Recovery Gear

[sam_d]

Keen as I am to get all the necessary bits and bobs for my car so as I don't have to rely on other people's goodwill should I get stuck in a mudhole on my first trip out I am looking into getting some recovery gear.

I've had a quick look on eBay and found such snatch recover kits as this one (http://http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Black-Rat-Snatch-Strap-Full-Recovery-Kit_W0QQitemZ190103124532QQihZ009QQcategoryZ30862Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) which include straps and shackles.

Would this be a good start for me and my Disco or would I be better off getting the individual parts seperately at higher ratings (ie 11 tonne strap, 4.75tonne bow shakles) from a 4WD store or elsewhere on eBay?

[Redback]

There isn't much differance in price between buying a kit or seperatley.

I bought mine seperately, and started with 1 snatch strap and 2 bow shackles.

I now have 1 snatch strap, 4 bow shackles, 1 winch extention strap, 1 snatch block, 2 tree trunk protectors.

I will get 1 snatch strap and an equilizer strap and maybe a drag chain and that's it for me.

You can get most of these from here in "Daves interesting things"

Snatch straps, equilizer straps, winch straps and tree trunk protectors at very reasonable prices.

Baz.

[Greylandy]

I would say at a minimum you need:

1 x Snatch Strap
2 x Bow Shackles
1 x Shovel
1 x Air Compressor (Not recovery gear as such but airing down is often the difference between making it and getting bogged. An air compressor on board will stop the hesitation to air down)

Obviously with the above you still need a second vehicle to pull you out so no self recovery here.

A comprehensive recovery kit will include:

1 x Snatch Strap
4 x Large Bow Shackles
1 x Long handled shovel
2 x Tree Protector (one used as a bridle)
1 x Winch Extension Strap
1 x Snatch Block
1 x Hand Winch
1 x 5m or 10m Drag Chain
1 x Blow-up Doll
1 x Riggers Gloves

For straps, shackles and hand winch .. get the highest rating you can afford. I have found recovery kits to either include useless stuff or they compromise the quality on certain items .. unless you buy a branded kit like ARB or Mean Green (Opposite Lock).

[sam_d]

But what would be the minimum rating I would need on the strap and the bow shackles to suit a Disco?

Obviously the higher the better but I don't want to go to far overboard :)

[Greylandy]

But what would be the minimum rating I would need on the strap and the bow shackles to suit a Disco?

Obviously the higher the better but I don't want to go to far overboard :)

I would say 5000lb on the strap .. smaller shackles are fine ... they are rated to lift so pulling out 4wd's is not an issue.

[crump]

I would say at a minimum you need:

1 x Snatch Strap
2 x Bow Shackles
1 x Shovel
1 x Air Compressor (Not recovery gear as such but airing down is often the difference between making it and getting bogged. An air compressor on board will stop the hesitation to air down)

Obviously with the above you still need a second vehicle to pull you out so no self recovery here.

A comprehensive recovery kit will include:

1 x Snatch Strap
4 x Large Bow Shackles
1 x Long handled shovel
2 x Tree Protector (one used as a bridle)
1 x Winch Extension Strap
1 x Snatch Block
1 x Hand Winch
1 x 5m or 10m Drag Chain
1 x Blow-up Doll
1 x Riggers Gloves

For straps, shackles and hand winch .. get the highest rating you can afford. I have found recovery kits to either include useless stuff or they compromise the quality on certain items .. unless you buy a branded kit like ARB or Mean Green (Opposite Lock).

Gee you must plan on being stuck for a long time!!!!:p

[crump]

I would say at a minimum you need:

1 x Snatch Strap
2 x Bow Shackles
1 x Shovel
1 x Air Compressor (Not recovery gear as such but airing down is often the difference between making it and getting bogged. An air compressor on board will stop the hesitation to air down)

Obviously with the above you still need a second vehicle to pull you out so no self recovery here.

A comprehensive recovery kit will include:

1 x Snatch Strap
4 x Large Bow Shackles
1 x Long handled shovel
2 x Tree Protector (one used as a bridle)
1 x Winch Extension Strap
1 x Snatch Block
1 x Hand Winch
1 x 5m or 10m Drag Chain
1 x Blow-up Doll
1 x Riggers Gloves

For straps, shackles and hand winch .. get the highest rating you can afford. I have found recovery kits to either include useless stuff or they compromise the quality on certain items .. unless you buy a branded kit like ARB or Mean Green (Opposite Lock).

you could purchase all that except the doll for around $700 from Opposite Lock including a bag to store it all in.

[Tusker]

There are extension straps & extension straps...

Don't bother with the fabric ones, those that look at first glance like a snatch strap. We've had 'em stretch & stretch.. hopeless if you're bogged. Even two rigged side by side, and they stretched.

Go for a plasma rope extenstion. $$y, but it'll last a lifetime. And it'll go through a snatch block, unlike a fabric one.

This is for winching. The only time I use a fabric one now is to extend a snatch strap, making the snatcher & snatchee further apart if necessary. Or maybe to extend the range of a tirfor. Save the wear & tear on the plasma jobbie.

Regards
Max P

[waynep]

Just as important as your recovery kit is the attachment points to your vehicle.
On a Disco you really need to install purpose built recovery points on the front. They are available form specialist LR places. On the rear you can get away with a tow bar reciever if you have one.
There are a few threads on this subject if you do a search.

If you're going out alone where you are likely to get stuck, I would highly recommend a tirfor type hand winch - as said before all the snatch straps in the world are no good if your are a solo vehicle. :( :D

[waynep]

Gee you must plan on being stuck for a long time!!!!:p

Well...that depends ...ahem :p

[LandyAndy]

Incsor(Dave) who runs this site was doing some great deals on straps etc.
Not sure that they appear in markets any more,you will need to go to his website.
TRY
http://www.aulro.com/adsrv/adclick.php?bannerid=11&zoneid=1&source=&dest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davesitshop.com%2F
Andrew

[Gav110]

I would say at a minimum you need:

1 x Snatch Strap
2 x Bow Shackles
1 x Shovel
1 x Air Compressor (Not recovery gear as such but airing down is often the difference between making it and getting bogged. An air compressor on board will stop the hesitation to air down)

Obviously with the above you still need a second vehicle to pull you out so no self recovery here.

A comprehensive recovery kit will include:

1 x Snatch Strap
4 x Large Bow Shackles
1 x Long handled shovel
2 x Tree Protector (one used as a bridle)
1 x Winch Extension Strap
1 x Snatch Block
1 x Hand Winch
1 x 5m or 10m Drag Chain
1 x Blow-up Doll
1 x Riggers Gloves

For straps, shackles and hand winch .. get the highest rating you can afford. I have found recovery kits to either include useless stuff or they compromise the quality on certain items .. unless you buy a branded kit like ARB or Mean Green (Opposite Lock).

Great list Henry. I'd add to that 1 x ground anchor - for those situations where there are no existing or suitable winching anchor points. Also very handy for anchoring your vehicle when winching someone /thing else. Found this out the hard way recently. I know some will say all you need are enough winch extension straps to reach the nearest tree, but there are some occasions when that is not a practical or safe option / limited terrain options.;)

Also, depending on how far you're straying from the nearest township and/or you have young kids with you, I would also recommend a few emergency rations (freeze dried from camping shops) and a couple of those silver heat blankets, plus a decent first aid kit. For mine, a hi-lift jack is also an invaluable piece of kit.

Gav

[sam_d]

Just as important as your recovery kit is the attachment points to your vehicle.
On a Disco you really need to install purpose built recovery points on the front. They are available form specialist LR places. On the rear you can get away with a tow bar reciever if you have one.
There are a few threads on this subject if you do a search.

If you're going out alone where you are likely to get stuck, I would highly recommend a tirfor type hand winch - as said before all the snatch straps in the world are no good if your are a solo vehicle. :( :D

I'm not planning on going anywhere solo just yet but I'd just like to get the right kit together before I go anywhere really - I don't want to be totally dependant on other people's kit should I need it.

My Disco has a bull bar on the front with what appears to be a recovery point underneath and I just need to get hold of a tow bar reciever for the back.

[Quiggers]

A couple of ramps are also very handy!

GQ

[waynep]

Oh Ok ...that's very considerate of you - the recoveree should always provide the gear. :D

If you talk to the bull bar manufacturers they will say that those points on the bar are not suitable for recovery. If you are going to use them ( I wouldn't ) suggest you equliase the load by using both of those points with a shackle on each and an equalising strap as a bare minimum.

[sam_d]

Oh Ok ...that's very considerate of you - the recoveree should always provide the gear. :D



I think it's only fair that :)

As for my Bullbar, it is a TJM one and has a loop underneath it on one side. I assumed that it was there for reasons of recovery since it certainly looks sturdy enough.

I'm going to the local LROC next week so hopefully there will be wnough people there to give my Disco a proper look over.

[mcrover]

I can tell you now that you are able to fill the back of a disco with just recovery gear.

First thing to do is to get a basic snatchy kit from Dave (inc) and then work out what sort of terrain you will be in most of the time e.g. you dont need a sand ancor while rock crawling.

As far as ancors go for that matter, if you get 2 tree protectors and 3 star pickets the rest you really have to be shown as it gets a little bit involved.
This works in clay, dirt and sand.

I should carry more recovery kit but then I rarely go out alone and between the mates I go with we have everything we need and my part is a comprehensive tool box that is not recovery as such but like the compressor and the blowup doll it is a nessesary item.

[cartm58]

the bull bar can look as sturdy as you like its what attaching the bull bar to the car that counts and frequently the bull bar simply is not strong enough to withstand the forces of recovery and they fail by coming off the body at their attachment points.

Check your bull bar is securely attached with high tensile strength bolts and that the bolts are attached to nice piece of metal meat someplace that is integral to the vehicle frame

[natanchris]

If its a TJM T15 bar like mine, it has steel sections with recovery points that bolt to the chassis rails, and the alloy bar bolts to the steel bits; but get someone experienced to give it a once over to be sure, to be sure!

[HangOver]

I’m surprised at people suggesting shackles as ESSENTIAL recovery gear.
Shackles with snatch straps are not essential and could be dangerous.

Get yourself recovery hooks fitted front and back. They will cost you about $20 each if you fit them yourself and it’s easy to do.

That aside I would say essential:
Recovery hooks
Snatch Strap
Shovel

Once you have a few extra spare bucks go for:
High lift jack about $90, tree protector, (for putting between your hooks) then any of the other really cool stuff you can fit in/on your landy.

You said you needed a " tow bar reciever for the back "
before you snatch recover from a tow bar, ( I would recommend you don't) make sure you check all the bolts are hight tensile, securly fitted and best to use plates either side of the bolt. I checked my tow bar and found they were mild steel !!

[Blknight.aus]

you all forgot the 2 most important things in recovery...

1. Something to drink and eat.
2. a brain...

heres how I was taught.

when stuck, STOP.. get out a drink, have a nibble while you LOOK at what the hold up is... Engage the brain at this point.

Think about what you are going to have to do to solve the problem.
Consider alternatives then act on the plan that is safest for all personel involved and easiest on the recovery equipment..

If that means you have to dig for 2 hours to get the correct recovery points accessable, thats what you do.

PErsonally my usual recovery kit consists of. (if playing seriously)

2 shovels
2 axes
1 mattock and pick
2 drag chians (8t drag 4t lift)
2 tirfors (2t and 5t)
1 75 ft tow rope with hooks (used only for towing once recovered)
1 snatch block (8t)
one snatch strap
2 strops (8t and 20t)
10 shackles of assorted sizes from 3.5t to 12t
2x high lift jacks
lots of base plate sized wood blocks
air compressor
exhaust bag jack
gloves
calculator
first aid kit
gum boots
spare socks

(about 1/2 of this is always on board regardless)

my extended klt also includes over 300m of tirfor compatable winch lines, chainsaws, track links from a bren gun, ground stakes,

I still dont have a power winch, and to be honest Havent missed it...

If you stop and think when your only just bogged 20 mins with a shovel/jack/light snatch usualy sorts it

of course all this goes out the window when the tides coming in and your down on the low mark its time for the yeeehah recovery technique..

lay out your snatch straps, all the ones you can get, promise anything to get them make 2 lines one to each recovery point on your vehicle or anything that resembles a recovery point.

have your knight in well heeled 4x4 hook up (let him or his spotter hook up to his vehicle) and go like buggery, get everyone behind pushing, rocking and lifting the bogged vehicle (not in front). when your stuck like this you have minutes in which to act, once the chassis touches your pretty much history if the body gets sucked on write it off. If theres wave action you might get lucky, keep a single long line on and under as much tension as you can, and go hard for as long as the engine is running. Shut it down if the head goes under.

[sschmez]

Are you holding out on us , DAVE ????

when did you get the HUMMER to carry all this crap


2 shovels
2 axes
1 mattock and pick
2 drag chians (8t drag 4t lift)
2 tirfors (2t and 5t)
1 75 ft tow rope with hooks (used only for towing once recovered)
1 snatch block (8t)
one snatch strap
2 strops (8t and 20t)
10 shackles of assorted sizes from 3.5t to 12t
2x high lift jacks
lots of base plate sized wood blocks
air compressor
exhaust bag jack
gloves
calculator
first aid kit
gum boots
spare socks

(about 1/2 of this is always on board regardless)

my extended klt also includes over 300m of tirfor compatable winch lines, chainsaws, track links from a bren gun, ground stakes,


or is this just on work trips ;)

[dmdigital]

All that and only one Snatch Block. I have two 8t and prefer if someone else has one as well. This can make the difference with winch recovery.

I agree about the Tirfors... much better option in the long run than an electric winch.

[Blknight.aus]

Yeah it all fits and even leaves either the bed or the back seats free enough to be usable, If the trailers coming about half of it goes in there.

The reason I only have one snatch block is normally I use it to change direction more than double the pull.

I also very rarely recover upwards or through the obstacle, doing so generally requires more effort and lets face it, Im lazy. But seriously when all the numbers are crunched I dont like to lay on more than about 3t for the calculated pull required. If I have to I'll anchor the vehicle, dig, lift road build anything to get that pull required number down...

The reasons simple, the more pull, the more risk. to yourself (esp if using the tirfor) the bystanders and your equipment.

I know most of the basic recovery formula from my armoured corps days and still have the recovery pam for references, for my slinging and rigging calcs I just use the dogmans formulas. Thats what the calculator is for (alright thats part of the GPS.)

[mcrover]

lose about half that recovery gear and you wouldnt get bogged in the first place.

Secondly the best piece of recovery equipment is your brain before you get stuck, Dont go where you know you will get stuck.

It is much better to drive an hour around something that will get you bogged than spend 2 hours trying to recover it.

If you want good quality recovery equipment http://www.nobles.com.au/ try these guys they do all rigging from 4wd recovery equipment to huge crane cable etc. and they are reasonably priced.

They are in most states and nth territory.

We deal directly with them for the golf club and I was down there today but I would suggest you contact Dave (inc) first and see what he has.

If your just going on easy trips you dont need too much stuff until you start playing with mud or sand and then take as much as you can carry.

Just remember the more stuff you have on board the further you will sink and the heavier it will be to jack or pull and dont forget to add the weight of your cargo to your caculations for you recovery gear ratings.

As far as winching forward goes, my electric winch is great for just that as if im going somewhere and it is harder to go back then forward is where I want to be and I would rather be in the vehical winching than standing next to a tirfor if something happened.

It is also better to have an electric winch over a hydraulic winch unless you also fit an electric hydraulic pump as you can still winch if the engine is not running comes in handy when you drop into a hole in a deep river crossing where the snorkle goes under and you have to shut down or if the engine dies for any manner of reasons.

Not that I have anything against tirfor winches, they have their place as well though I wouldnt put them in the first line of defence.
They can be used for winching sideways, backwards or forwards though they can be dangerous if used incorrectly as you are standing right next to the pull line.

As far as a rear recovery point, most snatch straps fit inside the reciever hole in the towbar and can be secured with the pin which is much more reliable than just putting it over the tow ball or an open hook.
Also it is cheaper than buying a closed hook that fits into the reciever as it costs $0.

A high lift is a great gadget but practice using it to know its limits, it is often better to lift and stack wood rocks or even dirt into the hole you are stuck in than to try winching but it is also dangerous if not done properly.
What ever you buy make sure you know how to use it properly so you dont do more damage recovering your vehical or someone elses than you need to.

As I said before a good snatchy and some rate bow shakles, some decent recovery points will do you as long as you are traveling with someone else.

[Blknight.aus]

Just remember the more stuff you have on board the further you will sink and the heavier it will be to jack or pull and dont forget to add the weight of your cargo to your caculations for you recovery gear ratings.




I always start out using the rated GVM (gcm if it has a trailer on) of the vehicle as opposed to its supposed weight for the calculations... I dont often go an play in mud, I usually wind up stuck in wooded areas or washouts...

Most of the time If ive got the recovery kit in its entirity on board (and im not out looking for tracks/offroading for the hell of it) its because I also have the trailer on and something that shouldnt normally run me out of tractive effort has the ability to do so. (the long ropes come along when I get the "dave, ummmm were out at XXX and weve gotten ummm a little bit stuck ummm would you mind coming out with your landy and......." phone call or I know were expecting a hard run) I also have access to a lot more stuff at work and will sign that stuff out If i think im going to need it.

The other main reason I recover backwards is I know I can manouver over the ground I just crossed (and if your hauling a trailer IMHO thats important), Ive seen the result of people trying to recover forwards and loosing the vehicle to the quagmire that is a flood plain.

once out its road building time or map consulting.

[Tusker]

Only calculations I do are.. what have I got that will reach the nearest tree or whatever.

Amount of gear depends on what you're doing. As a club trip leader or tuff trips, everything I've got goes in. Someone will need it. Normal trip, just basic straps & shackles live in the car. Desert touring with a club trip, it's straps, shackles & hilift. Touring solo, almost everything. I'd rather have the options.

What I've got includes a new, spare snatch strap too. Never had one break, but sooner or later..

Regards
Max P

[Greylandy]

you all forgot the 2 most important things in recovery...

1. Something to drink and eat.
2. a brain...

2 shovels
2 axes
1 mattock and pick
2 drag chians (8t drag 4t lift)
2 tirfors (2t and 5t)
1 75 ft tow rope with hooks (used only for towing once recovered)
1 snatch block (8t)
one snatch strap
2 strops (8t and 20t)
10 shackles of assorted sizes from 3.5t to 12t
2x high lift jacks
lots of base plate sized wood blocks
air compressor
exhaust bag jack
gloves
calculator
first aid kit
gum boots
spare socks


Good point Dave .. haste is the foundation for all f&@k ups!

Not so sure about your list ... not even the Camel Trophy guys carried that much gear!! :eek: I take it you don't drink .. cause there won't be much space for the larger in the back of your truck! ;)

[djam1]

I find this subject quite interesting as obviously different areas of this great nation need different things.
For 25 odd years I have lived in outback Australia with 6 years of driving tours in 4x4 up to 12 tonnes.
In this period of time I have only had the need of a powered winch once, my only comment is the fact that I have bent a number of diff housings because of the extra weight of carrying a winch over the front axle.
Hand winch with relevant straps and cables/chains along with a good hydraulic and high lift jacks with some psp and some shovels (and people to put on the end of them) seem to be the order of the day for a Land Rover sized vehicle. For anything larger a grader some chain and a tom pole will get you out of most situations.

[Blknight.aus]

Good point Dave .. haste is the foundation for all f&@k ups!

Not so sure about your list ... not even the Camel Trophy guys carried that much gear!! :eek: I take it you don't drink .. cause there won't be much space for the larger in the back of your truck! ;)

If im driving I aint drinkin...

nope they didnt but a lot of that stuff also gets used when im camping...

I also carry a comprehensive toolbox, no point in recovering a crock if you cant fix it...