Interesting read in the Mar/April issue of 4WD Toyota Owner "Spotting ropes"

***Corey*** · 03-09-2007, 04:58 PM

So I was reading my mag before work today, and I was looking on page 8 the article titled "Top 10 wheeling mistakes."

Topic 10 is titled "Ignoring safety."

Quote:

You are throwing yourself in harms way by jumping on a fender to stabilize that FJ40.

It starts off by stating to use a spotters rope instead.
I know Molly does a lot of spotting, maybe she can touch on this subject.

I have seen them online at the place I got my new tree saver ropes and my new winchline from.

http://www.winchline.com/spotterlines.htm

I kind of like the idea, but I thought these were always for the rock crawling buggies I have seen on TV in the competitions.

Would it be a good idea to carry one of these and if you need to spot someone up a trail and they are new to the sport, this would be a little like "training wheels" and give them a little piece of mind?

I am really new to this spotter rope thing, but I could see the advantages of helping someone with it.

Thoughts???

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neliconcept · 03-09-2007, 05:20 PM

I agree, I had a friend down here almost get crushed as I came down from a 3 wheel to the other side of the gulch and he almost got near crushed trying to get my wheel down.

Bighead · 03-09-2007, 05:28 PM

You can always use a tow strap if you are carrying one. I can't find the thread but it had the pics that were in 4WD&SU...there was a pic that showed Flygt's truck with three of us holding onto a tow strap wrapped around his B pillar.

***Corey*** · 03-09-2007, 05:33 PM

Here are some good pics.
http://www.winchline.com/spotterlines_action_photos.htm

Looks like he is land skiing.

neliconcept · 03-09-2007, 05:39 PM

smart to wear a helmet while doing this too, if he let go of that at the wrong time, he could hit his head pretty hard behind him, or he could loose foothold and go head first into the rock.

still better then getting crushed if a rig flips

**Lysmachia** · 03-09-2007, 06:18 PM

I have never used a spotter rope per say - but I have used a strap quite a bit. It is hard as a spotter because sometimes a driver gets tippy SO fast that it is almost gut reaction to want to jump on for stabilzation. The only times I have done that was for stabilization untill we could get a strap on them.

I think the spotter strap is an excelent idea because it is probably much easier to carry. (I have been known to walk the trail with an ARB strap and it gets heavy!

I'm going to have to look into getting one...

DYNNOMMYTE · 09-17-2008, 10:27 AM

I have used spotter ropes in the past, and I will stress that they keep you away from the danger...

03-09-2007, 05:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bighead Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,340	You can always use a tow strap if you are carrying one. I can't find the thread but it had the pics that were in 4WD&SU...there was a pic that showed Flygt's truck with three of us holding onto a tow strap wrapped around his B pillar. __________________ Lance 2001 4Runner Limited 4X4 -- 315/75R16 MT/Rs \| MT Classic IIs \| Dual ARBs/4.88s \| (F) 5125/Tundra Coils (R) 5125/LC Coils \| 4Crawler 1.5" BL \| Aisin Manual Hubs \| Slee Sliders \| Sonoran Steel Rear Bumper \| TJM T-15 w/ Warn M8000 2004 Land Cruiser -- OME Medium Lift \| Nitto Terra Grapplers

03-09-2007, 05:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,074	Here are some good pics. http://www.winchline.com/spotterlines_action_photos.htm Looks like he is land skiing. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

09-17-2008, 10:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
DYNNOMMYTE Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 85	I have used spotter ropes in the past, and I will stress that they keep you away from the danger... __________________ 1985 RUNNER, supra engine conversion, SFArunning 32's, needs TLC; 1987 PICKUP, 22RET, electrical issues, IFS running 32s <RIP>;1989 COMANCHE, residential plow truck, daily beater; 1993 CHEV 2500, commercial plow truck, nick named BIG UGLY

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03-09-2007, 05:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
neliconcept Banned Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 0	I agree, I had a friend down here almost get crushed as I came down from a 3 wheel to the other side of the gulch and he almost got near crushed trying to get my wheel down.

03-09-2007, 05:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
neliconcept Banned Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 0	smart to wear a helmet while doing this too, if he let go of that at the wrong time, he could hit his head pretty hard behind him, or he could loose foothold and go head first into the rock. still better then getting crushed if a rig flips