Recovery gear for newbies

[Goin2drt]

To all the seasoned vets can you all talk about, recommend and maybe even some links to what recovery gear newbies need? I see many of the "kits" however from past experience I have always learned that these kits usually are junk (not specific to recovery).

So what should we have on us to put that winch to use if needed?

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[rizej]

To all the seasoned vets can you all talk about, recommend and maybe even some links to what recovery gear newbies need? I see many of the "kits" however from past experience I have always learned that these kits usually are junk (not specific to recovery).

So what should we have on us to put that winch to use if needed?

I am a newbie but based on what I have seen/ordered I would say there is different gear for different folks (not a good answer right?). It really depends on if you are getting/have a winch installed or not. From your post it sounds like you have a winch so I'd say the main items would be:

• D-Shackles - connect recovery points to straps
• Tree saver - protects trees during winching operations
• Winch Extension Strap - provides more length if needed
• Snatch Block - helps reduce the overall "weight" of the winching operation and also lets you winch at various angles
• Recovery Damper - weight to put over the winch line in case of break to direct force downward. More so needed for steel winch cables but not a bad idea to have one or two laying around

 

[Ittayem66]

Newbie right here. I’m working with a 100’ bubba rope and soft shackles.

 

[American Adventurist]

Newbie right here. I’m working with a 100’ bubba rope and soft shackles.

Bubba Rope is legit.

I also recommend that you look up STEP 22 GEAR. Made in USA, call Adam and he'll get you squared away.

https://www.step22gear.com/

 

[SouthTexasJLU]

• D-Shackles - connect recovery points to straps
• Tree saver - protects trees during winching operations
• Winch Extension Strap - provides more length if needed
• Snatch Block - helps reduce the overall "weight" of the winching operation and also lets you winch at various angles
• Recovery Damper - weight to put over the winch line in case of break to direct force downward. More so needed for steel winch cables but not a bad idea to have one or two laying around

This. Good foundation for a well rounded kit.

 

[aberndtsson]

• D-Shackles - connect recovery points to straps
• Tree saver - protects trees during winching operations
• Winch Extension Strap - provides more length if needed
• Snatch Block - helps reduce the overall "weight" of the winching operation and also lets you winch at various angles
• Recovery Damper - weight to put over the winch line in case of break to direct force downward. More so needed for steel winch cables but not a bad idea to have one or two laying around

Hey, thank you for this list. I was looking for something just like this.

 

[47Jeepster]

It is a good list ... add gloves to it though.

 

[cabnfvr]

Great list above. At a bare minimum I carry a 25' 30,000# tow strap. It is my goal to never get stuck more than 20' from a recovery vehicle.

 

[MSteeves]

Great list above. At a bare minimum I carry a 25' 30,000# tow strap. It is my goal to never get stuck more than 20' from a recovery vehicle.

Tow strap, snatch strap, or both? I have all the goodies in the basic list (with two tree straps, which serve nicely as bridles for paired tow points as well as tree protectors) and a 25' snatch strap as well.

 

[rizej]

Tow strap, snatch strap, or both? I have all the goodies in the basic list (with two tree straps, which serve nicely as bridles for paired tow points as well as tree protectors) and a 25' snatch strap as well.

I'd say both would be necessary since they have different uses. A snatch strap is good when your trying to free yourself or someone else who is stuck in the mud or on a rock obstacle. Snatch straps are effective because of the elastic energy stored that allows it to stretch without breaking. A tow strap would be good when your trying to get someone off the trail for a longer duration. A snatch strap has to settle after a recovery because of the way the fibers are stretched. You cannot use a snatch strap multiple times within close proximity otherwise the strength will weaken and it could snap.

Here is a link that highlights the differences (https://www.morris4x4center.com/blog/whats-difference-snatch-strap-tow-rope/)

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

Someone mentioned Tactical Tecovery Equipment in another thread as an alternative to some of the pricier alternatives as far as winch line thimbles and I took a look at their offerings. I found this kit that looks great to me as a novice. I’ve pulled cars out of danger and towed/been towed before but in sports cars. I once was towed by another sports car 200 miles home! This looks better than anything we had.

https://tacticalrecoveryequipment.com/product/medium-duty-recovery-gear-kit/

 

[cabnfvr]

Tow strap, snatch strap, or both? I have all the goodies in the basic list (with two tree straps, which serve nicely as bridles for paired tow points as well as tree protectors) and a 25' snatch strap as well.

I have a tow strap but as Jared mentioned a snatch strap is better for recovery.

 

[vavaroutsos]

If you're just getting started, this kit from TJM is decent quality and has the basics. Of course a winch is pretty much a must have.

 

[MSteeves]

I'd say both would be necessary since they have different uses. A snatch strap is good when your trying to free yourself or someone else who is stuck in the mud or on a rock obstacle. Snatch straps are effective because of the elastic energy stored that allows it to stretch without breaking. A tow strap would be good when your trying to get someone off the trail for a longer duration. A snatch strap has to settle after a recovery because of the way the fibers are stretched. You cannot use a snatch strap multiple times within close proximity otherwise the strength will weaken and it could snap.

Here is a link that highlights the differences (https://www.morris4x4center.com/blog/whats-difference-snatch-strap-tow-rope/)

Good points there, especially about trying to snatch multiple times without 'resting' the gear.

There are also a number of good videos up on YouTube on how to properly do vehicle recoveries ... as well as a number of 'Here, hold my beer and watch this!' fiasco videos.

For those who haven't had much experience with recovery, or who have but might could stand a bit of update, some of our Aussie friends and neighbors have some especially good ones up:



Here's a short one that shows the rubber band effect quite well:



I like that one, because you can see that the stuck vehicle is really well 'engaged,' and that the recovery vehicle really doesn't need to take that hard, running start we see in a lot of videos. They just sort of 'boing' it out.

This one shows a bridle set up, starting about 2:05:

 

[NFRs2000NYC]

FOr wheeling alone, winch, drings, tree strap and max trax will get you out of most situations. If wheeling with friends, a bubba rope is great.

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