What recovery gear should be required?

[venturer]

Share what you think should be required for recovery gear or trail gear. I'll compile the list:

Full Size Spare Tire
Recovery point (front & rear)

[Bradzuzu]

I thought I started a post with info one moment lol

Day trip or overnight er
Well for a day trip of off roa.... Just to go up to let my kids play in the snow I grabbed my shovel... Reluctantly I left my bag of tow straps and stuff... For a day trip that is expected to challenge your vehicle,
Tow gear a must!!! Even if it's just a rope, strap or cable/chain... Better to be prepared !!! There's other people that might endup stuck and not have anything... Or in my case stuck with a tow strap and no one was around lol... Rig finaly drove by and gave me a tug... Prime example of the nessesity of at least a come along....( not that I have had on) but a good idea !!! I try to take drinks with me and emergency tp supply..
always take mental notes of stores passed for potential emergency situations...!! I have a small first aid kit tucked under the seat ( accidents happen ) fire extinguisher (comes in handy in many situations) 2-1/2 lb or 5lb is a good size... The smaller ones don't last very long .... Before I forget my pack of strap gear contains a couple shackles/ D rings, two or three straps with eye loops in them... A couple tow hooks that you can find in wrecked semi's... Future to add would be a come along and block and tackle... I had a couple eye lets that pin into your hitch but the bag weighed so much I hated to grab it...

Things to try to have in your rig at all times - if it's modified like mine a few spare bolts and nuts is good to have... I threw in a few double ended wrench's... Lighter and less pieces that way... A knife and flashlight...
Air compressor ( have one that I need to mount under the hood) a hand towel rolled up comes in handy for the various environments we potential deal with... Knowing your vehicle (part failures etc. ) U joints, tire plug kit.... A can of starting fluid if used safely can reseat a tire popped off the bead... A jack ??? High lifts work, but a floor jack big or small is usually more stable... I have a full size floor jack that I always throw in the back of my ford for road trips, along with a plain jane tire iron cross... Bonas ....they fit various lugs...

A couple jugs/bottles or quarts of fluids (ATF,oil) always a good idea... If you plan on hitting really hard stuff they sell a metal mender putty that will stick to an oil pan in a pinch... Little round 1" tube that easily fits in the glove http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i469/bradblake/ddb76326.jpg

These can come in handy to use in other peoples rigs as well..

[KILRB]

Recommended safety and recovery equipment:

It is common courtesy to bring your own recovery equipment should you become stuck. However, I'm sure the great people of Gitout.com will not leave anyone stuck anywhere. If you use another member's piece of equipment to recover yourself and damage said equipment, YOU are responsible to repair/replace the damaged equipment. I suggest the following equipment:

First Aid Kit
Trash bags
Minimal Tools for vehicle repairs
Fire Extinguisher
Winch & accessories
Hi-Lift Jack & accessories (bumper hook/wheel hook)
20-30ft recovery (Not Tow) strap (PREFERABLE NO METAL HOOKS!)
Receiver shackle for rear recovery
Shovel
Axe
Chainsaw or Handsaw
Air compressor/hose/tire gauge
Spare Tire (full size)
Camera
Cell phone/charger
GPS
CB Radio or GMRS walkie talkie

This is some of the equipment that I bring on all runs!

[venturer]

Derek - That's a great list! I know for most of us the recovery gear an ever growing accumulation over time.

For newbies... Stuff you should have:

Basic Mechanic Tools
Working Jack
Full Size Spare Tire
Tow Strap
Recovery Points Front/Rear (most stock vehicles have this)

Most importantly, travel with other another rig! That's why this site is here. If you're planning a last minute trip, post up and get someone to come along. It's always safer to travel with another rig.

Keep the ideas coming!

[venturer]

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i469/bradblake/ddb76326.jpg

These can come in handy to use in other peoples rigs as well..

Brad, Those look like some ancient ship or war weapon! :eek::eek:

[KILRB]

Derek - That's a great list! I know for most of us the recovery gear an ever growing accumulation over time.

For newbies... Stuff you should have:

Basic Mechanic Tools
Working Jack
Full Size Spare Tire
Tow Strap
Recovery Points Front/Rear (most stock vehicles have this)

Most importantly, travel with other another rig! That's why this site is here. If you're planning a last minute trip, post up and get someone to come along. It's always safer to travel with another rig.

Keep the ideas coming!

Thanks Pete! Your right about that! As time goes on we slowly acquire more equipment! Not wheeling alone is a great point!

[chuffer]

One item that is critically important and costs nothing other than a little time: familiarity with your gear. Knowing how to operate as well as diagnose and repair any problems is very important. Two examples:

1. I have always used my handheld GPS as little more than a portable map and a source of coordinates. The other day when Jason gave me coordinates to navigate to, it took me a while to figure out how to program my GPS to do that. Reading the handbook and fiddling the GPS on a rainy afternoon is cheap preparedness.

2. Hi-Lift jacks. Everyone has got one, but how comfortable is everyone using them? How high can you lift your truck before the jack tips or slides? Can you lift and pivot your truck without killing yourself? Tried to use it as a come-along?

I am newb to wheeling, but this goes for any activity: gear is more or less useless if you can't use it properly.

[venturer]

That's an excellent point Chris. I find high lift jacks dangerous and I'm amazed at how many people own them but have no real jacking points. Great thoughts.

[KILRB]

I haven't had to us a high lift for a couple of years! I think a High Lift class this summer might be in order!!!!! What say you? Just might be a good exscuse to get together & burn some flesh on the barbi!!!!

[venturer]

I haven't had to us a high lift for a couple of years! I think a High Lift class this summer might be in order!!!!! What say you?

That's a great idea. Maybe combine that with the Warn Winch training.

Is there an high lift attachment for rock sliders? I couldn't find anything on the high lift website. :confused:

[KILRB]

So easy to get off topic!!!! Back to Recovery gear!!!!!!!

[KILRB]

That's a great idea. Maybe combine that with the Warn Winch training.

Is there an high lift attachment for rock sliders? I couldn't find anything on the high lift website. :confused:

That would be a great time to do it!! :) As far as a high lift attachment, not that I know of! I'll keep my eye out!

[dropzone]

That's a great idea. Maybe combine that with the Warn Winch training.

Is there an high lift attachment for rock sliders? I couldn't find anything on the high lift website. :confused:


That would be a great time to do it!! :) As far as a high lift attachment, not that I know of! I'll keep my eye out!

here is some of the basics I carry..
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/ocdropzone/misc%20truck/recoverygear.jpg
I have had my More Power Puller for over 20 years:)
Someday I will have a winch..
The post above mentioned a slider adapter. Wab-Fab (http://wabfab.org/Slider-Adapters.html) Makes a good one.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/ocdropzone/accessories/wabfabslideradapter.jpg
adapter slides right over the jack, bolt or pin it in:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/ocdropzone/accessories/fbeb8398.jpg
works pretty good IMO..

[venturer]

Yes! That's exactly what I was thinking of. I'll check it out. Thanks

[KILRB]

here is some of the basics I carry..
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/ocdropzone/misc%20truck/recoverygear.jpg
I have had my More Power Puller for over 20 years:)
Someday I will have a winch..
The post above mentioned a slider adapter. Wab-Fab (http://wabfab.org/Slider-Adapters.html) Makes a good one.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/ocdropzone/accessories/wabfabslideradapter.jpg
adapter slides right over the jack, bolt or pin it in:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/ocdropzone/accessories/fbeb8398.jpg
works pretty good IMO..

Those are great!!!! Where did you pick them up at (ha, ha "pick them up"). I meant buy them???? I have the wheel attachment & the bumper attachment, but I haven't seen those!!!!! Nice!!!!

[dropzone]

Those are great!!!! Where did you pick them up at (ha, ha "pick them up"). I meant buy them???? I have the wheel attachment & the bumper attachment, but I haven't seen those!!!!! Nice!!!!
Wab-Fab off road:
http://wabfab.org/Slider-Adapters.html
the guy is kind of crotchity and shipping takes a little while sometimes but I have been dealing with him for about 5 years. Overall a great product and good customer service IMO..

Thinking about this reminds me I need to come up with new mounts for my high lift...maybe the rear bumper..new monday project:D

[Bradzuzu]

Those would be easy to fab yourself to.. It's a good concept.. I like to use a small zip up bad for my tow/recovery gear, that way it's portable and easy to throw in.. I want to build a highlift mount along with a shovel mount on my rack... Shovels can come in really handy..No one has mentioned a snatch block either..

[Bradzuzu]

Brad, Those look like some ancient ship or war weapon! :eek::eek:

Lol they are big but not like huge lol.. I'm a construction guy remember ... When it comes to getting cats and trucks unstuck ya gots to have the beef lol

[Jimmeh]

I noticed one post said you need a tow strap. I hope you mean more of a snatch or recovery strap (though you PNWer's may call it a tow ;)). I wish I still had the picture of the back window of my old Dodge after having a tow strap (metal hooks on either end used for towing a car at slow speeds) come through it. I do carry a tow strap but please use a recovery or snatch strap for getting a vehicle unstuck. If you must use a tow strap, throw a coat/blanket/towel over it to help absorb some of the tension if it breaks.

Some things I carry:
Straps (read above)
Shovel
First Aid Kit
Gloves
Basic socket set (for a quick fix)
Tarp (not very fun having to lay under the rig on snow/mud)
Spare tire
Hand held radio (here's a picture of the one in my truck: CLICKY (http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr305/Dodge_the_Ranger_Jim/Picture059-2.jpg))
Cell phone
GPS
Booster pack
lots of spare batteries for electronics/chargers
food and water
And of course, if at the end of the day it's a camping trip: Adult Beverages ;)

[dropzone]

I noticed one post said you need a tow strap. I hope you mean more of a snatch or recovery strap (though you PNWer's may call it a tow ;)). I wish I still had the picture of the back window of my old Dodge after having a tow strap (metal hooks on either end used for towing a car at slow speeds) come through it. I do carry a tow strap but please use a recovery or snatch strap for getting a vehicle unstuck. If you must use a tow strap, throw a coat/blanket/towel over it to help absorb some of the tension if it breaks.


Most organized trail runs I have been on over the years will not allow a strap with the metal hooks on it just for the reason you mentioned..Same goes for chains.

A blanket is also a good idea when winching...

Not sure if this mentioned but recovery points front and rear are also a must

[Jordan]

HI, Was wondering what type of jack and brand I should use for the monty. I was at 4Wheel Parts store and saw type brands there. Hi-Lift, Hi-Lift X-treme, and SmittyBillt. Also, What size should I get? 36" , 42", 48", 54", or 60".

[Jordan]

Bug repellent, that should be a must too...

[Deadman Walking]

Great find, thanks for sharing.

[Jordan]

Traction Pads, what do you think of them and would they be considered a must in the northwest?http://china4x4accessories.com/product_show.asp?pid=311

[KILRB]

HI, Was wondering what type of jack and brand I should use for the monty. I was at 4Wheel Parts store and saw type brands there. Hi-Lift, Hi-Lift X-treme, and SmittyBillt. Also, What size should I get? 36" , 42", 48", 54", or 60".

Hi Jordan - I would say unless you are planning on lifting your Monty more than six inches the 36" or 42" High-lift would be best. FYI Aways keep your stock jack as well! Sometimes it's easier and faster to use it, depending on the situation. Sometime in the future, while on a group run, I would like to stop & do some practicing with the high-lifts!!! Good Luck!

[KILRB]

Traction Pads, what do you think of them and would they be considered a must in the northwest?

Traction pads! I would say if your planning on doing a fair amount of driving in the snow than yes! They are kind of cool! Have you priced tham?

[KILRB]

I'll think about saving for a set then. And for pricing i'm not too sure, I was just browsing at a couple stores and saw one by ARB which is a sand Mat but I have heard it works well on the snow. the ARB 4x4 Accessories 54X07 Bushranger Sand Tracks which run in the $200 range and Rampage 7702 GripTrack Traction Plate which is around $50, MAXTRAX traction Boards running about $300(Pricey but works very well in wet and mud), the PillowTrack ( which had bad reviews) those are just a few I have seen. Here is a cool site I found that gives you quite a bit of information, reviews, and links to where you can purchase the pads, tracks, mats, and pillows. ----> http://china4x4accessories.com/product_show.asp?pid=311

Cool... thanks for the site! I see your in Tacoma! Are you planning on making the drive to the Meet-n-Greet? I don't know if I would make the drive that far, but it would be great to have ya there!!

[Jordan]

Sadly no, I would of love to make it and meet some of you in person and see your rigs so I could start to get an idea of what I need. but I don't think I could make it. I get off at 5pm sometimes 6pm and it would take me At Least 2 hours to get down there without tragic. Then it's the drive back and getting home around 11 and I have work tomorrow at 6A.M. lol. Maybe next time. New members are popping up so often now that we will have to do another meet and greet. :) looking forward to it.

[joshyddog]

sweet info!! Was going to ask about the high lifts too!!!

[KILRB]

Sadly no, I would of love to make it and meet some of you in person and see your rigs so I could start to get an idea of what I need. but I don't think I could make it. I get off at 5pm sometimes 6pm and it would take me At Least 2 hours to get down there without tragic. Then it's the drive back and getting home around 11 and I have work tomorrow at 6A.M. lol. Maybe next time. New members are popping up so often now that we will have to do another meet and greet. :) looking forward to it.

It's all good! I don't blame you at all!!