Jeep owners never stop exploring the possibilities of their vehicles and with that comes the need for recovery gear. Adventures can lead to some great opportunities, but they can also lead to a day spent stuck in the mud or rocks. No matter where you go, having recovery gear is a necessity.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to recovery gear. Rather, it depends on how much off roading you plan to do, your budget, and level of expertise. Though recovery gear is not going to save you, using the right recovery gear in a pinch will give you the ability to get your Jeep back on the road or just past that obstacle as quickly as possible.
Using this gear is not only beneficial to yourself but also to others, whether it be in a group wheeling session and you need to help your buddy, to help the painters out of a muddy situation (See video for reference), or any for other reason.
Jeep enthusiasts often wheel in a group because it is more effective and safer than wheeling alone. When wheeling in a group, you are able to communicate and help each other, which is key when handling tricky obstacles or dangerous terrain. Proper recovery gear use can result in less risk if something goes wrong while you are wheeling. By following the proper guidelines specific to the gear you decided on, you can ensure that everyone in the group is safe and that your recovery is swift and effective.
Here we have compiled a list of what we think is some of the best recovery gear that we use on our Jeeps:
- D Ring Shackles
- Strong recovery points to attach D Rings
- Snatch strap
- Snatch block
- Hi-Lift Jack
- Winch
There seems to be an endless supply of recovery gear options and with all the options available, it can be hard to decide what to get. We personally use Warn winches and Factor 55 recovery gear because of their quality and dependability over the years, but be sure to do your research to decide what will work best for you.
The biggest requirements for all of this recovery gear to work safely are good recovery points and mounts. Whether it is a steel bumper with D ring mounts to attach a snatch strap, or one to mount a winch, these are the most critical components. We prefer a bumper with D ring mounts as they provide a closed loop recovery point.
Features of a bumper with D ring mounts:
- Stronger
- Safer - secure link - no chance of strap ends escaping
- Less stress on recovery strap fibers
- Larger opening accept both ends of recovery strap
- No sharp edges to cut recovery straps
- Safety First: Make sure to follow all safety protocols when using a winch - this includes wearing adequate safety gear and having a spotter on hand to help with the process.
- Prepare Your Vehicle: Before using the winch, check to make sure the vehicle is properly anchored to the ground and that there is adequate tension between the vehicle and the winch line.
- Pull Slow and Steady: Instead of rapidly pulling with the winch, go slow and steady to prevent your vehicle from bouncing or shaking too much. This will help preserve the vehicle’s structural integrity.
- Have a Plan B: Always have a plan B in case something goes wrong with the winch recovery process. This can include backup recovery techniques like jack stands, tow straps, or manual labor.
