Depending upon whom you ask, getting stuck either stinks or rocks. What some see as a pain in the butt others see as a challenge and a natural part of the four-wheeling experience. Where you stand on the subject probably has more to do with your equipment than your temperament. With the right tools and accessories, even Ernie can have a good time extracting his rig from a bad stuck.
Before You Get Stuck
* Whenever possible, consider backing up onto your tracks and taking a different line, since the ground behind you will be well packed from the weight of your vehicle.
* Momentum is your friend, so keep wheel speeds high if you think you can make it through.
* If your tires are spinning but you're not moving, try shoveling the mud, snow or sand out from underneath your tires. Then stuff the area with traction-building items like rocks or branches.
* If you're high-centered on a rock, try airing up your tires. You'd be surprised what a little extra height can do. If you're stuck in mud, try airing down a little more.
* If you've suffered a rollover, turn off the ignition and get all passengers out of the vehicle. During recovery attach your winch to a framerail or rollbar-never suspension components, and make sure you leave your rig in gear.
Portable Puller
The More Power Puller is an industrial unit that can be used by four-wheelers as an alternative to electric winches. The More Power Puller is a beefy 28 pounds of solid iron and comes with 35 feet of 5/16-inch steel cable. The portable puller has a 2-ton dead-lift rating and a 4-ton drag-weight rating. According to the company, the Power Puller can be positioned anywhere needed to extract the vehicle. It can even upright a rolled vehicle from the side. Information: The Wyeth-Scott Co., Dept. FW, 85 Dayton Rd., P.O. Box 888, Newark, OH 43058, 800/743-4521, www.wyeth-scott.com.
Ramsey
The new Patriot 15000 winch combines the design of Ramsey's front-mount consumer and industrial winch lines. The Patriot 15000 has a planetary gear system for those applications that require brute strength without sacrificing line speed. Its motors and solenoids are grounded directly to the battery, eliminating poor grounding that can cause performance failures and winch damage. The Patriot features 5.5 hp and a 12-volt DC motor for increased pulling power. It's available with either a 12-foot wire pendant remote or a wireless remote. Information: Ramsey, Dept. FW, P.O. Box 581510 Tulsa, OK 74158, 918/438-2760, www.ramsey.com.
Around The Block
Snatch blocks are an essential part of any recovery. These units are to be used in conjunction with a portable or vehicle-mounted winch, enabling you to pull loads that are double your winch's capacity. Featuring a greasable, hardened steel pin and easy-glide side plates, these snatch blocks also allow winching from different angles when a straight pull isn't the best option. Information: ARB USA, Dept. FW, 20 S. Spokane St., Seattle, WA 98134, 206/264-1669, www.arbusa.com.
A Kit For Recovery
The Warn Recovery Kit comes with practically everything you need to help get you unstuck. The kit includes a snatch block, 2x8 tree protector, a shackle, gloves and 10 feet of 5/16-inch Grade 7 choker chain with hooks. The kit also comes with a red heavyweight nylon soft case with four internal pockets. It's also available with a camouflage storage bag. Information: Warn, Dept. FW, 12900 SE Capps Rd., Clackamas, OR 97015, 503/722-1200, www.warn.com.
Keep Those Tools Handy
Smaxe Rack is manufactured by Olympic 4X4 Products. The stylish, durable rack can hold a shovel, mattock and axe. The Smaxe Rack was engineered so you can install it in any position on any Jeep. According to Olympic 4x4, your tools will not fall out while on the trail since they're secured and locked into position, safely protected from theft or damage, but there when you need them for an extraction. Information: Olympic 4x4, Dept. FW, 2645 South Yates Ave., City of Commerce, CA 90040, 323/726-6988, www.olympic4x4.com.
Weld What's Broken
The Mobi-Arc 200x provides DC arc welding and battery jump-starting capability by efficiently controlling the output from your OEM, custom or high-output alternator. Plug in your welding leads, idle up the engine and weld away. Mobi-Arc is 100-percent solid-state and automatically changes the alternator from a 14.7-volt battery charge to a high-current source. When you're done, Mobi-Arc automatically switches to continue charging the vehicle's battery. Measuring 5x2 1/2x4 1/2 inches, it's sure to fit any cramped engine compartment. Information: Mobile Welding & Power, Dept. FW, 2686 Carriagedale Row, First Floor, San Diego, CA 92037, 858/583-2146, www.mobi-arc.com.
DR. Hook
A chain is a good thing to have, but it's even better if it's got a great hook on the end of it-a hook, maybe, like this one. The Clevis Grab Hook from Matco Tools is for use on a 3/8-inch chain and comes complete with a hardened pin and alloy heat-treated steel. Information: Matco Tools, Dept. FW, 4403 Allan Rd., Stow, OH 44224, 866/289-8665, www.matcotools.com.