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What basic recovery gear to have.
As it warms up we are all itching to get out there again. Just be sure to go prepared.
We get asked all the time what someone should carry for recovery gear when going off-roading. Well, that is going to depend upon where you are wheeling but there are a few "minimum" things that should pretty much always be in your kit. Let's start with those.
1. You Need A Good Shovel.
When wheeling in snow, mud, or sand, this is a must-have item. I don't think I really need to explain.
2. You need a good snatch strap.
First, No hooks! If it has hooks it is a tow-strap, not a snatch strap. The difference is for another time. Second, it should be rated at a minimum of 20,000lbs, IMHO. Mine are all 30,000lbs., and I like 30ft straps but 20ft is OK. Shorter than that will severely limit their usability again, IMHO.
2a. Kinetic Rope.
If you wheel in mud, snow, or sand, consider ALSO getting a kinetic rope. If you can only afford one or the other, get a snatch strap. There are simply times a 38% stretch of 30ft rope can cause issues. For more info on how kinetic ropes can make some recoveries much better, see my write-up called "super yanked". Of course, a couple properly rated D-ring or soft shackles are needed too.
3. A Quality Air-downTool.
Yeah, yeah...you can reduce air with the tip of a pen, in a pinch, but good equipment will make things easier and faster and that will make you more likely to air down properly.
4. Air.
if you air down (and you probably should) you need be able to air back up. This can be a compressor or a CO2 tank but have something of quality. Note: If you buy the cheapest compressor you can find, you will end up with a CHEAP compressor. Add in a good "low-pressure" air-gauge too.
5. A Spare Tire.
Just having a patch kit will not do. Flats when off-roading is all too commonly a sidewall tear and your kit won't do much for that. Not that having a patch kit is bad...I would consider one of those too. But the spare is just not optional for off-roading safely. It should be within 2" of the size of the other tires. Of course, throw in a jack and tire lug wrench in with the spare.
6. A Fire Extinguisher.
While not necessarily a vehicle recover item...if you do not have a fire extinguisher, you are wrong.
7. A Buddy.
For the most part...don't wheel alone. A wheeling firend is probably the most important safety item in this list.
Those are the absolute minimum items you should have for an off-roading trip, IMHO. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of what you should have. If I listed what I and most of my wheeling buddies carry, this list would be A LOT LONGER. Winch, Hi-lift Jack, snatch block, Tree Saver, winch extension, mechanics tools, recovery bumpers, first aid kit, ax/chainsaw (in wooded areas), some emergency rations....the list goes on and on.
Wheel Safe!!
Opinion by: Richard Hiltz
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