I've got a question.
What is (in your opinion) the minimal amount of required recovery gear for overland travel?
Assuming:
a) You are going to break the first rule of 4 wheeling and travel alone (in a single vehicle)
b) You are willing to turn around before getting stuck if possible
c) You are in decent physical shape and time is not a significant factor
d) Your truck has a front and rear recovery point
e) Not including recoveries in which the vehicle has been damaged (falling off a cliff, dragging a truck up a hill with both axles missing, etc.)
I figure that all you really NEED are the following:
sturdy shovel
high lift jack (with off road base or a piece of wood)
20 - 30 feet of 3/8 chain
Attachments to turn the high lift into a winch with the chain (
Hi-Lift Off-Road Kit (ORK) - Everything You Need to Winch, All in One Convenient Case! | Hi Lift Jack Company)
50 - 100 feet of winch cable or recovery strap (not snatch strap, something to extend the chain with)
tree saver and at least 1 shackle
And if you truck doesn't have rock sliders, the
high lift mate (or some other way to lift the vehicle with the hi-lift)
An axe and or saw would be a good idea as well
Basically the ability to dig out, lift and pull your vehicle. A snatch strap should be in every truck, but it is assumed another vehicle will not be around to pull you out.
Anyway thanks and good luck as a forum sponsor, your company looks darn cool.
I have to approach that question carefully. Of course it is always safer to travel in groups (3 is a very good number); if you are travelling alone you should always notify at least two separate people (as in not one married couple) as to where you will be and what time you expect to return.
Recovery gear:
I'm guessing that the area you travel in has an abundance of trees, so an anchor point should not be an issue. You have already mentioned the appropriate rigging to utilize the Hi-Lift as a winch (although I would recommend extra D-shackles). You will need wheel chocks of some sort to allow you to re-rig when needed while winching, although these can be improvised most of the time.
I would recommend the Hi-Lift wheel lifter as well, especially since you have not indicated that you have sliders. They are handy to allow lifting of the tires to place rocks or traction aiding materials underneath.
Bill Burke would recommend a few short rolls of tough carpet to assist in traction under the wheels. Its always easier to drive out, and winching with a Hi-Lift, while possible, is dangerous and not much fun.
I would recommend an additional chocker chain as well, as it can com in very handy as a safety line or stabilizing line when doing complicated recoveries.
I would recommend a snatch block. There are several options (I like ARB the best), you can even find a cheap one at Tractor Supply. At least 10k lbs rated. This can give you additional winching power or can allow you to do a multi-directional pull without having to completely re-rig.
At least one pair of good leather palmed gloves. This is the most commonly overlooked item. I would recommend several, and a couple pairs of mechanic's gloves. If someone stops to help, they may not have this or any other equipment.
I am assuming that you are in a temperate forest. There will be some changes to this
most basic of kits based on terrain.
Of course there are litterally hundred of other recovery tools, but if you equip yourself with the basics, you should be in good shape assuming you don't have a lapse in judgement. :sobbing:
Recovery gear is a good start, but you have to realize that there will be things that you may end up having to deal with that you did not expect, so I will add these things to the list.
1) Communication: At least a well tuned CB. HAM is better and know the repeater frequencies in the area you are traveling in.
2) Comprehensive first aid kit. Keep it somewhere easy to reach.
3) Extra water and rations.
4) Bug out bag. Especially when traveling alone, you are your own lifeline. If you have to ditch the truck fast for whatever reason, you need to have a pack that you can grab that has the essentials for survival in the area you are traveling in. If you have to walk, you will have a much better time of it with a few simple items.
Make sure that you are able to stay where you might get stuck for a few days. "Stuff" happens, as they say. Remember that the whole reason why you got stuck was because something went wrong.
Remember to stay patient. DO NOT get in a rush. Practice makes better. Go try this setup a couple times so that when you need it, you are good at it.
Hope this helps... see you on the trails,
Leary
. I was not happy when I found out what it was and how easy of a fix it is.
