Help me build a simple recovery kit

[surfyjeeper]

Hey all! New jeeper here, recently got myself a ‘18 JLU sport and loving every bit of it. Bone stock except for a Mopar lift and some rock sliders. I’m looking for a little advice on recovery gear.

I've been taking my time dialing in my first stick shift, but I’m ready to start getting on the trails more. I’ve done a little wheeling in other vehicles but not a ton, so I’ll try my best to be smart and start off with easy trails. Seems like there’s plenty around San Diego. That said, I know recovery gear is a must, especially on solo treks. I'm definitely planning to get involved with the local club, but more often than not when I surf I like the freedom of going on my own without having to coordinate a group, so I'm sure I'll want to explore easier trails that way sometimes too.

I’m young and very much on a budget. Hoping I don’t have to drop $1000+ on something like a winch/bumper upgrade right away. Don’t mind having to work harder with a come-along or winching a hi lift. What’s the most basic set of gear you think I could get away with to safely explore some light/moderate trails on my own?

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[John VonJeep]

Your “simplest” option is a basic snatch strap. Get someone to give you a tug and voila. You don’t even need shackles. (Snatch straps have fallen out of favor with many overlanders, but they will often get the job done, don’t cost too much, are easy to carry, and don’t send metal bits flying around if they fail.)

If you want to be able to self-recover, traction boards and a shovel are the cheapest and safest option. You’re young. It won’t hurt you to work your butt off with a shovel.

So I guess my answer is traction boards, a shovel, and a snatch strap.

(I have a feeling that, by page 5 or 6, of this thread, this kit will no longer resemble “simple.”)

 

[phageghost]

(Snatch straps have fallen out of favor with many overlanders, but they will often get the job done, don’t cost too much, are easy to carry, and don’t send metal bits flying around if they fail.)

Interesting. Why have they fallen out of favor? Superficially it seems like there's a frowing interest in dynamic recovery solutions, helped along by their prominence in media like the Matt's Offroad Recovery Youtube channel (who almost never use a winch for anything besides pulling SxSs onto flatbeds). Granted those are snatch ropes not the more basic straps, but my uninformed impression is that the trend is toward dynamic vs. static recovery when possible. What is the knock on them?

 

[AcesandEights]

Snatch strap, shovel and if you wanted to spend a little more you might consider recovery boards.

ETA: I just read the thread and @John VonJeep probably could have ended his post with /thread

For over several thousand years, people have crossed the globe with his list.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Here’s a fairly basic kit that has items that you’ll need that happens to be on sale.
https://www.tacticalrecoveryequipment.com/product/jeep-recovery-gear-kit/

I’d also suggest a rechargeable flashlight, a shovel, and a hatchet and/or machete.
https://www.amazon.com/Bond-LH015-M...&qid=1658438853&sprefix=shovel,aps,107&sr=8-5
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Tactic...2&sr=1-1-470306f1-0dca-446e-a010-67c3e8db9222
https://www.amazon.com/SOG-SOGfari-Machete-MC04-N-Hardcased/dp/B0038A3VF0?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-3755...1658438720&sprefix=fiskars+hat,aps,117&sr=8-4

As you get more into off-roading and feel comfortable pushing your boundaries (especially when solo) get a winch

 

[Mocopo]

some short 2x8 planks of wood can be cheap traction boards, so its not like you need to spend big money on maxtrax.

agree x1000 with everyone who says a shovel. get one of those $20 collapsible ones, military style.

snatch strap is also great, just make sure you know how to use it. slow and steady, don't try to yank, thats a good way to rip a bumper off and send things flying.

the strap should have looped ends on it to loop around hooks, but if you want to be able to hook to anything, even another vehicle that doesn't have recovery points, you might consider soft shackles if the budget allows.

 

[surfyjeeper]

Your “simplest” option is a basic snatch strap. Get someone to give you a tug and voila. You don’t even need shackles. (Snatch straps have fallen out of favor with many overlanders, but they will often get the job done, don’t cost too much, are easy to carry, and don’t send metal bits flying around if they fail.)

If you want to be able to self-recover, traction boards and a shovel are the cheapest and safest option. You’re young. It won’t hurt you to work your butt off with a shovel.

So I guess my answer is traction boards, a shovel, and a snatch strap.

(I have a feeling that, by page 5 or 6, of this thread, this kit will no longer resemble “simple.”)

Thanks, that's great info, and a lot less than I was expecting. I don't mind having to work at it as long as I can get it done so it sounds like this is where I'll start.

The one thing I was a little surprised you didn't mention is a hi lift. I don't know much but I was under the impression that these are a pretty important piece of gear. Is it not as necessary as I thought?

Here’s a fairly basic kit that has items that you’ll need that happens to be on sale.
https://www.tacticalrecoveryequipment.com/product/jeep-recovery-gear-kit/

I’d also suggest a rechargeable flashlight, a shovel, and a hatchet and/or machete.
https://www.amazon.com/Bond-LH015-Mini-Handle-Shovel/dp/B000X47NJY/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1N7CI6JLBK0L9&keywords=shovel&qid=1658438853&sprefix=shovel,aps,107&sr=8-5
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Tactical-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Water-Resistant/dp/B01KH2JP5G/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.37bfdf6c-7ccf-4cc5-bf39-7ab64af31a28:amzn1.sym.37bfdf6c-7ccf-4cc5-bf39-7ab64af31a28&crid=UNTBS8GCA79R&cv_ct_cx=anker+flashlight&keywords=anker+flashlight&pd_rd_i=B01KH2JP5G&pd_rd_r=46c9889e-b5a6-49e0-9a25-67d158bbb603&pd_rd_w=juSZ6&pd_rd_wg=xyomY&pf_rd_p=37bfdf6c-7ccf-4cc5-bf39-7ab64af31a28&pf_rd_r=ABNHABX6WVP3YAN2C8QZ&psc=1&qid=1658438801&sprefix=anker+fl,aps,122&sr=1-1-470306f1-0dca-446e-a010-67c3e8db9222
https://www.amazon.com/SOG-SOGfari-Machete-MC04-N-Hardcased/dp/B0038A3VF0?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-375501-1001-Hatchet-Sheath-Black/dp/B00EOA4J4K/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=QSNNVQMCD398&keywords=fiskars+hatchet&qid=1658438720&sprefix=fiskars+hat,aps,117&sr=8-4

As you get more into off-roading and feel comfortable pushing your boundaries (especially when solo) get a winch

Thanks for the links! That kit looks like a solid starting point. Any thoughts on those soft shackles vs. d hooks?

I've already got a little hatchet in the Jeep. It's not the best but it gets the job done. A flashlight and shovel is a great idea. And I'm sure a winch is in my future eventually, I'm just glad I have a little more time to save up for it.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Thanks, that's great info, and a lot less than I was expecting. I don't mind having to work at it as long as I can get it done so it sounds like this is where I'll start.

The one thing I was a little surprised you didn't mention is a hi lift. I don't know much but I was under the impression that these are a pretty important piece of gear. Is it not as necessary as I thought?



Thanks for the links! That kit looks like a solid starting point. Any thoughts on those soft shackles vs. d hooks?

I've already got a little hatchet in the Jeep. It's not the best but it gets the job done. A flashlight and shovel is a great idea. And I'm sure a winch is in my future eventually, I'm just glad I have a little more time to save up for it.

Soft shackles > D rings 7 days a week. Lighter and more easily portable, safer, more versatile. My advice is not to spend crazy money on prestige brand ones like Factor 55 or Bubba Rope. There’s nothing wrong with them except they’re priced higher than others that are identical in capability to the ones like I linked. If you must used a D ring shackle, get an American made one like Crosby or Chicago Hardware. But don’t. Use soft shackles.

 

[surfyjeeper]

some short 2x8 planks of wood can be cheap traction boards, so its not like you need to spend big money on maxtrax.

agree x1000 with everyone who says a shovel. get one of those $20 collapsible ones, military style.

snatch strap is also great, just make sure you know how to use it. slow and steady, don't try to yank, thats a good way to rip a bumper off and send things flying.

the strap should have looped ends on it to loop around hooks, but if you want to be able to hook to anything, even another vehicle that doesn't have recovery points, you might consider soft shackles if the budget allows.

Sounds like the shovel is the first thing I'm getting. That's exactly what I was picturing, would love to get one that clips on the roll bar. Glad to hear those hold up.

That's good to know, I might even get a buddy to help me practice it once or twice before I actually need to use the straps. Doesn't sound like it's too hard with a little patience though.

So thaaat's what those are for, lol. Was wondering why I wouldn't just use D hooks.

Can snatch straps be used without another vehicle? I've heard of people attaching them to trees and going into reverse to build up some tension. Is this safe to do (assuming I get a tree saver)?

 

[surfyjeeper]

Soft shackles > D rings 7 days a week. Lighter and more easily portable, safer, more versatile. My advice is not to spend crazy money on prestige brand ones like Factor 55 or Bubba Rope. There’s nothing wrong with them except they’re priced higher than others that are identical in capability to the ones like I linked. If you must used a D ring shackle, get an American made one like Crosby or Chicago Hardware. But don’t. Use soft shackles.

Great to know. I'll probably just get the kit you linked and use those.

 

[NOIDEAWIAM]

I just run with copenhagen, duct tape, WD-40 and bailing wire......

 

[Traveller128]

Cheap things first, shovel and some straps for someone else to yank you out.

Here's a kit for when you do a winch that won't break the bank, it's decent stuff, good price.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GK3F4GX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[surfyjeeper]

Cheap things first, shovel and some straps for someone else to yank you out.

Here's a kit for when you do a winch that won't break the bank, it's decent stuff, good price.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GK3F4GX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

awesome, that's super helpful, thanks!

 

[Dgr401]

You mentioned you like to surf which means a beach. Get an 18” square ¾” plywood to use as a support for your jack when it is needed. Marine plywood works great. For beach use I would recommend a long handle shovel, saves the back and allows you to clear out under the frame and axles easier.

 

[surfyjeeper]

I just run with copenhagen, duct tape, WD-40 and bailing wire......

sounds like a good macgyver episode. "let's get this jeep unstuck with nothing but a roll of tape, some plastic wire, and a can of dip"

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