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• How to properly use tow straps/chain – A general rule of thumb, each inch of width will allow you to pull out about 10,000 lbs. So if I have a 3 inch wide strap, it would be rated to tug up to 30,000 lbs. Many will then ask, why not go all the way up to a 6″ wide recovery strap? The problem is that the strap becomes less elastic the wider it gets, which means it will not work properly. Typically a 2″ or 3″ wide recovery strap will suit all of your needs.

  How about actually using it? Before ever using the strap, make sure it is in good condition (no cuts, frays, or broken stitching).Some older cars actually have tow hooks, but if not you must use your own judgment. Never attach a recovery strap to a vehicles bumpers, axles, suspension, steering rods, or a trailer hitch ball. The attach points must be to a secure place on the vehicles frame. Do not place the recovery strap on another vehicle in a way that it may be cut.To help protect the strap from tears, make sure all logs and large rocks are removed from the recovery path. Everyone should stand clear of the recovery strap when it is in use.

  When pulling the vehicle out, drive very slowly. Sudden tugs may lead to damage to either of the vehicles or the strap.Make sure to pull the vehicle out straight. This may mean crossing into the other lane of the road, so be careful.

  Never pull a car out from the side or another angle, you will just drag it along the ditch. Also make sure the steering wheels are as straight as possible. You may need to dig snow out of the wheel well, so bring gloves. Try not to use tools or shovels or you may damage components

• How to properly jump start a vehicle – First of all, use a good set of jumper cables. Don’t use any other wire. Wire too small could burn up and risk a fire or explosion launching small bits of wire. Not good.

  Put each vehicle nose to nose and put the hoods up. Attach the negative clamp to the dead car’s engine block. Make sure it’s something metal so it can make contact. Attach the positive clamp to the car’s positive battery terminal. On the car doing the jumping, attach the negative clamp to the car’s engine block and the positive clamp the good battery’s positive terminal.Start the dead car, let it run for a few seconds and disconnect the cables.

  Be very careful that the clamps do NOT touch or they can spark causing damage to the cables and the batteries that are still attached.

If you have any questions on how to do something or have a suggestion, please email me kc9lfd at kc9lfd dot org.

Some information has been gathered from: Offroaders.com.