Vehicle Recovery - Invest in Training!
If you're overlanding or running trails it's only a matter of time before before you or a friend ends up getting stuck and in need of a vehicle recovery. Working through a simple set of steps will save you time, headaches and frustration when attempting to recover a vehicle.
1. STOP AND TAKE A BREATHE
though it may feel like a battlefield, stop and make a cup of coffee, tea or grab a drink of water. Give yourself some time to cool down and assess the situation. More often than not, folks rush to get unstuck and create a larger problem for themselves because they haven't taken the time to thoroughly think through the problem.
image via reddit.com
2. THINK OF A RECOVERY PLAN BASED ON SAFETY
Having a well thought-out plan greatly reduces the risk of damaging your vehicle or the surroundings. You'll often be utilizing the natural environment around you to help with recovery, assess the impact your plan will have on your surroundings and make sure that tree is sturdy enough to winch from.
3. PLAN B
Plan A was an absolute failure, now what? Instead of winging it on round 2, have a backup plan going into round one. That way, if something goes wrong you will save the debate time and can move smoothly to plan B, just like you planned it.
image via Outside Magazine
4. SET UP
Set up your recovery equipment and have a friend walk through it with you to double check for proper rigging safety. If you have real friends, they will be very eager to point out something that you messed up which, in the end, will ensure your recovery goes smoothly.
5. RECOVER THE VEHICLE!
See above. Execute the plan.
5. CLEAN UP, CLEAN UP, EVERYBODY CLEAN UP
Put away your equipment properly and in an orderly fashion. This will make things easy next time you have to bust out the gear.
Image via fatherly.com
GET LEARNT'!
Check out the International 4WD Trainers Association for a wealth of recovery information and techniques. Look up nearby trainers and seminars, or begin the process to become a certified trainer! Also, check out American Adventurist for an expansive list of trainers who will help your bring your skills and knowledge to the next level.
Image via I4WTA.org