Off Roading Recovery Gear

[Turbo Horseman]

Need to know what the best recovery gear is (not including power winches). Looking for opinions on cable pullers, anchors, etc.

 

[JLinder]

I can't say it's the best, but here is what I don't leave home without:



Hi-Lift Jack

Blocks of wood (to put jack on in soft ground)

Tow strap(s)





Quality, heavy duty come-a-longs are great but you can use the Hi-Lift the same way. Also, make sure you have good tow hooks front and rear to hook to.



Most importantly, don't wheel alone.

 

[athompson]

I'm assuming your just interested in getting unstuck

Don't for get the shovel and ax. The Max Ax is a good multi-purpose tool. Extra fuel would also be good.

 

[tabell]

A Pull-pal is a great recovery tool, if you have a hard time finding pull points. I saw a demo of one, two weeks ago in TX during some training I was getting from the military. All I can say is that the pull capacity that it is rated for is certainly underrated.

 

[BigFun]

If you wheel in the sand, a boat anchor is a great tool. Anchor it in the sand and winch yourself out of a stuck situation. To get it out of the sand just drive over it and pull it out. Works great.

 

[jalberring]

High quality screw pin shackles. (Crosby, etc) At least two.



As mentioned above, good tow straps and a tree saver strap



www.masterpull.com



This website also has a lot of other good recovery gear.



Warn and Ramsey sell kits which include a tow strap, length of chain, shackles, snatch block, etc.



Wheel chocks

Chain, at least 20 feet (should be proof or transport graded)

Heavy leather gloves

Tarps or blankets to put over winch cable to slow it down in case of a break

Pry bar



All above listed items



I have found that the come-along is a lot quicker than trying to use the Hi-lift. However, If you are only carrying one go for the Hi-lift. I can't remember the name of the company, but their come-alongs have some pretty high ratings. 4 tons maybe.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Thanks guys. The Max Ax and the Pull Pal are pretty cool. Might just have to get them.



If I do, where do I find jack and axe mounts for my truck?

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Just to warn everyone, I have used the Hi-Lift as a come along to extract my old ford from a snowbank that I had gotten into while driving out of deer camp in a storm. Thought that I was still on the road and then...



Anyway, be careful as you can overload the top bracket on the jack and it will break. This is not a serious problem if you are on level terrrain, however if you are on a steep grade you may loose your rig if you don't have someone blocking wheels and taking the slack out of backup ropes and cables or chains as you go.



Anyway, just a warning to be safe and use the noggin first!

 

[jmeehan]

Tire chains. I've even put them on an old two wheel drive chevy after I put it in the ditch and was able to drive out.

But I'd have to repeat the above: Hi lift, planks and shovel... don't leave the pavement without'em... any more