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Tow Recovery - Possible Wiki Entry
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Robbie
 


Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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United Kingdom 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Baltic BlueDiscovery 4
Tow Recovery - Possible Wiki Entry

Cleaned and checked my recovery kit and was thinking of all the knowledge on here regarding using this gear safely.

Should we have a wiki to explain how to do the simple stuff so that those new to the joys of fishing a Cayenne from a slight incline can do it safely?

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Post #10988644th May 2013 10:43 am
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petersw
 


Member Since: 17 Nov 2012
Location: Norfolk
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United Kingdom 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Orkney GreyDiscovery 4

I would like to learn some of the basics
  
Post #10989074th May 2013 12:37 pm
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MARKW
 


Member Since: 29 Aug 2008
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A nice idea but there are so many variables it would be impossible to cover them all.

For the first thing I disagree with the way you have connected your hook. I would have and have been taught that the open side of the hook should be down. That way if the flimsy gate failed for whatever reason the hook wouldn't fall out of the shackle.
Others may disagree with what I'm saying.
 HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE

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Post #10989254th May 2013 1:15 pm
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Robbie
 


Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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United Kingdom 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Baltic BlueDiscovery 4

I know what you mean about variables but keeping to the basics and warning of the variables that would have a safety impact would be a start for most. Watching people sling a strop over a towball shows that general knowledge of how to do this safely is not a given.

As for techniques, well we all have our teachings and some are up for debate. Hooks are my least favourite item but in some situations they have their uses and 'hooking up' is important.

Click image to enlarge


To stop the 'Luck in a Hook' from pouring out they should be mounted as above and not like the picture below. Should the hook fail under load the correct orientation will see it driven into the ground as it is snatched back, rather than propelled into the air which can be lethal. The throat latch should not take any load.

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Post #10989274th May 2013 1:33 pm
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leeds
 


Member Since: 30 Aug 2010
Location: West Yorkshire
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United Kingdom 2016 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 Landmark LE Auto Yulong WhiteDiscovery 4

A couple of small points.

Keep the number of pieces of metal work to a minimum.

So why use a clevis hook onto a shackle onto the recovery point?

Learn how to join straps together without the use of shackles

IF using a tow ball use a bungee to prevent recovery rope/strap from slipping off. OK not ideal



Brendan
  
Post #10989354th May 2013 1:54 pm
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Robbie
 


Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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United Kingdom 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Baltic BlueDiscovery 4

Hi Brendan, all points I wish to cover. Thumbs Up

Agree with you regarding the clevis hook and I would go further regarding shackles to join straps - it should never be done as it is madness!

Keep the ideas coming!

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Post #10989374th May 2013 2:10 pm
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Mark Y
 


Member Since: 14 Sep 2008
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United Kingdom 2012 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Sumatra BlackDiscovery 4

Robbie that's some very clean recovery equipment you have Thumbs Up , I'd be embarrassed to display mine at the moment it all needs a good wash, including moss growing on my winch rope Embarassed
  
Post #10990314th May 2013 5:31 pm
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Robbie
 


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I was too ashamed to photograph the outgoing rope, but the straps stay quite clean and didn't need much rinsing (one direction only) to look new again.

I don't do much off-roading in my own vehicle and it mainly comes out to play in the winter. We have friends and family in remote places so the kit is essential but thankfully not called upon often.

I'm sure your wire rope will look fine after some WD40 or light machine oil on a rag.

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Post #10990374th May 2013 5:39 pm
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Robbie
 


Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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United Kingdom 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Baltic BlueDiscovery 4

Started on the article, got the photos and working on the text - takes longer than I thought!

Will edit this post as I add or remove content but open to suggestions, especially as I want to keep this simple enough for the beginner.

Discovery 4 Tow Recovery

1. This topic was prompted by the number of dangerous things I have seen people do when attempting a vehicle recovery. As with many disciplines there are many techniques to achieve the same effect but it is also a subject where there is a considerable amount of misinformation. This article will not attempt to cover everything and is aimed at basic recovery only. For more advanced techniques or use of equipment such as winches and kinetic recovery ropes there is absolutely no substitute for proper lessons at a recognized off-road centre.

Common things I see people doing incorrectly include:

i. Improper selection of equipment, without understanding load ratings and safety margins.
ii. Use of damaged, dirty or badly worn equipment.
iii. Improper use of equipment including using tow-balls, side loading bow-shackles, improper use of wire rope and hooking of straps/cables to themselves without understanding the significant loss of strength.
iv. Unsafe practices such as poor hazard assessment, not keeping the area clear, handling equipment with bare hands and poor communication.
v. Rushing to get it done.

The wrong way – Police D4 towing a bus via the tow ball:

Click image to enlarge


Safety

2. The forces involved in recovering a vehicle can be considerable; in all regards you are using potentially lethal levels of force. The damage caused by incorrect equipment, equipment failure, or improper operation, will kill or maim people – never underestimate the forces involved in what can otherwise appear to be a benign event.

Disco 3 damaged by a strap break:



Tow Recovery Equipment

3. The equipment may seem bewildering to the novice and at the advanced level the complications are genuine. But before diving into straps and ropes don’t forget that tow recovery should only be used when other techniques have failed. A shovel, gloves, torches and a toolkit are essential items to free a vehicle and will be needed to reduce the force required to recover a vehicle. For those deliberately aiming for off-road adventures other items will be needed (eg axe, saw etc).

Load Rating – What Do I Need?

4. [Insert text on rules of thumb, load rating, mire factors, gradient compensation]

5. [Insert text on rigging, choking factors and reduction in strength when joining straps]

6. [Insert text on rated values and safety factors]

Shackles, Straps and Ropes

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7. Every single piece of equipment used in a recovery operation, from vehicle to shackle to strap to shackle to vehicle must be capable of safely handling the loads that will be imposed. At all stages ask yourself ‘what if something breaks?’ and minimize the amount of metal that can be flung.

8. There are many types of shackles but in 4x4 circles the most prolific and useful is the rated bow shackle, sometimes known as a screw-pin anchor shackle. These can be used to attach ropes and straps to the front or rear recovery points. The rear recovery point lives under this cover:

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The shackle is attached thus:
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The shackle can then be used with a strap:
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Close up:
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9. [Insert text on plus and minus points of straps]

Or, less desirably, with a rated hook in the correct orientation:
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10. [Insert text on plus and minus points of hooks]

But never like this:
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Or my personal preference, a recovery rope:
Click image to enlarge

11. [Insert text on plus and minus points of rope]

Storage Of Equipment

12. Having the equipment and actually having it with you when you need it can be two different things. One of the reasons people use straps is that they store quite easily and take up little volume. I keep my straps coiled-up in the cubbies either side of the boot. The equipment must be stored clean and dry and there are special methods to clean straps to avoid ingraining dirt that will cause premature failure. The equipment must not be stored in plastic bags, but bin bags are handy for temporary storage when the kit has been used in wet conditions. If you don’t look after your kit it will turn green in shockingly short time.
Click image to enlarge


13. Ropes and shovels take up more room but for convenience I store mine in a small canvas toolbag, along with the shackles and gloves:
Click image to enlarge


14. The canvas bag is a perfect size for storing under the rearmost seats. I keep it upside down to keep the handles free of the mechanism:
Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

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Don’t forget the toolkit I mentioned earlier:
Click image to enlarge


Tow Recovery Driving Technique
15. [Insert text on techniques and what to avoid]
 Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948

Battery & Quiescent Current Drain Testing

Diagnostics for:
Defender, FL2, D3, D4, Evoque, RRS & FFRR
A not-for-profit enterprise


 
 
Post #10990554th May 2013 6:10 pm
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ruggedpeak
 


Member Since: 10 Jun 2010
Location: UK
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United Kingdom 2007 Discovery 3 TDV6 XS Auto Zermatt SilverDiscovery 3

The Police D4 is hopefully doing it in accordance with their training and equipment (apart from the kit is probably not rated for a double decker bus!) Thumbs Up

Although not sure about the shackle Confused
 Tony

Club RLD Wheel Protector & Sump Guard
Club 4x4 Info activated 


Last edited by ruggedpeak on 4th May 2013 6:42 pm. Edited 1 time in total 
Post #10990654th May 2013 6:39 pm
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DSL
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What's wrong with hooking straight onto the recovery point? Question Question
  
Post #10990674th May 2013 6:42 pm
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Robbie
 


Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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United Kingdom 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Baltic BlueDiscovery 4

Ok, I will clarify that bit, but slightly surprised the police would use the tow ball in such a way. When they fail they travel a long way!

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 Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948

Battery & Quiescent Current Drain Testing

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A not-for-profit enterprise


 
 
Post #10990684th May 2013 6:42 pm
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Apache
 


Member Since: 16 Oct 2011
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 692

England 2008 Discovery 3 TDV6 Commercial Manual Stornoway GreyDiscovery 3

I find it crazy the fuss made over using a towbar as a recovery point.

Does Landrover provide ratings for the lashing hooks on the front and rear? Not that I have seen. They are for tying the car down, not even recovery.

The car can tow 3500kg. Even with a braked trailer the forces a towbar is designed to take should exceed anything you can do under a sensible recovery. Yes I have seen vids on Youtube of balls knocked off but they are stupidly ill thought out recoveries with cars accelerating at inappropriate speeds. Recovery is not supposed to be fast. Do some more digging, if a steady pull wont do it don't yank.

The Landrover combination towball and pin is excellent and I have them on both the Freelander and D3 and will happily use them for any sensible recovery usually using the pin.

The tow bar is tested and approved.
  
Post #10990744th May 2013 6:56 pm
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petersw
 


Member Since: 17 Nov 2012
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Posts: 1135

United Kingdom 2013 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Orkney GreyDiscovery 4

Excellent Robbie

Have you a recommendation of a simple "starter Kit"
  
Post #10990774th May 2013 7:05 pm
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ruggedpeak
 


Member Since: 10 Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 1625

United Kingdom 2007 Discovery 3 TDV6 XS Auto Zermatt SilverDiscovery 3

Robbie wrote:
Ok, I will clarify that bit, but slightly surprised the police would use the tow ball in such a way. When they fail they travel a long way!

Thumbs Up


Hi Robbie

The Police do on road emergency recoveries where they are moving vehicles short distances on tarmac. With the weight of the vehicle supported by the road and a low friction surface they can safely move vehicles using the towbar. There are not huge forces involved. It's a very different process from trying free 3t of stuck D3!

The towbar is used as AFAIK only LR products have a proper recovery point built in, whereas most other vehicles used as Traffic cars (Shogun, BMW's etc) don't, but they all have towbar fitted for this purpose so the training is standardised. And frankly the D3 recovery point is a bit too fiddly IMHO when you are trying to get a shackle on in freezing rain in lane 3 on a live motorway, working between 2 stationary vehicles.

There is no reason not to use the towbar when pulling vehicles along, but once the forces increase if it's stuck then the recovery point is preferable.
 Tony

Club RLD Wheel Protector & Sump Guard
Club 4x4 Info activated 


Last edited by ruggedpeak on 5th May 2013 11:14 am. Edited 1 time in total 
Post #10990854th May 2013 7:27 pm
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