I'm going to start my recovery gear buildup by grabbing some tow straps, a small shovel (like half height, full blade), and possibly a come-a-long. I can't afford to buy all the equipment at once so I figure that since I won't go wheeling without someone else, tow straps are the most important. do yall disagree with this? i also already have a hi-lift. i hear these can be rigged to act as a come-a-long/winch, is this true? if so, how and what do i use as the straps (aka what kind of straps and what end connectors). on normal tow straps, is there a certain "grade" or "capacity" i should get? also, what is a good length to have? what should the connectors on the end be? hook? d-rings?

lots of questions so thanks for looking!

 

sounds like you have the right idea. recovery straps are good to have. 30 feet seems like alot but there have been times where its been just enough. bigger the better. make sure it DOES NOT HAVE HOOKS. you want Loops. then use the D-shackels as needed. yes the high-lift can be used as a come-a-long. i have not used it yet as so but i;ve heard you need cable or chain (something that doesnt strech) to be effective. a good 2-ton come along from harbor freight is always a good investment along wiht the hi-lift. make sure you have recovery points in both front and rear. the stock hook is fine for up front and i would strongly recommend that you invest in a Warn Hitch recovery point. mine has paid for itself a billion fold. shovel is another good thing to have, i have one on my roof rack all the time. a set of gloves are good to have too.

 

Yeah, gloves are a necessity. Good call on the Harbor Freight comealong, Tofer. I got the 2-Ton model there for less than $20 (Now I have a winch, so it's a moot point..maybe I'll sell it at the CO swap meet(http://www.tacotoy.com/COTTORA/flyer.jpg )
Harbor Freight also has recovery hardware; clevises, tow straps, chain, etc. About the hitch recovery point, I've always liked that idea, but I fail to see why I should spend $40 for a Warn Hitch Receiver Hook when I could just use the hitch receiver I have, take the ball off it, and put a shackle through it. Dunno if the hole's big enough though, but I'm gonna try it. Here's a link that has a brief but thorough section on what recovery gear to have... http://www.ttora.com/wiki/index.php/...mping_Supplies

 

i got 2 20', 30,000lb tow straps for $31 delivered off of ebay. loops on both ends. glad i had two after this weekend, so if you can find a good deal, stock up on atleast 2.

 

WARN recovery bag...has it all and keeps it together.

 

Here's what I carry:

1 - 2" x 30' recovery strap
1 - 3" x 30' recovery strap
2 - receiver mount attachment points (one hook, one shackle)
2 - hitch pins
4 - 3/4" d-shackle clevis
1 - HiLift
1- HiLift accessory kit (this is what you need to use as a winch)
20' - grade 70 transport chain with grab hooks
1 - chain binder to adjust length of chain
1- Shovel

I know you're saying "holy moly", but I have used EVERY LAST PIECE in certain situations, and could stand to carry more.

I disagree with the "bigger is better" statement about recovery straps. Anything bigger than 2" will not fit inside the reciever tube, which is a perfectly adequate recovery point (the hitch pin goes through the loop of the strap). Also, the bigger one will not stretch as much, transmitting more force (read - damage) to your truck. I only use the 3" when we are too far for one strap.

It is a good idea to have some "non stretch" items (like chain or sythetic winch rope) on hand to attach vehicles to fixed items - never between vehicles! All chain should have grab hooks (not open or foundry hooks).

EVERYTHING MUST be load rated with a Working Load Limit (WLL) at least 1.5x the weight of the truck (3T or 6000 lbs). If it's not stamped with a WLL, don't buy it.

 

I always thought that it was alright to use chain provided you were using constant steady pressure, not jerking...

 

Well, it might be, but you rarely have that level of control when using a truck to pull another one. It also limits your options, you can't use a "snatch" to pop the stuck truck out. For the cost, there's no reason not to use a recovery strap ...

 

Another thing no one has mentioned is knowledge and training on the proper use of the gear. Know what you're doing so you dont make things worse for your 4x4 or your personal safety.