Another point for PSD
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 650
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From: Leesburg, NJ
Another point for PSD
Not that it was any great feat but, I pulled a Dodge out of a snowbank today. Tied him to the front ring, put it in reverse and let my foot off the brake. That's was it.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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I'm sure you didn't pull too hard to get that Dodge out but I thought I would mention that in my 4 wheelin' days we tried our best not to pull on a rig in reverse.
All the drive train is designed to pull in a forward direction. Think about the teeth on the ring and pinion-under load-backwards. Plus when pulling in reverse I would think that the whole front axle would be under more of a bind, instead of the stronger rear axle. That is if you used 4x4.
All the drive train is designed to pull in a forward direction. Think about the teeth on the ring and pinion-under load-backwards. Plus when pulling in reverse I would think that the whole front axle would be under more of a bind, instead of the stronger rear axle. That is if you used 4x4.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Leesburg, NJ
There was snow and I didn't have too much weight in the bed. I used the front only because I figured there would be some traction. I think the whole pull was about 5'.
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Fleet Owner
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I pulled a Honda out of the ditch once. I was surprised to see it pop up out of the ditch because I didn't even feel the rope tighten.
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Haven't pulled anyone out with my PSD yet. Of course, being bigger than what you are pulling makes a big difference.
One time I was working in the desert alongside a small drill rig. The truck and rig probably weighed about 22,000 pounds. He got bogged down in sand and could get it to move slightly forward, but not very much. He figured just a little extra pull might make enough difference to get him out.
I said, "My toyota only weighs about 3200 pounds. I don't think it will work."
He was desperate, so I gave it a try. After we hooked up, he started gassing it, the rig started to barely move, I eased out the clutch with some power - and my Toy sank to the pumpkins front and rear in about 2 seconds.
So, I unhooked and pulled right up out the 4 holes left by the tires. He ended up having to call the office for help.
The moral? Don't bother trying to pull someone out of sand that weighs seven times more than you.
One time I was working in the desert alongside a small drill rig. The truck and rig probably weighed about 22,000 pounds. He got bogged down in sand and could get it to move slightly forward, but not very much. He figured just a little extra pull might make enough difference to get him out.
I said, "My toyota only weighs about 3200 pounds. I don't think it will work."
He was desperate, so I gave it a try. After we hooked up, he started gassing it, the rig started to barely move, I eased out the clutch with some power - and my Toy sank to the pumpkins front and rear in about 2 seconds.
So, I unhooked and pulled right up out the 4 holes left by the tires. He ended up having to call the office for help.
The moral? Don't bother trying to pull someone out of sand that weighs seven times more than you.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 209
Likes: 4
If they are not designed to pull in reverse then how can you back a heavy trailer without doing damage. I know you are pushing not pulling but it is the same gears. Some people haave to back their trailers up a hill at times. The thing I worry about if I have to back up very much is the transmision temp which I keep a eye on. But I agree they are designed to pull a load forward. I know we have several mechanics on this site so maybe someone that makes a living can tell it like it is.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 35
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From: Alaska
Vancouverpower is right. This is what I was told back in my 4-wheelin days. Have to admit tho that on one or two occasions I did pull another vehicle out of either deep water or mud while in reverse. I did that with a Ol 78 F150 w/lockers on frt & rear.
Aarkie's question is one I'd like to see a professional answer. I myself have to back 12K occasionally. I'm usually not in 4WD but on gravel or blacktop.
Aarkie's question is one I'd like to see a professional answer. I myself have to back 12K occasionally. I'm usually not in 4WD but on gravel or blacktop.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
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From: Houston, Texas
A friend of mine who owned an '89 Jeep Cherokee decided to go mudding in what may as well have been, a parking lot. 
It was rainy, his tires were slick, and he had 2wd; but he went mudding anyhow. It was about 11:45 at night when I got his call about his stuck condition. To make a long story short, I hooked up one tow strap to my left front recovery hook, threw it in reverse and litterally ripped his Jeep out of the mud. He damn near hit his head on the windshield when I pulled him out because he wasn't wearing his seatbelt. When everything was said and done, he got out, looked at me, looked at the X and said: "That is one strong s.o.b!" 
To be honest, I didn't think the X pulled it all that hard. But it was what? His 3,000 pound jeep vs. my 9,000 pound X? 'Nuff said 
It was rainy, his tires were slick, and he had 2wd; but he went mudding anyhow. It was about 11:45 at night when I got his call about his stuck condition. To make a long story short, I hooked up one tow strap to my left front recovery hook, threw it in reverse and litterally ripped his Jeep out of the mud. He damn near hit his head on the windshield when I pulled him out because he wasn't wearing his seatbelt. When everything was said and done, he got out, looked at me, looked at the X and said: "That is one strong s.o.b!" To be honest, I didn't think the X pulled it all that hard. But it was what? His 3,000 pound jeep vs. my 9,000 pound X? 'Nuff said
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
Originally Posted by arninetyes
Haven't pulled anyone out with my PSD yet. Of course, being bigger than what you are pulling makes a big difference.
One time I was working in the desert alongside a small drill rig. The truck and rig probably weighed about 22,000 pounds. He got bogged down in sand and could get it to move slightly forward, but not very much. He figured just a little extra pull might make enough difference to get him out.
I said, "My toyota only weighs about 3200 pounds. I don't think it will work."
He was desperate, so I gave it a try. After we hooked up, he started gassing it, the rig started to barely move, I eased out the clutch with some power - and my Toy sank to the pumpkins front and rear in about 2 seconds.
So, I unhooked and pulled right up out the 4 holes left by the tires. He ended up having to call the office for help.
The moral? Don't bother trying to pull someone out of sand that weighs seven times more than you.
One time I was working in the desert alongside a small drill rig. The truck and rig probably weighed about 22,000 pounds. He got bogged down in sand and could get it to move slightly forward, but not very much. He figured just a little extra pull might make enough difference to get him out.
I said, "My toyota only weighs about 3200 pounds. I don't think it will work."
He was desperate, so I gave it a try. After we hooked up, he started gassing it, the rig started to barely move, I eased out the clutch with some power - and my Toy sank to the pumpkins front and rear in about 2 seconds.
So, I unhooked and pulled right up out the 4 holes left by the tires. He ended up having to call the office for help.
The moral? Don't bother trying to pull someone out of sand that weighs seven times more than you.
