Even if you don't use it for vehicle towing, you should always have one with you. I was reminded why I should have one in ALL my vehicles, not just the Truck and Jeep. I had to do without when this large Aspen fell down across the road. It happened about half way between the Timp trail-head up Sundance Canyon and the Cascade Springs turn off. All I had were 4 ratchet tie downs.
We came up to it and we were the only ones there. Others must have turned around when they came upon it, but it was obviously a very recent fall. The culprit, it seems, was the saturated soil from the recent rains. By the time I got the idea and had the tie downs out, there were already about 3-4 cars stacked up in either direction. A couple guys helped hook up the straps, including a friend, Adam, who was unknowingly driving behind us on the way up. I wasn't sure if the straps would hold, but as soon as I got it moving, it slid right along. Thanks FJ80 Low Range! Both lanes cleared, and we were on our way.
Moral: Tie downs can work in a pinch, but better to have a strap (w/out hooks). And, don't wait for the Gov't (FS) to do what you can do for yourself!
We came up to it and we were the only ones there. Others must have turned around when they came upon it, but it was obviously a very recent fall. The culprit, it seems, was the saturated soil from the recent rains. By the time I got the idea and had the tie downs out, there were already about 3-4 cars stacked up in either direction. A couple guys helped hook up the straps, including a friend, Adam, who was unknowingly driving behind us on the way up. I wasn't sure if the straps would hold, but as soon as I got it moving, it slid right along. Thanks FJ80 Low Range! Both lanes cleared, and we were on our way.
Moral: Tie downs can work in a pinch, but better to have a strap (w/out hooks). And, don't wait for the Gov't (FS) to do what you can do for yourself!
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