I believe it sets it to a specific RPM.

 

I've used my tow strap to tug vehicles free of snowbanks & ditches, but I can't remember ever winching anyone out... Except myself.

 

I think peak alternator power is between 2,000~2,500 rpm.

I set mine at 2,500 rpm.

Sent from some string and a few tin cans.

 

[QUOTE=LV Naturist;3821794]Hi Jeepers. New to this forum, but not to Jeeping or recovery. Since I just recently found this forum, I was reading through a lot of posts to get to know the forum a bit. Just for some background, like the Marine in another winching post, I was trained in vehicle recovery while on active duty and have done my share of recovering using an M816 and later an M936 wrecker. Sooo...

No flame intended to the posters I quoted so don't take it that way, but PLEASE don't do this! In the rare case of equipment failure, the cab of the vehicle is one of the most dangerous places to be. I understand sometimes chocks or large rocks aren't readily available and the use of the vehicle brakes is warranted. In that case, I carry one of these...

Irwin Quick-Grip Bar Clamp — 18 in. | Bar Clamps| Northern Tool + Equipment

...and use it to hold my brakes applied while winching. Reverse the clamp so it's a spreader instead of a clamp. Push on the brake pedal and put this in between the pedal and steering wheel, and add a couple of clicks. We have power brakes, so it doesn't take bottoming your brake to hold the vehicle, just moderate pressure. And this won't hurt your steering wheel. As a mechanic, I use this to troubleshoot all kinds of brake issues and it works well. Then you can exit the Jeep and winch away.

Also, your line of sight is very limited while inside the vehicle. Get out and watch what is going on. True, nothing wrong with using a spotter, but the spotter is YOUR second set of eyes, not your primary. IMHO you're the one with your finger on the trigger so to speak, so you should have the best vantage point for observing what's going on. One more point and I'll get off my soapbox. Stand as far away laterally as your winch control and the terrain allow.

Again, not flaming anybody, but I've seen equipment failures and I just don't want to hear about what should have been a fun day on the trail turn tragic.

Jeep-on, be safe.

John[/QUOTE
Local tow truck operator where I live, and I have actually had equipment fail on a vehicle down an embankment call. If it wasn't for the rail on my trucks bed and the snatch block I would have been severely injured. So always make sure your straps and chains and wire rope are in good condition before doing any sort of winching or pulling with them.

 

Just my 2 cents to add, if you are pulling someone else out, and you do have a place to anchor, I do not recommend to tie or hook to the rear bumper, if it is possible, go under your jeep and hook from the winch, or front bumper mount under to the back and anchor low, that way there is less stress on your frame and bumpers. Winch to anchor point without having to worry about trans, frame, rear bumper etc.

 

While I'd love a pul-pal, they're just too much for me at the moment. What I carry with me is a set of 3 stakes that are 18-24" in length, about 3/4" or 1" diameter that I welded a large washer and nut at the end of. I pound these in the ground about 10' apart and hook a strap to them to keep them together, then winch off the first one. Angle them in away from you, hook up and go. This has worked for me many times to get out of a jam when there's no trees in reach. I don't like carrying the weight or storing these, but man, they've saved my butt many times and I think they cost me all of "free" to buy. Got the scrap from somewhere I forget that was just old garbage rods. Cut to size and away you go. Check scrap bins at the steelyard as well.

The tire method works very well too-but requires time to dig a big hole to bury it. Another method that works-or can work-is trench a relatively deep trench in a big circle, lay your strap in there then pull off the strap. While I've never done this myself thanks to having the stakes handy, I have heard from a few old-timers that they did it in a pinch as a last resort and got JUST enough to get out of the jam. Obviously not for serious stucks, but sometimes just a little is all you need. The stakes are a pain to carry, along with a big hammer, but have always worked. Someday I will be able to afford a pul-pal to try one of those out.

Jack

 

Must have been a really good buddy and fairly heavy as well....

 

As someone who has some Red Cross certifications for work, and has had to do training on potential liability if you stop to help people.

What you need to do to cover your ass is properly represent your level of training and experience, get verbal consent, and don't try and tackle any problems that are beyond your ability.

Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop and give the person a comfortable place to wait for a professional.

Also, never winch in park. You'll screw up your transmission. Always winch in neutral, parking brake set, and hold the service brake pedal.

Anchoring the vehicle is really useful for particularly heavy pulls, but I've also completed pulls where I didn't need to anchor on anything.