E3OFFROAD . COM 49 E3OFFROAD . COM 13 calculated is purely approximate . In my opinion , the calculation of approximate resistance values in the STOPA Checklist serve four important purposes . They :
1 . Are of teaching value for those beginning to learn the dynamics of recovery and stuck extraction .
2 . Can help the inexperienced understand the forces involved in practically all recovery efforts .
3 . Can help the inexperienced avoid recovery missteps and failures .
4 . Can help those that are nervous and running on adrenaline to focus on the recovery effort at hand so as to avoid exceeding the working load limit of recovery equipment and accessories .
WreckMaster Resistance Numbers – The Best in the Industry .
The terrain and slope resistance values in the Checklist come directly from WreckMaster , the preeminent North American tow truck training company . Their resistance values have been scientifically determined by quantitative methodology and validated by years of in-field experience .
Begin Recovery Efforts with Low-Energy Strategies .
Working through a thoughtful stuck assessment will help you decide on an initial recovery effort that is both safe and involves the lowest energy tactic with the highest probability of success . You can extract yourself from the majority of off-road stuck situations by simply :
1 . Airing down your tires down further .
2 . Making sure you are in 4WD .
3 . Shoveling terrain away from around your tires and vehicle .
4 . Building up terrain ( such as stacking rocks ) under lifted tires .
5 . Using low-impact traction aiding devices such as electronic traction control , lockers , a sway-bar release , or traction boards ( e . g . MAXTRAX or Crux Offroad Bridging Ladders ).
FREE STOPA
Stuck Assessment and Recovery Plan Checklist ™
Again , if you want a free STOPA Stuck Assessment and Recovery Plan Checklist ™ to place it in your glove compartment – email me at bob . wohlers @ discoveroffroading . I ’ ll send you a PDF to print .
About the Author
The following content was written by Bob Wohlers , Owner of Off-Road Safety Academy . The content is from one of Bob ’ s newsletters . To sign up for his newsletters , visit his website HERE . All newsletter content is Copyrighted , 2020 . All Rights Reserved . Off-Road Safety Academy , Blue Sky Adventures , Inc .
Bob is first and foremost an outdoor adventurer . As the owner of Off-Road Safety Academy , Bob teaches recreational , corporate , and government off-road courses . He is the author of three unique books for vehicle-supported adventurers : 1 ) Live Long to Wander – Basic Survival for Vehicle Supported Adventures , 2 ) Raising your 4WD Vehicle Off Road & In-Field Tire Repair , and his newest book , 3 ) The Total Approach to Getting Unstuck Off-Road – 4WD Self- Recovery & Vehicle-Assisted Recovery . These books are all available on Amazon .