QuestionI have a 2004 RV that got stuck in some soft sand in Florida. Is it okay to hook it to my buddy's winch to get some pull while I press the gas and brakes and try and jump it out of the soft sand? I came pretty close to getting it out but the RV's engine started to overheat and stopped. With heavy tows like this, is there a larger winch that could be used without having to put any stress on the RV's engine?
AnswerWell now, this is an open ended question.
First off all, you need to be aware of the weight of the vehicle which is stuck. For discussion here we are going to use 20,000 pounds for the weight of the vehicle.
If you have got it stuck say to axle depth in sand on level ground then you have what is called " MIRE RESISTANCE" where you have the 20,000 pounds PLUS the resistance to overcome due to the vehicle not being able to roll freely due to being buried in the sand.
Mire resistance is figured at axle depth of the weight of the vehicles load on tires at that point. For the math here you have the 20,000 vehicle with a mire resistance of 20,000 pounds. That would mean you have to overcome 40,000 pounds to start with before you encounter what is called rolling resistance.
Now for the sake of this question I will use my personal vehicle to replace your buddys winch. I have a 2005 Ford F 250 4 x 4 pickup with a 16,500 pound capacity winch on the front.
With the given ammounts above, you can see that the vehicles winch is not able to do the job. This is where snatch blocks (pulleys, block and tackle or what ever you want to call them) come into play. You can gain a mechanical advantage by using them to double the line back to your vehicle, thereby effectivly creating a stronger winch. But this still has its draw backs, as your winch is only as strong as your winching platforms staying power.
I hope this it not to complicated to understand. But its part of the answer and the problem also.
Now with you using the stuck vehicles own power to attempt to gain traction you do help break the suction (holding power) of the sand. This does help with winching at times. But it can also create more problems as it can make the vehicle dig in deeper, or create longer trenchs to get out of...
Also of use at times, is the fact that during winching jobs, height of the boom is sometimes helpfull in getting vehicles out. The higher the cable is at the winch means more lifting power is applied to the point where the lines are attached.
The vehicle overheating is not good as it means that it was working way beyond its designed tasks. Hopefully it was not hurt.
Now as to a larger winch, of course they make larger ones. but there are only so many sizes that people tend to put on vehicles. Most are in the 8 to 10,000 pound range.
If the vehicle is still stuck I would consider calling for a tow truck to get the vehicle out. They have winchs which are designed for that job.
AS A SAFETY NOTE, the towing industry has drivers injured and or killed during recoveries of vehicles due to cables and chains breaking during the job. Its extremely dangerous if you are not carefull and know the working load limits of the equipment you are using. A broken winch cable (actually called a wire rope ) when it breaks has a whipping effect and it can cut though metal like a hot knife though butter.
Hope this helps, and I hope you get the vehicle out safely
