A few weeks ago we traveled to Ouray for the 200 series LCDC event. We had a recovery experience that I felt was worth sharing for a number of reasons.
Driving down from Imogene pass in a group of about 10 cruisers, the driver of the 200 series in front of us decided to try to take some difficult lines and got himself in a little trouble. He dropped his front passenger tire off a boulder with the rear driver tire about 9 inches in the air.
The driver acted correctly - he stayed where he was and waited for help. Although this isn't the worst position I have seen someone in, and it is very possible he could have driven out of it safely without assistance, the safest and most prudent approach was to prevent a roll. What I found surprising was the general lack of preparedness of everyone there. No one else in the group was carrying any recovery gear. One driver had a winch, but it was pretty much useless in this situation where there were no nearby trees on the side needing support. Some drivers were suggesting people hang from the roof rack on the rear corner for ballast. I hope everyone reading this understands how dangerous a situation that could be for any number of reasons.
Luckily I always carry at least some recovery gear with me. Although we haven't yet put on a front bumper or winch on the 200 series, I always carry some tow straps (both static and kinetic), soft shackles, hard shackles and a load equalizing bridle from Treaty Oak Offroad when driving offroad (and much of this equipment stays in the car 24/7 just in case.
The kinetic rope and soft shackles were just the ticket here. We secured the end of the rope to the corner of the roof rack using a soft shackle, then had several people pull down for ballas using the rope while the LC drove down (the person securing the rope in the photo below got off the rig before the vehicle started moving).
This way, if the rig began to roll uncontrollably, everyone outside the rig was safe and could let go if absolutely necessary. This also allowed enough support that all passengers were able to exit the vehicle before it began moving, so only the driver remained at risk.
So a few lessons to be learned about recoveries from this experience:
1) Always carry recovery gear. A winch isn't the perfect recovery tool for all situations, and even if you don't have a winch there are still plenty of products that can be helpful in a bad situation. Don't expect someone else to be carrying recovery equipment. Purchase quality - you don't want cheap products failing during a recovery.
2) Safety first. Think through the problem to make sure that the solution carries the least risk for all involved. Work as a team and communicate effectively. Also, never travel offroad in a single vehicle if possible - always have at least two vehicles.
3) Think outside the box. There is no one way to use recovery gear. Sometimes the best solution uses it in an uncommon way. But always go back to #2.
4) Get trained. Take recovery classes when possible at events, and watch online recovery instructional videos. Don't expect someone else to know how to use recovery equipment safely.
In addition to recovery gear, also always keep a good first aid/trauma kit and at least one substantial fire extinguisher with you in an accessible place and know how to use them. Don't just get a cheap band-aid kit and expect it to help when you need it. Bring items that can treat serious lacerations and injuries. Purchase extras and practice applying them. Know where they are and make sure they are the most easily accessible items in your rig at all times.
Be safe out there. Offroading is fun, but dangerous situations can happen to anyone. Don't be the person stuck in a situation you are unprepared for, either for lack of equipment or lack of knowledge.
