If this winter is anything remotely resembling last year's, we're going to have a LOT of snow here in Colorado. Last year I was rolling around on nearly-bald TrXus MT's and a worn clutch. This year I've got a new Marlin clutch, lower-mile transmission, and I'll have new TrXus's by the time the snow flies, so this year I'd like to be able to pull people out if I need to.

I'm thinking that a very basic winter on-road recovery kit would have:

gloves
shovel
snatch strap (elastic with loops)

Should I get a receiver shackle hitch, or just a large pin for my receiver? Anything else I should definitely get that won't break the bank? And lastly, how do I attach a loop of the snatch strap onto a car without a hook?

 

At minimum:

-shovel
-recovery or snatch strap
-two rated D shackles (WLL of at least 5 tons)
-gloves
-non-clumping cat litter (traction aid)

If you're pulling out a car, check its owner's manual for pull points. I've recovered minivans and small cars by wrapping the strap around their rear axle or twist beam and then shackling it back on itself. Be careful not to crimp or pull out brake lines or emergency brake cables. I've pulled a couple cars out by attaching to the hook that some imports have just below the bumper, but that's only if they're stuck in a snowbank and not down in a ditch. Never join two straps together with a shackle unless you like the idea of a 50 mph, 3 pound piece of metal coming back through your windshield.

If you want a more complete "winter kit" list, more so than just a recovery kit, let me know...

 

One can certainly dream, right??

 

Full change of clothes
2 pairs of socks (1 heavy 1 light)
a good winter jacket
gloves
hat
good blanket
some kinda small snowshovel or shovel
cliffbars
water with some already drank so when it freezes it wont burst (or insulate really well)
cell phone charger, both 12v and emergency battery type
kitty litter
first aid kit
recovery strap
shackles
red flag for incase you get trapped and can signal for help
windshield deicer

There is more but thats the basics

 

good call, at the bare minimum...a good sleeping bag works well instead of a blanket since they roll up and store very nicely

 

Oh, I see. So you loop the loop and then shackle it together. That's what I was wondering. I'll add a couple of shackles to the list.

 

Yeah some kind of traction (Kitty litter) and aside from the red flag some flares and a flashlight. As you know it gets dark FAST! Also a list of some of us other c-rado members phone numbers in case you get stuck rescuing someone else. We can come help (and visa versa) We pulled out a lot of peeps in those blizzards last year so I can see why you are planning ahead!!!

Oh and that sleeping bag... VERY good idea!

 

If they don't have hooks, I won't pull them out.

Good Samaritan laws and all, someone's axle gives way and you could find yourself in a bad legal situation. (and I tell them that in almost those terms)

I can't believe how many vehicles I saw stuck and didn't have tow hooks.

 

So:

snatch strap
shackles (2 minimum?)
shovel
gloves
kitty litter
snowboots
CO Yota wheelers phone # list

I'm just looking to do a basic recovery kit, not a full blown survival deal. If I go outside of town I'd do one of those up, but I stay in town pretty much during the winter.