Recovery gear

[Caboose]

Was wondering what you all carry as far as recovery gear goes. winch? tow strap (what rating)? d-shackles (how big)? chains?  and of course, everyones favorite, the hi-lift.  reason for asking was i was looking into buying recovery gear, i dont know what winch i want to get in the future, but at the very least ill carry tow strap, d shackles, hi-lift. and prob chains.  i dont know what lb rating to buy all my stuff at.  i want to get a 30k or 40k lb tow strap so i dont have to worry about it breaking.  just wondering what you all run.

[DTB]

Was wondering what you all carry as far as recovery gear goes. winch? tow strap (what rating)? d-shackles (how big)? chains?  and of course, everyones favorite, the hi-lift.  reason for asking was i was looking into buying recovery gear, i dont know what winch i want to get in the future, but at the very least ill carry tow strap, d shackles, hi-lift. and prob chains.  i dont know what lb rating to buy all my stuff at.  i want to get a 30k or 40k lb tow strap so i dont have to worry about it breaking.  just wondering what you all run.

HiLift, ARB snatch strap, short tow strap, spill kit, fire extinguisher, CB, hitch and shackle...NO chains 

this is a great article regarding snatch straps...very interesting... http://offroadrecovery.zoovy.com/category/offroadrecoveryinfo.recoverystrapcomparo

also read and study this>>> http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/Recovery.htm

[Caboose]

NO chains 

why?  not arguing for or against, just was wondering your reason.

[DTB]

why?  not arguing for or against, just was wondering your reason.

I dont really have a GOOD arguement against them other than they can be very dangerous if misused, chain grade can be difficult or impossible to verify and u cant shock load a chain at all like a snatch strap.....

more just personal preference I guess

[skipnrocks]

I dont really have a GOOD arguement against them other than they can be very dangerous if misused, chain grade can be difficult or impossible to verify and u cant shock load a chain at all like a snatch strap.....

more just personal preference I guess

I have used chains quite a bit on the ranch I know that there is alot of stored energy in the rings and if they break it will allow the chains energy to recoil.  Not that a winch cable wont but there is alot more mass in a 20 foot chain than in a 20 foot cable or strap.   I wouldnt use a chain for that reason,  its better to have a good recovery strap, and a winch kit to help you attach to trees and stuff.

[KDXSR5]

One of my straps my dad bought at a truckstop and gave to me as a gift. It is a rope with 6 feet of chain on each end. I like it because it works kind of like a rope, but has chain and hooks on the end. I will see about getting a picture tomorrow, I don't know if it will happen though. The high for tomorrow is 16 degrees, and it has been snowing all day with 30 mph plus winds. I guess I will see if I want to go outside tomorrow or not. Other stuff I have is a normal strap (not sure on the rating and stuff, I forgot, maybe I will look tomorrow), 4 D-rings, highlift, shovel, fire extinguisher, various types of hooks I can borrow to use on strap (I have tow truck buddies), umm.... I know I have more, I just don't remember what. Oh yeah, A come along as well. I might look to see what else I have tomorrow.

[skipnrocks]

One of my straps my dad bought at a truckstop and gave to me as a gift. It is a rope with 6 feet of chain on each end. I like it because it works kind of like a rope, but has chain and hooks on the end. I will see about getting a picture tomorrow, I don't know if it will happen though. The high for tomorrow is 16 degrees, and it has been snowing all day with 30 mph plus winds. I guess I will see if I want to go outside tomorrow or not. Other stuff I have is a normal strap (not sure on the rating and stuff, I forgot, maybe I will look tomorrow), 4 D-rings, highlift, shovel, fire extinguisher, various types of hooks I can borrow to use on strap (I have tow truck buddies), umm.... I know I have more, I just don't remember what. Oh yeah, A pull pall as well. I might look to see what else I have tomorrow.

That stuff is great for towing, but as recovery gear especially straps I believe you want to avoid anything with hooks, especially cast hooks.  Again on the ranch getting stuck plenty that is the thing that always gives is the hooks, and when it gives that strap with whats left of the hook goes flying back towards whatever its hooked to..  Sorry for post hoggin, I have pulled many things out of many places during my years on the ranch, and have had my share of "crap better not do that again" experiences.

[lucky7]

snatch block is great when you only have a small winch doubles pulling power.

[rockwarrior]

I don't think chains are all that bad too have, I use one sometimes its good for quick pulls over rocks.  But mostly I carry it for trail repairs, you know chain axle up to do trail repairs. I also carry tree saver strap, various sized shackles, snatch block, hi-lift, 9000 lb winch, and lots of tools and your most breakable items as spares.  And definitely think about synthetic line for the winch, mine works great.

[skipnrocks]

Another handy thing to have on the trail is a HD ratchet strap...  You can use it to keep the axle from droping for trail repairs, and you can use it to ratchet one end down for climbs/decents. 

[85xcab]

It's kind of off topic, but always check the attaching points of the vehicle you are recovering. My arm is still healing from the last time I hooked to a d ring on a friends Jeep that wasn't strong enough.

[Cheesemaker]

I carry chains all the time, just got to know how and when to use them.  And I always get chains that come with a certified load rating!  They cost a little more, but well worth the insurance!  I also keep plenty of old used haywire around too.  Usually get it from the logging outfits around here!  Besides that, I always carry a shovel, axe, chain, fire extinguisher, chain saw, and whatever else I think I need for my environment I'm gonna be in!  Think ahead.  And use your head, that is the best equipment you can use.   

[nhyota603]

umm what about skidder chains that what i have and i havent taken it wheeling yet but if its strong enoghf to hook an ass load of trees and drag them throught the wood it should work

[bigarms23]

I carry a spce blanket first aid kit highlift jack extra food extra axle parts a working cb my arb recovery kit and my t max recovery kit

[46&2]

My recovery gear kit needs to gain a few items but at the moment I carry:

High lift
shovel/pick axe
tow strap
dring shackle
full emergency med kit
several flashlights and laterns
extra clothes, blankets
food, snacks, lots of WATER
winch
tire plug/repair kit
ammo can with couple gallons of water, 3 quarts of motor oil, ATF, wd40, couple things of gear oil, rags
fire extinguisher

what i need to get is obviously whats not on the list and has already been listed in here. Id like to get a toolbox to mount in my bed with spare tools and parts, also more items like the ARB recovery kit, treesaver, winchline weight, snatch block, comealong, cb radio, spill kit, a small chain saw would be nice. id also like to replace my steel winchline with a synthetic. thats all I can think of right now, also things change and items are added or subtracted depending on where I am going.

[DTB]

My recovery gear kit needs to gain a few items but at the moment I carry:

High lift
shovel/pick axe
tow strap
dring shackle
full emergency med kit
several flashlights and laterns
extra clothes, blankets
food, snacks, lots of WATER
winch
tire plug/repair kit
ammo can with couple gallons of water, 3 quarts of motor oil, ATF, wd40, couple things of gear oil, rags
fire extinguisher

what i need to get is obviously whats not on the list and has already been listed in here. Id like to get a toolbox to mount in my bed with spare tools and parts, also more items like the ARB recovery kit, treesaver, winchline weight, snatch block, comealong, cb radio, spill kit, a small chain saw would be nice. id also like to replace my steel winchline with a synthetic. thats all I can think of right now, also things change and items are added or subtracted depending on where I am going.

u forgot duct tape and zip ties these are CRUCIAL recovery items!

[46&2]

u forgot duct tape and zip ties these are CRUCIAL recovery items!

Ahh good man! I do indeed carry duct tape and zip ties in my ammo can, I Just forgot to mention it.

[Rocksurfer]

There is nothing wrong in using chain, just make sure you are not using chain that is for locking your bike up with. Make sure to get chain that is made to carry a load like grade 70, 80 or even 100. Don't think that just because it is chain that it can support the stress it would be like using one of those tow-straps you get at Pep Boys compared to a true rated strap.

[Caboose]

whats 80 chain?  i was thinking about getting this. http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-recoverychain.htm was gonna get the 3/8" chain.  You dont want me to list what i'm going to have in my box/ truck bed of goodies.  it will take up the whole page.  some say i over pack for everything, but when they break and they say, man i wish i had XYZ, i have 2 in my truck.  I like to be self sufficient.  Let me put it this way, ill be spending almost 1k on tools to put in my truck.  a full 18v tool set so i can fix crap on the trail or cut it off if i need to.  one of which is an 18v chainsaw, that wont be in the tool box around town, just when off roading.  but i think you get the point.  thats just tools, not including chains, winch, etc.  need i continue.  i just dont know what chains or strap, or snatch block to buy.  im the kind of person who if i break down and the guy says, i wish i had a snatch block, i dont have a winch yet, but i will have a snatch block because i can afford that right now and it might save my    needless to say, if you break down, dont call AAA, call me. lol

[Rocksurfer]

80 would be the grade, like a grade 8 bolt

[Caboose]

can you link me to a good recovery chain to buy, i dont take chances where can i get a grade 100?

[79coyotefrg]

can you link me to a good recovery chain to buy, i dont take chances where can i get a grade 100?

go to your nearest large truck stop,  they have straps  and chains  designed  to carry the load,  just remember  chains  are heavy  to carry around

[Rocksurfer]

go to your nearest large truck stop,  they have straps  and chains  designed  to carry the load,  just remember  chains  are heavy  to carry around

That is a good option but go here and you can buy it by the foot, and you'll find out about the different grades of chain and other options in recovery products. I think even though the truck stop option is quickest and does supply the best in chain, recovery chain is the best option if you are going to use chain. On a side note if you cruise around the site you will notice that when doing heavy recovery work they use strap not chain. The reason is twofold strap is a lot easier on the recovery work since it is easier to work with, creates less damage and it is easy to see a damaged strap over chain. I used to carry chain but now only carry strap not that I'm afraid of chain but strap is easier to work with. I'm not sold on rope cable though, give me my wire wrap over the synthetics, even a frayed cable with half the wire cut will hold. I think the new stuff will let loose once frayed.

http://www.awdirect.com/

[Caboose]

That is a good option but go here and you can buy it by the foot, and you'll find out about the different grades of chain and other options in recovery products. I think even though the truck stop option is quickest and does supply the best in chain, recovery chain is the best option if you are going to use chain. On a side note if you cruise around the site you will notice that when doing heavy recovery work they use strap not chain. The reason is twofold strap is a lot easier on the recovery work since it is easier to work with, creates less damage and it is easy to see a damaged strap over chain. I used to carry chain but now only carry strap not that I'm afraid of chain but strap is easier to work with. I'm not sold on rope cable though, give me my wire wrap over the synthetics, even a frayed cable with half the wire cut will hold. I think the new stuff will let loose once frayed.

http://www.awdirect.com/

but when in mud or water chain is better than strap right?  im a fan of strap myself, but i like to be versatile.

[skipnrocks]

but when in mud or water chain is better than strap right?  im a fan of strap myself, but i like to be versatile.

i wouldnt use a chain in the mud if you are stuck...  If you can latch on and drag out it works great, but any jerking is nessisary I wouldnt do it.  Its hard on both rigs, and its the jerking thats going to cause a chain to break.

[Caboose]

i wasnt saying jerking, strap gets mud in it, not good for the strap.

[Gittinit]

Not too much mention of snach blocks here.

Snach blocks allow you to use your winches full potential, and are a verry wise investment.

[Rocksurfer]

Not too much mention of snach blocks here.

Snach blocks allow you to use your winches full potential, and are a verry wise investment.

Hey I have one of those, somewhere around here. Never used it yet, though I do know its value. 

but when in mud or water chain is better than strap right?  im a fan of strap myself, but i like to be versatile.

I've never known strap to fail because it is wet or muddy, its when you don't clean it after that it weakens it.

[DTB]

I've never known strap to fail because it is wet or muddy, its when you don't clean it after that it weakens it.

proper care of your strap is VITAL to its longevity! You could use something like mild detergent to clean it (like Woolite). Just avoid any harsh detergents such as dish soap! I would just use clean water and hang the strap to dry. Also make sure you keep it out of UV as it will damage the strap

[Caboose]

so no go on chain as a recovery strap, but its great to have as an anchor point correct?  like a choker chain to attach to stumps or bushes?