Safety

Snatching & Safety Rules

1. Keep SAFETY in mind when a recovery strap or rope is in use.
2. Keep spectators at a safe distance. At least 1 ½ times the distance of the snatch strap or rope length away from towing vehicles, in case the strap or rope breaks under load.
3. A “D” shackle should NOT be employed to join 2 ropes.
4. Avoid knotting the strap or rope.
5. When joining 2 straps or ropes together it is recommended that you use the following method. Thread the straps or rope through one or each of the respective eyes & then jam a piece of wood or PVC pipe between the knot to stop the knot from jamming & to allow easy separation of the 2 straps or ropes.
6. Do not use a tow ball as a hook. Vehicles should have at least one rated tow hook front and rear.
7. The towing vehicle should have some slack in the strap or rope before starting to tow. By using momentum the traction pull of the towing vehicle, combined with the stretch of the snatch strap or rope, the snatch strap or rope can multiply the towing power by up to 5 times that of conventional towing straps or ropes.
8. When possible the vehicle being towed should select a higher gear than the towing vehicle, with the towing vehicle getting some momentum before taking up the slack.

Note: Snatch towing is dangerous if not undertaken with appropriate Safety Procedures.

Storage & Care of Snatch Ropes

1. Wash your strap or rope in cold water using dish washing liquid to condition material. Soak strap or rope in a tub for days to remove grimed-in dirt. The use of a water blaster or a washing machine is easier.
2. Dry your strap or rope in a dry cool place, away from direct sunlight.
3. Strap or rope should be stored in a bag.
4.  Storage in vehicle of your strap or rope should be easily accessible but away from heat sources such as exhaust, heater & direct sunlight through windows.
5. If strap or ropes become stiff or hard soak it in water to make it flexible.

New Zealand Jeep Club Track Gradings

• Grade 1      Easy driving, road tires, suitable for novice drivers.
• Grade 2      Easy off-road tracks, some mud, possible vehicle scratching. Suitable for all-terrain tyres and intermediate drivers.
• Grade 3      Harder tracks, vehicle scratching and some other minor damage possible.  Mud tyres, intermediate/experienced drivers.
• Grade 4      Hard tracks, rough, muddy and steep, possible deep water.  Damage possible.  Mud tyres essential, suitable for experienced drivers.
• Grade 5      Extremely hard tracks for tough trucks.  Damage expected.  Winches and full recovery gear required.  Experienced drivers.

NOTES:

1. The purpose of the gradings is to assist members in deciding whether their particular vehicle is reasonably capable of handling the track concerned rather than finding out on the day.
2. Venues such as Mamaku, Minginui and Pureora may have a range of track gradings eg 3–4.
3. Less experienced drivers may drive on harder tracks under direct supervision.

New Zealand Jeep Club
Vehicle ‘Warrant of Trail-worthiness’

 NOTES:

1. All equipment to be fixed or securely stored in vehicle.
2. In addition to the foregoing, all unwarranted and/or unregistered vehicles are to undergo a separate pre-run scrutineering process.