cable from the vehicle and take the kids with you .
Some of the newer vehicle 4WD ,which should really not leave the black top, are not designed to be snatched out as the shock can set off the airbags then your going nowhere fast
jimricho said
07:20 PM Mar 17, 2011
Back in the 90s after I purchased my first 4wd I did a course that included the proper use and safety precautions when using a snatch strap. It covered all the issues mentioned above and has stood me in good stead on more than one occasion.
DiB said
08:16 PM Mar 18, 2011
We have been 4wd drivers for many years - Hubby spent many weekends training others - and we always follow the correct procedure - he was always the first to assist others, often stuck from their own stupidity, but rarely will he now - ten years ago when living in Darwin and enjoying our 4wd gymkana day - the wet begun and the area became a swamp - so he assisted another driver and correctly hooked up the vehicles using the tow hooks etc - but the tow hook let go and straight through the back of the vehicle - putting a hole straight through the metal -had anyone been in the wrong place they would be dead - not to mention it cost us around 2,500 dollars to repair - oh and they guy he was towing to this day has never said thanks - so now good luck to idiots they stay were they are. A further insult is - hubby got so sick from Ross River - first I thought it was the Nightcliff gardeners disease(cant remember the correct name) and I could have lost him.
So to anyone new to owning a 4wd drive, the equipment is a must have if driving offroad or on a beach but you must learn the correct way to use - these used incorrectly are lethal.
Gerty Dancer said
08:52 AM Mar 19, 2011
You had a bag or some sort of dampener over the tow strap, and it still did that? Scary!!
One of the many types of driving work I have done, was to work with a long time friend, Jol Fleming. Jol and I go back more than 35 years, so when I rolled back into The Alice awhile ago, I assisted him with his 4X4 training programme. Jol never fails to amaze the people he teaches, because he has been wheelchair bound for half of his life, and is more than capable of driving his specially rigged Falcon, of F 250 ute over any sort of country, especially the deserts. He regularly takes "Tagalong" tours to virtually every part of the country. However, his thriving business in Alice Springs is teaching anyone, but in particular, all government employees who go "bush", how to handle a 4X4. Between us, we would cover all the basic mechanical checks, from fluid levels to tyre changing. Then out into the sand hills south of town where we would demonstrate the correct, and ONLY way, to use a "snatch strap". For those of you who are going to buy 4X4 retrieval gear, PLEASE go to a licensed 4X4 school. There you will learn where to, and where NOT to hook up for a safe tow. I know of two occasions where people have used their tow ball as the point of towing. Both times, the tow ball broke off and became a missile. As a result, the two people died from head injuries. Most recently, people hooked onto a bullbar, took the strain, and the bar flew off the vehicle and killed a nine year old girl who was standing some hundred feet away. So, once again, let me emphasize that there's a lot to see, but please be careful. Regards Pipes. E mail jol@direct4wd.com.au (If in The Alice, and say G'day)