Self-recovery equipment for stock or close-to-stock vehicles

[stioc]

I'm hoping to compile a list of recovery gear that'll be helpful for those of us that have stock or close-to-stock vehicles, i.e. no lockers, no fancy bumpers, no sliders, no winches...yep pretty much a stock truck. For example, one of the most recommended tools is the hi-lift but unless you have a place to lift from (heavy duty bumpers, sliders etc) your options are pretty limited (yes even with the lift-mate - the tire lifter-upper thingy) so probably no point lugging around a 50lbs anchor.

After lots of research here's what I've come up with so far:

1. A buddy with a nicely build rig- just to get this out of the way because I know people will say it. We all know it doesn't always work out with schedules, distance, interest etc.
2. MV50 type of air compressor so you can start out correctly by lowering the tire pressure right from the start
3. A shovel because digging will get you out in just about any situation, if the ground/ice is hard packed also bring a fubar type tool
4. Traction mats (Max Trax, Smittybuilt, tire chains etc), they're probably the next best option to a winch
5. Snatch strap + recovery points + D shackles, for when you have to swallow your pride and ask another rig to help pull you out
6. Good quality come-along like Wyeth-Scott or Maasdam + extra cable + tree strap + pulley blocks, when all the above options fail
7. Blocks of wood are always handy to have e.g. to throw under the stock jack for height or to provide a wider base

Anything else I haven't covered?

 

[gls_triton]

You could include an exhaust jack in your list as well, but maybe a bit over the top?

A drag chain would also be on my list, not so much for recovery, but to clear a tree or log over a track.

And the only other thing would be a complete understanding (and common sense) of what your choice of vehicle can do in its current form. Not what you have read it can do, but what you know and feel comfortable in doing.

 

[I Leak Oil]

Proper recovery points front and rear or not much of the above shackles, traps, or chain or other friends vehicles will do you much good. That goes for a stock vehicle or any "well built vehicle".

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Snatch block/tree saver/3' chains/w hooks/duct tape/bailing wire/tire plugs/valve stems and VS installer/fluids-/spare tire/assorted bayonet fuses/hidden spare key


:costumed-smiley-007:bike_rider: JIMBO

 

[Metcalf]

Jack, preferably a twin stage bottle jack that has enough stroke to start out small under the vehicle that might be sunk AND goes tall enough to get the tire off the ground. I'm not a big fan of hi-lift jacks, especially on new vehicles, since most vehicles don't have very good places to jack from. The hi-lift generally lifts the chassis THEN the tire, so things start to get pretty tippy pretty quick.

A screwdriver. I once had to spend two days digging out a jeep with a screwdriver. We had most of your normal shovel, axe, or strap gear. We where on a solo 'scouting' trip for a cub run. Coming down the trail the vehicle got high centered on a large rut. Basically the front axle, transfer case crossmember, and rear axle where all high centered at the same time. The vehicle was fairly low slung and you just couldn't get the shovel under the vehicle far enough to dig effectively. Laying on your back in the mud chipping mud, and sticks, and grass out from under the axles was ok for the 1st day....the 2nd day it got kinda old.

Sometimes you just have to make due with what you have...

 

[Master-Pull]

Here is what I would start with:

-Hi lift
-Sand channels
-Kinetic Recovery Rope
-Shovel

The hi lift is not to change tires (EVER!) it is a recovery device. If you are mired or stuck where the vehicle has sunk into the terrain you can use the hi lift to bring the vehicle up and then drive off the jack. It can also be used as a winch if you have some chains or winch extensions with you and a place to anchor it. The sand channels can be used anytime you don't have enough flotation to get through an obstacle, such as snow or sand. The rope will work great when you need to give someone a tug, or get pulled out. The kinetic stretch in the rope will help you recover someone who is stuck with less effort. The shovel is useful in nearly all situations. If you are lightly stuck in snow, sand, mud, or any soft surface you can use the shovel to dig out in front and behind the tires to make it easier to get moving again.

-Alex

 

[Bigfoot1963]

Never underestimate the need for a big hammer.... http://www.harborfreight.com/4-lb-engineers-hammer-with-hickory-handle-95129.html

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Heh Heh, I always use my HiLift for tires, especially when rotating, I have winchs and comealongs for "Pulling", the HiLift is an abomination to use as a "winch"

Ya just gotta be "SAFE" when using it!

For sand I have "X-Tracks" if I needem, but haven't so far-

Heh Heh, no I wasn't stuck, just took a moment to show the "X-tracks"

Driving in snow/sand--takes some practice-

:costumed-smiley-007:bike_rider: JIMBO

 

[stioc]

Appreciate the input guys! As I mentioned previously while everyone's quick to recommend a hi-lift for offroad use but on newer plastic clad SUVs there's really no place to use it- other than with the lift mate (which again doesn't work on most factory wheels).

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: I don't know about other vehicles--just jeeps and

Appreciate the input guys! As I mentioned previously while everyone's quick to recommend a hi-lift for offroad use but on newer plastic clad SUVs there's really no place to use it- other than with the lift mate (which again doesn't work on most factory wheels).

With the plastic bumper (covers), on the JK/JKUs, the frame is extended to the bumper bottom on front/back and the HiLift can be used at those points (4)--

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[Owyhee H]

Appreciate the input guys! As I mentioned previously while everyone's quick to recommend a hi-lift for offroad use but on newer plastic clad SUVs there's really no place to use it- other than with the lift mate (which again doesn't work on most factory wheels).

I agree that the hi-lift is just about useless on a modern stock vehicle. To use one properly you need front/rear aftermarket bumpers and or sliders, which are really heavy and $$. You can use other tools which will work much better than than the hi-lift and not weigh as much. I think the exhaust jack/good bottle jack and a high quality come-along/tirfor with good recovery points provides all the advantages of a hi-lift in a safer more convenient package. I carry a bottle jack and comealong with several straps when I am anticipating going into the bush. I havent used an exhaust jack but think that they provide a really good alternative in certain situations.

A shovel and some work has always turned out well for me (also giving me time to think about my driving choices). That squishy thing between my ears comes in handy occasionally as well.

 

[PV Hiker]

...... "(also giving me time to think about my driving choices). That squishy thing between my ears comes in handy occasionally as well....."

That is the first tool you use and hopefully is the best kept one! Train yourself how to use the other tools safely you have availible. The above list is looking good.

 

[FJR Colorado]

Jack, preferably a twin stage bottle jack that has enough stroke to start out small under the vehicle that might be sunk AND goes tall enough to get the tire off the ground. I'm not a big fan of hi-lift jacks, especially on new vehicles, since most vehicles don't have very good places to jack from. The hi-lift generally lifts the chassis THEN the tire, so things start to get pretty tippy pretty quick.

A screwdriver. I once had to spend two days digging out a jeep with a screwdriver. We had most of your normal shovel, axe, or strap gear. We where on a solo 'scouting' trip for a cub run. Coming down the trail the vehicle got high centered on a large rut. Basically the front axle, transfer case crossmember, and rear axle where all high centered at the same time. The vehicle was fairly low slung and you just couldn't get the shovel under the vehicle far enough to dig effectively. Laying on your back in the mud chipping mud, and sticks, and grass out from under the axles was ok for the 1st day....the 2nd day it got kinda old.

Sometimes you just have to make due with what you have...

Bottle jack is a definite must have.

Regarding the screwdriver digging... Instead get one of those small spaded garden shovels. They work great for this purpose.

When my FJC was bone stock I got high-centered on a big pile of snow. I had a regular sized shovel but ended up digging most of it by hand for the reasons you state; I just could not get in there effectively. Ever since, I carry that garden shovel around at all times. It can be a real life saver.

 

[BurbanAZ]

yea i have a short shovel that i bought a couple years back just from ace when i figured id need one when we were going camping. Its been great especially because its still a shovel (not small enough to be a spade) but short enough i can get it where i need it to dig out. I still like the hi lift even with a stock vehicle. I think with a jack mate even if you have to jack one corner up at a time just to put something under tires that can be invaluable. I have a medium size blacksmith hammer too that has been great for everything ive needed it for.

 

[FJR Colorado]

^Yup!

Other good things to have:
-Work gloves
-Battery jumper pack with built-in air compressor
-Jug of water and some basic snacks that will last a long time (i.e. almonds)
-Ratcheting come-along with 4 ton capacity
-Various snatch straps, tow strap, rigging gear, some heavy duty chain
-Shackle that fits into your 2" hitch receiver
-Full size shovel
-Square shovel (for snow)
-Tire chains
-Fire extinguisher
-Flashlight
-Basic tool kit
-Hose clamps
-Small bow saw that can accept either a wood cutting or hack saw blade
-One of those handles for a hack saw blade so you can cut in tight places if you need to
-Duct tape & selection of heavy duty tie wraps
-First aid kit
-Axe
-Fire starters
-Extra belt, fuses, oil, tranny fluid, a funnel
-2x spare tires
-Bottle jack and some pieces of wood or bricks
-Extra fleece and a hat
-One of those tyvek bunny suit thingies (you can buy at Home Depot)
-Gas can and siphoning device

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Better to have it and not need it.... Cheap insurance!

Rarely have I needed many of the above items but I sure feel like a hero when I help someone else out.