So I played hooky today and went out to the woods with a friend who drove his side-by-side so that we could both try out some of our recovery gear. For me, I wanted to test my Bush Winch system I got from Australia earlier this year. https://www.bushwinch.com/

This is a system that consists of two drums that attach to special wheel lug nuts that act as the winch. It is much lighter than regular winch. As you can see, it can be used to pull yourself backwards! I have the mounting lug nuts on all four wheels and even extra guide plates so that I can use the rear wheels instead of the front to pull forward. I could use the front only but by using the rear wheels, there is less stress on the front suspension and steering.

We had to drive in about 4 miles before I could get myself stuck. LOL And after, while trying to back out, I got of to the side of the road a bit and that was the time for my buddy to try out his winches and ******-strap. Between that and my recovery track boards, we got me out.

On my end, I also had auger screw ground anchors of which I was only able to get one in the ground (it was frozen) and could have extended the lines I used from 60' per side to 220' per side if necessary. I'm sure now that if I had been on my own, I could have recovered myself just fine. I have learned that those ******-straps are pretty cool! That is next on my purchase list.

Here are some pics.


Set up and about to try it out. I used one of the ground anchors and we connected the other to the side-by-side. Not ideal but worth trying.



Second view before I tested it.



Ready to test!



After the test. There is a chance of driving over the rope.



Passenger side after getting unstuck.



After getting unstuck.



The ground anchor. It was pulled over but did not bend. The auger screw doesn't has a straight edge to start it. I'm wondering if a tapered shape might be better.



Looking back to where I was. In the foreground is where I got stuck going backwards. That was a good lesson too. You are more likely to get stuck going in reverse!

 

Nice! Good to see everything worked pretty much as intended. Smart idea to work out any issues with your recovery gear before your life depends on it.

****** straps are great but, in my experience, kinetic ropes (like Bubba Rope) have more stretch and work even better. They're a lot more expensive, though, which is why I don't actually own one. In other words, the only thing better than having a Bubba Rope is having a buddy with a Bubba Rope.

 

Hmmm, I can see the conversation with my friend now: "Hey Bill, you know that ******-strap of yours? Well you don't people to laugh at you for having that one. You want one of these better ones!"

 

Yes. What we did yesterday was a bit like when as a new driver, your father makes you change the tire using the tools and spare in the trunk while in your driveway.

 

You learn quickly!

 

 

I like that too - go test your gear.

LOL for the "... 4 miles before I got myself stuck."

Also interesting where you got stuck. Would not have thought a 4x4 would get stuck on a near flat space. But in snow it's what's underneath that makes or brakes a drive.

 

Yes, the snow depth is key. When it gets packed underneath, weight is taken off the tires and there is less traction.

My current tires, are 30x9.5. The 31x10.5 I had test fit rubbed the frame when I turned them to the full stop. But I can see the advantage of the larger footprint for going on snow. I think I am right about that. But then again, I suppose I could have let some air out of my tires to achieve a similar affect.

 

For years I've been running on NOKIAN M&S (but actually real winter tires) on the stock dimensions. Took me through all kinds of grounds and weather.
Never been an issue in snow. I tend towards snow chains but not the flimsy "ladder" type but the diamond type.

I'm used to heavy duty snow-chains for commercial use (forestry, snow-plowing) I used years ago.
Should just put them on "before" getting stuck. Makes life a whole lot easier than digging under the Blazer to pass the chain through.
Been there, done that on cars, trucks, and semis. On the road, off-road, in the mud, in snow 2 feet deep.

But that winch of yours is a very nice addition when venturing away from civilisation.

 

Oh, I too am a big fan of proper link-style tire chains. I have two pair for my Blazer! (see below)

And normally, in those conditions, I likely would have installed them first. I've done that several times during hunting season. But for this particular case, I was wanting to get stuck on purpose to have an excuse to use the Bush Winch.