180 STARTING AND OPERATING
The driver of the pulling vehicle should let off the
throttle without using the brakes, once signaled
by the other driver. This sequence is important
to avoid having the recovered vehicle hit the
pulling vehicle.
Winching (Refer To “Winch Operation” For Addi-
tional Information) – Winching is most
commonly used in the following situations:
there is no support vehicle available, a high
controlled force is required to recover the
vehicle, there is a high risk of environmental or
vehicle damage, or where nothing else seems to
work. A winch can deliver a high pulling force
with a great deal of control. It allows you to walk
the vehicle out of the situation in a slow
controlled manner. This control works well for
avoiding further vehicle damage. Once you
decide it is time to use the winch look for a good
anchor point. It needs to be strong enough to
hold more than the vehicle's weight and provide
a direction of pull as straight as possible. Use
block and tackle if necessary to improve the
angle of pull or increase the winch's pulling
force. If the anchor point is a tree use a strap
around its base and hook the cable to the strap.
If it is another vehicle, then place that vehicle in
PARK and block the front tires. If you cannot find
an anchor point within reach try using your
spare tire by burying it. Once you have deter-
mined an anchor point hook up the cable,
ensuring there are a least five wraps of cable
left on the drum, and place a floor mat or some-
thing else over the strung out cable. Placing
something over the strung out cable helps keep
the cable on the ground if it breaks. Next, place
the vehicle in FIRST gear and apply a very light
throttle as you power the winch in. Be careful
not to allow slack in the cable as you recover the
vehicle. Do not try to guide the cable into the
drum. If it starts to bunch up on one end, let it.
You can re-spool the cable afterwards. Never
use a winch cable as a tow strap and always
stand back while winching.
AFTER DRIVING OFF-ROAD
Off-road operation puts more stress on your
vehicle than does most on-road driving. After going
off-road, it is always a good idea to check for
damage. That way you can get any problems taken
care of right away and have your vehicle ready
when you need it.
Completely inspect the underbody of your
vehicle. Check tires, body structure, steering,
suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
Inspect the radiator for mud and debris and
clean as required.
WARNING!
Never use tow straps with end hooks or link two
straps with a clevis pin. These heavy metal
objects could become projectiles if a strap
breaks, which could cause severe injury. Never
leave more than 2 to 3 feet (0.60 to 1 meter) of
slack in the strap. More slack than this greatly
increases the risk of injury and vehicle damage.
Always keep everyone at least 30 feet (9 meters)
away from a strapping or winching situation.
WARNING!
Winch cables are under high tension when in
use and can become a projectile if they fail.
Never stand over or straddle the winch cable.
Never jerk or overload the winch cable. Never
stand in front of the vehicle while winching.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
serious or fatal injury.
22_DJD2_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 180
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