Recovery?

MoparManiac

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Amherst, NH
Hey I just had a few quick questions for some of you guys.

After having been stuck a few times and using what little equipment we had to get ourselves out, I've decided it would probably be time to get some proper gear.

What would be the best recovery gear you would bring with you? I know I could get a winch but that's expensive and I still have a stock front bumper. I'm talking more along the lines of nylon straps and a hi-lift jack for right now and maybe some chain. What brand nylon strap would work the best? I've seen ARB and Warn's on quadratec so I'll probably go with the 30' ARB. As for a hi-lift, should I go with a used one off of ebay? That's where my buddy got his. Thanks guys
 
Save your money and get a winch.

Hi-lift jacks are dangerous. Too dangerous to use for recovery operations.

As for straps. Get some el-cheapo straps from auto parts stores or tractor supply places.

I have 2 straps I got for $20 each at a tractor supply place. They are both 30 X 3 with a 30,000lb rating.

Just make sure you don't get the ones with metal hooks on the ends because they can end up as a missile hazard.
 
How where you getting stuck?

A Hilift is a worthy tool, more for lifting the vehicle v. pulling a vehicle. Although it CAN be used for a pulling extraction. Hi-Lift sells a kit with chains, shackles, etc. to use the jack as a 'winch'

Are you set up with front and rear tow points?
 
A 30' nylon strap is a must, make sure you have stout tow hooks. I used to bring a cable come-along before I had a winch, they're pretty cheap and can be a life-saver for getting you out of stucks that don't involve a steep hill. A Hi-Lift jack can also work as a come-along, just rotate the clamp on the end to hook into a strap. A shovel is also very useful, even a short one. Digging out around the stuck wheels and then tossing rocks, wood, or some other semi-solid debris can help your tires find traction. The jack is also handy for lifting a stuck tire out of a rut to toss rocks and wood under it.
 
Rev Den said:
Yea...straps are a must. Even more important are 2 things that you should have when wheeling....

A brain
A buddy

Use both and you will be OK.

Rev

Or if you get really stuck....two winches right Rev:gag: ?
 
aszaunmi said:
We men have two brains we should get stuck half as much as a woman.

Yeah, but the little brain is usually the one that gets you stuck in the first place.
 
I was in your position before. I would go with the HiLift, a Tree Saver Strap, some D-rings, and one of the Straps (described above). You probably have them already, but a Shovel and Ax. I got the Shovel and Ax and Lowe's, I think, for like $20. If you have a tow hitch in the back get one of the 2 inch D Ring adapters, but don't put it in unless you're wheeling. I don't know how many buddies have had their's Jacked off their rig...on the way to the ORV.

The Hilift has worked great the 2 or 3 times I have bent my wheel. It was much better after a full day on the trail then breaking out the dinky OEM one. If you haven't used one before try it out in your Driveway. I think there is still the Video floating around on the internet of the guy that wasn't paying attention...handle slipped and knocked him in the head (they say he died). Be very careful, when you try it out you will feel right away that it would NOT be a good thing to have it slip out of your hands and hit you.

The "Treesaver" and Drings have helped hook things up quicker or to make recovery of someone at an Odd angle Much Easier.

Hit the Tractor or Farm Supply Places first. I have a Belgian Malinois, so I'm at Tractor Supply every couple weeks buying dog food. They usually have the name brand and generics of everything listed so far. You could probably go with the generics, since they probably come from the same cast and charge for the name. Don't waste your money on the bracket to attach the HiLift to you the Bumper of you XJ (or TJ), I put one on and it took about 30 seconds to rip off the handle on the trail.
 
throw ur hilift in ur rear bumper, then when your bumper gets ripped off you can make a new one.

976298-R1-00-7_001.jpg
 
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