Winter rescues of stranded drivers...

[IamPro2A]

Many times over the years. Last one was a couple of young guys from out of state driving around the back roads here taking pics of the winter scenery. When they pulled their car off the side of the road, they didn't realize it was a ditch filled with snow and buried the passenger side. No cell service out here, or many houses. Offered to either pull him out or call a wrecker when I got service. They opted for the pull. Let the owner dig out under the car and slide under to attach a shackle and static strap I always have with me. Lucky for him many cars these days have anchor points for shipping/towing. Put it in 4lo and barely even needed to touch the gas. Maybe 5 minutes total. It's beautiful up here, but you do need to be aware and prepared.

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[WILDHOBO]

Yup. I never will set up the soft shackel. They get to do that. I will tell them how to set it up to minimize damage chances, but they have to set it.

I’m the opposite. I don’t want it to come loose. If I’m helping, I’m doing the rigging.

 

[tcabece]

So last night and today, large swaths of the eastern US are getting a LOT of snow. This is going to be a two-part question, the one most people will reply to is:

Have you ever used your Gladiator to help someone stuck in the snow? Whether just to give them a push out of deep snow, or your traction boards under their drive wheels to get out, or all the way to hooking up your recovery gear to give them a pull? If it's a "regular" car, where do you attach your tow strap / recovery rope to minimize damage to their car?

Now, the second question, largely aimed at @Metalcloak / @Metalcloak Jon related to the previous question... Is the Metalcloak Front Bumper Winch Guard strong enough / solid enough to be used as a push bar to give a vehicle a push, or would it more likely crush and get damaged?

Jash: I am in Colorado and it took awhile to realize. It's ok to feel good about seeing a California plated Prius stuck in the ditch! LOL - Tim

 

[S JEEPN]

Of course you do not use your bumper to push anyone that is stuck unless it is an absolute necessity too much to go wrong and to much chance of damage. In most instances it only takes a few minutes and often not much effort to get someone going, dig out the tires with your shovel. throw down some sand for traction or give them a short pull with the winch or a pull strap or a combination of methods. I support the thought never have someone that is not experienced hook up a tow strap or winch line if you want it done right you have to do it yourself and do not be too shy to give directions. The biggest hazard pulling someone out is ensuring they understand not to floor it into you or over your strap or winch line when they are free. If i can not free them I always offer a ride to a safe location or to get them assistance from emergency services or whatever they need. Hopefully when one of my family, friends, someone's kid are in need someone is a good enough person to go out of their way to help regardless of what they feel happened, how they judge the people, or if they think they should not have been in that situation. I used to plow snow in the mountains and nothing sticks with you like someone stranded in the snow being found to late or a car accident and people not stepping forward to assist.

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