Recovery and Repair Gear FAQ

When you venture out to remote areas you will encounter scenarios where you may get stuck. This is unavoidable as it is expected. Being prepared is can be a life saving scenario.

One of the most popular recovery tools are the combination of the use of a shackle and recovery strap. You can easily attach the recovery strap to the vehicle that is stuck to a vehicle that is not and carefully pull the stuck vehicle out. Shackles are highly recommended when using the recovery straps. Recovery straps comes in many flavors and using the straps with hoops are highly recommended. There are some straps that comes with hooks but those are not recommended for recovery use. Should the strap snap those hooks can become a flying projectile and injury an individual so please make sure to stay away from any straps with hooks. The same applies for chains.

Attaching a shackle can be very difficult on vehicles that do not have proper attachment points on the vehicle. Vehicles with a hitch can use the hitch as a recovery point by purchasing a hitch mounted shackle hanger. This item is relatively inexpensive ($20-30 range) and can be very valuable on the trail.

Winches come highly recommended but requires a custom front bumper. If you plan to purchase a winch in the near future, please make sure you purchase at least the minimum of an 8000# winch. Do keep in mind that the winch is a recovery device that is not used often so factor that into your budget. A 9000, 9500# winches can also be used but do keep in mind the cost factor as well as the mounting size for the appropriate bumper you plan to use. Most all winches comes with steel cable from the manufacturer which can be upgraded by purchasing some aftermarket synthetic lines. Many upgrade to synthetic lines as it is safer and lighter for your vehicle. Synthetic lines are safer compared to steel cables due to the fact that should the steel cable line snap during a recovery process the lines become a flying projectile. If you do not plan to upgrade your steel cable and use it often please make sure to use a blanket or towel on the middle of the steel cable to dampen the recoil force should the cable snap. Another reason why synthetic lines are recommended is should the line break you can easily repair the line and continue on.

Should your winch ever get to the point where it is unable to free you, using a snatch block will double your pulling power and effectively pull you free (if possible). Keep in mind that you will be length of your rope will be half due to the snatch block.

If you ever have to use your winch around a tree or any object, to protect the object and/or the line, please make sure to use a tree saver strap around the object.

How do I select a winch for my truck?

The most important thing to consider when selecting a winch is whether it is capable of pulling 1.5 times the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of your vehicle. GVW is the total weight of your fully loaded vehicle (gas, tools, driver/passengers, etc). Do factor in that you will lose approximately 12% of your pulling power for every wrap of cable/rope on the drum of the winch.

Winches

Mile Marker
Ramsey
Superwinch
Warn

Synthetic Lines

Master Pull
Samson Rope (aka AmSteel Blue)

Winch Accessories

Pull Pal

Straps, Shackles and Snatch Block

ARB Snatch Strap (60mm x 9m @ 17000#)
ARB Snatch Strap (75mm x 9m @ 24000#)
ARB Tree Protector (75mm x 3m)
ARB Winch Extension Strap
ARB 3/4" D Ring Shackles
ARB Snatch Block
Keeper Straps (2" x 20', 2" x 30', 3" x 20', 3" x 30')
Keeper Strap Tree Saver (2" x 6', 3" x 6')

Jacks and accessories

Bushranger Exhaust Jack
Bushranger X-Jack
Hi Lift available in 48", 60"
Wab Fab Slider adapter for Hi-Lift Jacks

Tire Repair Kits

Safety Seal
ARB Speedy Seal

Fire Extinguishers
This item should be mandatory in all vehicles. Minimum of an ABC extinguisher in a 5# bottle.

Halotron