bogged fulltime 4wd

Submitted: Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 15:45

ThreadID: 96428 Views:2862 Replies:6 FollowUps:13

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rainbowprof

I now have a 1993 80 series Landcruiser. It is auto and full time 4wd. If I am stuck on a sand dune (eg Simpson crossing), or crossing a river, is it okay to get a tow to pull me out? Any personal opinions or suggestions on the issue apart from don't get stuck?

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Reply By: Member -Ted - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 16:51

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 16:51

A snatch, tow or winch would all be OK, dont really see your problem? What other method do you envisage to get your self "unstuck"?

cheers

AnswerID: 489162

Follow Up By: cookie1 - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:18

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:18

I think the OP is thinking along the lines of towing an auto ie maybe to start the car or some such thing

FollowupID: 764304

Reply By: Member - Royce- Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:20

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:20

Why might there be a problem, different to other vehicles?

AnswerID: 489167

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:31

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:31

Its a Blandcruiser??? Michael

Patrol 4.2TDi 2003

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FollowupID: 764306

Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:35

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:35

My concern is that it's auto and I though there was a restriction on towing them compared to manuals.

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Follow Up By: ross - Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 13:51

Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 13:51

Its only if you want to tow them long distance

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Reply By: trains - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:46

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 17:46

Hi,
Not sure on how you have your vehicle setup but here are some suggestions.

A: Yes its ok to get a tow, or snatch off the top of a dune or a winch out of a creek crossing.
however

B: I would only offer to help if you had rated recovery points, as the factory tie down loops found on the chassis is not suitable for a recovery.

C: I would suggest if you dont already have them, is some basic recovery gear like a snatch strap, shovel and 12v air compressor.

And if you dont already have them, get some proper rated recovery points.

With an auto, an issue can arise if you need a tow beyond just getting out of trouble.

Issue is, and with all autos, is that without the engine running, the trans fluid is not being pumped around the auto trans, and with a tow, unlubricated parts that are moving will wear and ultimately fail.

Some manuals also need engine running to provide positive lubrication to the trans as well.
thus why you see so many vehicles being towed on a flat bed on a long distance recovery.

Hope that helps

cheers

Trains

AnswerID: 489173

Follow Up By: GT Campers - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 18:04

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 18:04

Rainbow, have you completed a course in 4WD driving off-road? These aspects of vehicle operation are usually explained. Then you can aim for some less ambitious treks to gain experience - for instance, a few days on Stockton beach (not sure where you are but that is one example if you are in NSW)

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Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 01:09

Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 01:09

thanks trains, got everything in order there. And rated recovery points are currently on my shopping list - I wasn't fully aware of that deficiency on my vehicle before but I'll have that base covered pronto. But from a google on the subject there are mixed opinions about the recovery/ tie down points. Many people swear by them, but there are indeed nay-sayers. The easiest thing to do may be to get a recovery hitch bow shackle

recovery hitch bow shackle

that fits in the hayman reece female hitch and replaces the tow ball and tongue. Can't one just attach a snatch strap to the pin in the hayman reece shackle?

FollowupID: 764357

Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 11:41

Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 11:41

Would I rate a tow if I removed the towball from tongue in hayman reece hitch and put in a rated bow shackle through the tow ball hole? Would that become a rated recovery point?

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Follow Up By: GT Campers - Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 13:38

Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 13:38

Technically not because the towbar assembly is endorsed "For towing purposes only". However I have seen many - and used my own vehicles' towbars for non-tow (ie: snatch-style) recoveries. Maybe someone else can shed more light on this...?

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Reply By: Andrew & Jen - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 18:27

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 18:27

I presume by "stuck", you mean a loss of traction.
After reducing tyre pressure to 15 psi, or even 12, and try driving out. If still stuck, ask someone to help with snatching (safely) using your strap.
However, if the engine is working, but no power to the drive shafts, eg, problem with auto trans, you can still can be towed. Put transfer case into N and this will ensure auto trans is not driven by the drive shafts.
Cheers
Andrew

AnswerID: 489179

Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 00:25

Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 00:25

Aha, I get it. I wondered when to use that N position between hi and lh!

FollowupID: 764356

Follow Up By: Member - Royce- Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 08:56

Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 08:56

HAHA... I was stuck many years ago on top of a dune on the way in to Chambers Pillar. 'deflate the tyres' I thought.... lol..... that just made the vehicle bottom out worse..

The deflation needs to be done BEFORE you get stuck!

FollowupID: 764364

Follow Up By: rainbowprof - Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 11:43

Saturday, Jun 23, 2012 at 11:43

Yeah, especially if the spare wheel is underneath... Time for the long handled shovel to work overtime!

FollowupID: 764373

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 18:42

Friday, Jun 22, 2012 at 18:42

If you need to be towed for more than just a recovery, then get towed with your transfer case in "Neutral" - thats the N setting between L and H. That way you are not turning over the transmission while being towed, so you prevent damage to the auto.

AnswerID: 489182