Starting to get recovery Gear...help/reccomendations please

[barlowrs]

OK, well I have now got a winch on my truck and I want to start getting good recovery gear to compliment it.

The winch is slightly undersized to what I would ideally like (8k for a new gen tacoma) however, I feel I can remedy any heavy pulls wth a double line pull, so I will eventually need a snatch block. Unfortunalty I am on a budget now as I just spent a lot of money on the truck..haha, so i want to get some basics now and slowly add more.

Here is what I am thinking:

At lease 2 shackles on my front bumper (looking at the black rat 4.7 ton)
1 tow strap (can be used to tow, tree saver, or also as a winch line extension correct?)


I think this will get me out of most situations, as I can do a single line pull and also tow with the strap or pull someone out.

I will then work on getting the snatch block and a LOT more stuff.

Does this sound like a good start to people? Also, I am looking at the ARB strap, however, I see Viking has ropes instead...what is the advantage/disadvatage of straps versus ropes?

 

[Blackeye]

IMHO, when it comes to recovery gear, for your rig or someone elses, you want the best. The best doesn't mean the most expensive, but quality counts. Based on your location, you might want to check out www.expeditionexchange.com. Beyond that, you might consider some additional training through www.overlandtraining.com.

 

[Antichrist]

You should distinguish between a tow strap and a dynamic recovery strap (snatch strap). There are several threads here about them.

When I bought my first winch in the 70's I got a snatch block, a tree saver and a couple of shackles. That let me handle 90% of problems. I'd do it that way again.

Another thing that will affect your choices are how you go off-roading, alone or with others. If others, how are they equipped? Do you feel the need to fill a gap.

Personally I'd put a dynamic strap low on the list, or at least lower than a snatch block. You don't want to use it as a tree saver or winch extension, and with a winch you can perform most (not all) recoveries that you can with a strap. A winch just takes longer.

 

[Mr. Leary]

A good thick pair of gloves.

That's about all I can see that you need for winching... short of the snatch block.

Other recovery gear that always helps and is not very expensive...

Choker chain.
Small shovel. Remove some of the "hard" out of the pull.
Wheel chocks. With very heavy pulls with no snatch block the winch will get hot. Your pulling power will decrease as heat gets built up. You may have to take a break one or more times on a long pull to let the winch cool down.

 

[barlowrs]

You should distinguish between a tow strap and a dynamic recovery strap (snatch strap). There are several threads here about them.

When I bought my first winch in the 70's I got a snatch block, a tree saver and a couple of shackles. That let me handle 90% of problems. I'd do it that way again.

Another thing that will affect your choices are how you go off-roading, alone or with others. If others, how are they equipped? Do you feel the need to fill a gap.

Personally I'd put a dynamic strap low on the list, or at least lower than a snatch block. You don't want to use it as a tree saver or winch extension, and with a winch you can perform most (not all) recoveries that you can with a strap. A winch just takes longer.

Yes a snatch strap is low on my list, I do not see myself using it too much. That is why I am thinking a static tow strap because I beleive I can use it as a tree saver as well as an extension.

 

[Token]

Inexpensive snatch block..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000...754868QQptZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Best deal I've found on the best sntach strap I've found..
http://www.trailduty.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=37

5/8 - 5 ton shackles (he used to have some 3/4 - 7.5 ton shackles, might ask)
http://www.trailduty.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_23&products_id=35

Don't use a snatch strap or tow strap for a tree strap.. The snatch strap stretches and the tow strap generally isn't rated high enough..
http://www.trailduty.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=39

AND.. NEVER EVER EVER NEVER EVER get a tow strap or snatch strap that has hooks on the end..

 

[mudbutt]

Here's some good info...

http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Accessories-winch.html

 

[Master-Pull]

As was said earlier it is very dangerous to mix a kinetic rope or snatch strap with a winch rope or cable. Since the snatch strap or KERR will stretch they will store tension, if you happen to break a winch rope it will cause everything to go flying.

I watched this happen last week, it was not something I would like to see ever again.

-Alex

 

[Scott Brady]

I contributed a pretty detailed article in the summer issue of Overland Journal on this subject. Might be worth borrowing or picking up.

Here is a good start to your kit (minimum recommended)
1. Two D-Shackles (three preferred)
2. 30' KERR or recovery strap with an MBS of 2-3 times GVWR
3. Pulley Block rated to twice the winch's capacity
4. Line Damper/Sail
5. Full-size D or T handled spade shovel
6. 10' Rigging/Tree Strap (no stretch)
7. HD leather palmed gloves

Suggested additions:
1. 20' Rigging Strap (can be used to extend a winching or kinetic operation)
2. 50-75' winch line extension
3. Pull-Pal
4. Second Pulley Block
5. Winch line repair kit

 

[barlowrs]

I contributed a pretty detailed article in the summer issue of Overland Journal on this subject. Might be worth borrowing or picking up.

Here is a good start to your kit (minimum recommended)
1. Two D-Shackles (three preferred)
2. 30' KERR or recovery strap with an MBS of 2-3 times GVWR
3. Pulley Block rated to twice the winch's capacity
4. Line Damper/Sail
5. Full-size D or T handled spade shovel
6. 10' Rigging/Tree Strap (no stretch)
7. HD leather palmed gloves

Suggested additions:
1. 20' Rigging Strap (can be used to extend a winching or kinetic operation)
2. 50-75' winch line extension
3. Pull-Pal
4. Second Pulley Block
5. Winch line repair kit

Hmm I will have to go pull it off my shelf..haha thanks .

I do not see myself needing a snatch strap for a while though, as most things will be static with the winch (I am assuming), so basically I was thinking most things in your basic list however, rather than a recovery strap (kenetic) I think an extension strap (static) would better suit me...such as http://www.amazon.com/ARB-Winch-Extension-Strap-9900lbs/dp/B0010E3MY6.


My question is wether or not the ARB strap can be used as a winch extension as well as a tree saver (if I have to wrap it around a tree) or do I also need to buy a tree saver now (I will get one eventually, but if this works, it is low on the list)? I beleive it can, or is that a bad idea....and what is better, a strap like ARB, or a rope line like Viking makes?

 

[barlowrs]

Here's some good info...

http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/Accessories-winch.html

Nice. thanks!