Winching VS. Pulling

[HongerVenture]

Forgive me if this was already covered in the thread, but one thing to consider, especially if you have an IFS Toyota or a solid axle Toyota with stock birfs is that when you are tugging someout out backwards, you're putting all the weight and torque of the rig, plus the added stress of towing on the front axle and this a great way to break axles and birfs. Especially if you just happen to be turning at the same time.

I don't mind towing, but if I have to choose between towing someone backwards or winching, I'll winch everytime, just for that reason.

I believe you on this, but being the engineer it bugs me when I don't understand. Can you explain a little more how pulling someone out in reverse puts all the torque on the fron axle?

Joel

[Brian894x4]

I believe you on this, but being the engineer it bugs me when I don't understand. Can you explain a little more how pulling someone out in reverse puts all the torque on the fron axle?

Joel

Because of the weight shift. When going in reverse, the front axle sees all the stresses that are normally reserved for the rear (usually larger and beefer) axle. And especially with a pick-up, where a lot of the time, most of the weight is concentrate on the front with the engine, cab and occupants.

Add to that, the additional weight from the tow rope pulling the front end down as you tug and if you just happen to be pulling backwards up hill, which is common, even more weight is on the front axle. In fact, in that situation, the majority of the torque and traction could be going through the usually weaker front axle. And finally, if you happen to be turning, the U-joints or CV joints are in a weaker position to break.

Of course, this all assumes you're in 4WD.

[portager]

Try going to welding supply stores. They can give you a full fill.

The PowerTank unit comes with high end regulator, hose, oil filled gauge and quick connect air fitting. Not sure it justifies the price, but it is high quality.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[HillbillyfromAL]

Try going to welding supply stores. They can give you a full fill.

The PowerTank unit comes with high end regulator, hose, oil filled gauge and quick connect air fitting. Not sure it justifies the price, but it is high quality.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Wow now this a way to resurrect a 6yr old thread. That or you might want to get your phone fixed.

[Antichrist]

I was trying to figure out what Power Tanks had to do with winching vs. pulling.

[digitaldelay]

Just read the entire thread. Good info on the pitfalls of pulling backwards. I'm going to have to stop doing that.

Jason

[Metcalf]

I disagree with SOME of the pulling backwards problems mentioned.

Don't write giving someone a quick tug while going backwards off. It all depends on the situation. In some situations the stuck vehicle is going to be STUCK and pulling HARD in reverse is going to be a bad idea. If your trying to go uphill while in reverse while pulling, grossly mismatched vehicles, etc. Some times all the stuck person is going to need is a quick tug to get him off a ledge, high centered, or perhaps on the belly in the snow. Your probably going to put yourself in more danger trying to turn around, rig the winch, etc....than if you would have just used a light pull in the 1st place.

Knowing the limitations and 'feel' of your vehicle is going to be key.

I remember one time spending 3+ hours trying to get this F350 diesel HEAVY truck sunk to the frame in a soft sugar snow pit out. I would pull up to his rear bumper with the truck and have to get a running start with 30' of strap to even START to move him. I was on snow, he was in snow, no winch in sight, had been digging for HOURS. His truck probably weighed 7-8000lbs and was on skinny tires that he REFUSED to air down at all. I was in a 70s short box F150 with a big block and 35s. I won It took a LOT of pulling to get him back onto firm ground. That is the only real tool we had at the point that worked.