snatch strap

Ross, if that wasn't so serious, it'd be funny!

It quite clearlys says in the Holden manual that the screw-in front recovery points are for towing purposes only

Thanks everyone for your answers. I drive a suzuki, not a very big proper 4x4. I won't be doing any serious stuff but if the rain comes in could possibly find some mud. Going from adl to ayers rock, kings canyon, alice springs and back via oodnadatta track.

definitely have proper shackles, bit of overkill if anything.

Correct Phil - the snatch strap is the MOST over-rated and over-used (and abused) piece of kit ever! That's not the equipment's fault, it is a matter of misinformation/poor education - and, possibly, too many 'hero' YouTube vids!

People die every year (ab)using these things.

If you must ask, you should do a competency-based course in correct vehicle recovery operations

thanks

searching youtube and googling there seems to be heaps of conflicting info.

anyone dare to open a discussion on the difference of snatching and towing and when and where to use each technique?

Hi Gordon,
Its impossible to teach safe snatch recovery on a forum. For some years I was a trainer/assessor in a 4wd club and it would be fair to say that I saw plenty of "unsafe recoveries" by "experienced" people. You will see even more unsafe recoveries on the beaches at goolwa/Coorong/Robe/Beachport etc on any summer weekend. The most dangerous thing that can happen is that the recovery points break or tear away from the chassis and you end up with a steel missile on the end of an elastic strap aimed at the other vehicle.

Snatching is what you consider doing when simple towing has failed, and where winching is not an option.
To snatch with safety requires more equipment than just a snatch strap. An equaliser strap and rated recovery points mounted to the chassis make it safer. But then you also don't want to be snatched by a vehicle that lacks these as well.

If you wish to learn more, then join one of the very good 4wd clubs in SA. The High Range 4wd club deals mostly with softroaders, and might be best for you but there are plenty of others - check out 4wdsa.asn.au

For what you are doing in Central Australia, let me assure you that a tow will get you out of 99% of situations. And your Suzuki is light enough not to need a heavy snatch. The majority of recoveries I have done in Central Australia involved pulling tourists in hire 4wds with 45psi in the tyres out of river beds!

Enjoy your trip - its a great part of the country.
Cheers
phil

thanks phil, awesome advice.

Gordon,
Phil knows his stuff and the only other comment for you is that there is a Suzuki4WD Club in Adelaide and I urge you to join a club and get the correct training. It won't cost anywhere as much as a training course.
Regards

Des