Recovery kit recommendations?

[Ilir]

Whats up guys , i am trying to figure out the best option for a recovery kit ( First time,First Jeep) , i don’t really do off-roading just looking to get started with some easy trails and camping sites with the kids but i want to be sure to have what might be needed ! Any suggestions and ideas will be helpful.
Thank you

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[Beachcomber72]

Start here and here…

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/soft-shackle-whats-your-go-to.123537/

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...have-in-my-basic-vehicle-recovery-kit.108175/

 

[Beachcomber72]

Stay away from Amazon gear. Unless it’s directly sold by an authorized dealer that sells quality tested proven recovery products. Pricey yes but buy once, cry once. Do not skimp on any gear purchases, you put you and others lives at great risk.

 

[Warped]

Off-Road Recovery Gear & Accessories Collection | AEV (aev-conversions.com)

You do NOT need to purchase these kits, but the link will give you a great understanding of what you should have. I have bags on each side of my rear roll bar to store most of the items I carry. I add a shovel, boards, and blankets as I go out.

 

[Ilir]

The Rihno one is not good ?!

 

[Ratbert]

Off-Road Recovery Gear & Accessories Collection | AEV (aev-conversions.com)

You do NOT need to purchase these kits, but the link will give you a great understanding of what you should have. I have bags on each side of my rear roll bar to store most of the items I carry. I add a shovel, boards, and blankets as I go out.

I really, really like my AEV recovery kit, but like you said, OP probably doesn't need a grand worth of gear.

 

[Ratbert]

Do you have a winch? An air compressor to pump your tires back up?

 

[Philly_]

Start with a decent snatch strap (it needs to stretch and doesn’t have metal hooks on it) or kinetic rope, a pair of steel shackles, and/or a pair of soft shackles, a regular tow strap (still avoid metal hooks), and some sort air compressor.

That’s the bare minimum I would want on me, but won’t help you much if you’re by yourself, which I wouldn’t recommend until you get some off road miles under your belt, and even then could be dangerous.

ARB, Warn, and Factor55 (owned by Warn now) are all excellent brands to look at for any of these items. I believe Crosby has made in USA steel shackles as well.

For compressors, there are a TON of options, but Viair has great reviews and can be found for a decent price. ARB is generally the gold standard, but you definitely pay for it.

I wouldn’t invest in a winch until you know you’re going to get serious about spending time off road because they’re costly, require more gear, can be dangerous, and are heavy as heck if it’s just going to sit on your bumper untouched.

To complete the basics a bit further, a tire deflator, tire repair kit, and a breaker bar (to make changing your tire a bit easier) are all things you should probably carry as well.

 

[dragoneggs]

Start with a decent snatch strap (it needs to stretch and doesn’t have metal hooks on it) or recovery rope, a pair of steel shackles, and/or a pair of soft shackles, a regular tow strap (still avoid metal hooks), and some sort air compressor.

That’s the bare minimum I would want on me, but won’t help you much if you’re by yourself, which I wouldn’t recommend until you get some off road miles under your belt, and even then could be dangerous.

ARB, Warn, and Factor55 (owned by Warn now) are all excellent brands to look at for any of these items. I believe Crosby has made in USA steel shackles as well.

For compressors, there are a TON of options, but Viair has great reviews and can be found for a decent price. ARB is generally the gold standard, but you definitely pay for it.

I wouldn’t invest in a winch until you know you’re going to get serious about spending time off road because they’re costly, require more gear, can be dangerous, and are heavy as heck if it’s just going to sit on your bumper untouched.

To complete the basics a bit further, a tire deflator, tire repair kit, and a breaker bar (to make changing your tire a bit easier) are all things you should probably carry as well.

Great post Philly…

I suggest buy American and don’t buy a kit. Piece meal it. You need to decide where and what you will be doing. Decide if you are going to get a winch… that will dictate some of your recovery gear.

Lots to consider. Don’t buy too much too soon. First thing might be a recovery rope and a couple of soft shackles. Bubba brand is one to check out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HYR85W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Traction boards for snow/sand? Watch some YouTube vids to see how the different brans fare.

Many folks don’t use their gear enough to warrant buying the best. I’m old and have the funds to buy once/cry once and willing to pay the premium price.

 

[wibornz]

Recovery Gear is like a fire extinguisher. You don't need it until you need it. Buy once, cry once. Buy Quality. I buy Factor 55 stuff. A Kinetic rope, and two soft shackles would be the minimum that I would carry. This way if I am stuck, just about any other vehicle could most likely pull me out.

Above that, I would add a winch. Please skip the $299 Badlands winch, I have seen six of them fail out on the trail. If you are going to buy a Badlands, at least get the Apex. I have had good luck with Smitybuilt and Warn winches.

The biggest thing is to use your brain. If you don't have recovery gear with you, maybe you turn around on a trail to avoid a potential getting stuck situation. Make sure you wheel within the capacity of your Jeep and the gear that you carry. It is a risk assessment thing. I try and stay within 70% of the vehicle capacity. This gives me 30% buffer zone for bad decisions.

 

[Ilir]

What do you guys think about Rihno USA ? Are their products reliable!!

 

[roaniecowpony]

Rhino is an importer of china goods mostly. The good part is that they have sold enough and have a facility here and will back their products. I don't have any, but have considered them. Same situation with Overland Vehicle Systems. I know the OVS stuff is decent. I have some of it and have used it. It's not Factor 55 level, but it doesn't cost that either. (speaking of pulleys and soft shackles for winching here)

Everyone needs a shovel, some type of traction enhancing aid, a 30ft strap, a couple soft shackles, maybe a kinetic recovery rope (7/8"). The traction enhancing aid could be just some scrap pieces of old carpet or some expensive plastic traction boards, or anything in between. The more you dwell on this stuff, the bigger your pile will get. Trust me.

 

[tk1700]

I know I'm going to get flamed for this but...

Does OP really need traction boards, compressor and a winch? He said he really doesn't do off roading just some easy trails. I agree it's best to be over prepared but there's also a limit on that. I see so many vehicles with traction boards on them that look brand new like they've never been taken off their mounts. Easy trails and dirt roads typically don't require airing down, so why jump to the expense of a compressor so soon? A winch can be useful for things besides getting a vehicle unstuck but it's still a significant expense that may not be needed yet.

For what OP said he intends to do, I would start with straps, first aid kit, comms, basic tools, shovel, saw, cold wx gear if out in winter, sunscreen and protective clothing if out in summer, water and snacks. As his skills and confidence increase and he gets into more difficult off roading he can increase his recovery/survival gear as well. Don't forget to let someone know where you are going and when intend to return.

 

[Jeepeto]

What do you guys think about Rihno USA ? Are their products reliable!!

I've got a couple Rhino soft shackles and a hitch recovery point. They seem decent enough, the soft shackles are up to the task but I don't believe they'll have the same service life as some of the more premium stuff out there. Just be mindful of wear and I wouldn't hesitate to buy them if you're on a budget.

 

[Shibadog]

Start with a decent snatch strap (it needs to stretch and doesn’t have metal hooks on it) or recovery rope, a pair of steel shackles, and/or a pair of soft shackles, a regular tow strap (still avoid metal hooks), and some sort air compressor.

That’s the bare minimum I would want on me, but won’t help you much if you’re by yourself, which I wouldn’t recommend until you get some off road miles under your belt, and even then could be dangerous.

ARB, Warn, and Factor55 (owned by Warn now) are all excellent brands to look at for any of these items. I believe Crosby has made in USA steel shackles as well.

For compressors, there are a TON of options, but Viair has great reviews and can be found for a decent price. ARB is generally the gold standard, but you definitely pay for it.

I wouldn’t invest in a winch until you know you’re going to get serious about spending time off road because they’re costly, require more gear, can be dangerous, and are heavy as heck if it’s just going to sit on your bumper untouched.

To complete the basics a bit further, a tire deflator, tire repair kit, and a breaker bar (to make changing your tire a bit easier) are all things you should probably carry as well.

Good advice. A snatch strap, soft shackles, a tow rope, a GI entrenching tool and a come along will take care of almost any situation you may find yourself in, unless you on in a SERIOUSLY bad place. That was all I carried for years, until I got old and lazy and got a winch. Do NOT forget to also ad a basic survival kit (search here on the forum. The ability to stay warm, have something to eat and more importantly something to drink can keep you alive and comfy while you’re digging out, and even more so if you spend the night in the toolies.

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