There are many types of off-road recovery equipment in the market and it can be confusing to know which one to get. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, all you really need is a good toolbox and some basic knowledge of the right tools for the job. But since there’s no training required, we’ll just skip to the list of Off-road Recovery Essentials.
Top Accessories for Off-road Recovery
Let’s face it when going off-road, you never know what you’re going to run into. Rocks, twisted metal, some guy that stands his ground by standing in the middle of the road with a big pickup truck… and sometimes gravity. So having a complete recovery kit may mean the difference between getting out of the mud on time or sitting there while everyone else gets to have fun.
Winch for Off-road
I’ve been a Jeep owner for nearly fifteen years. I’ve crashed them, had them towed, and led a few friends to needed parts in the middle of nowhere by locking up the front axle and spinning a few donuts. In my own experience with Jeep vehicles, I’ve often come to appreciate good equipment and successful recovery is always memorable—probably more so than a bad day out on the trail. That’s why it’s important to me that I have a clean, well-maintained off-road winch, cables, and tools for off-road recovery. With poor equipment and improper techniques, even a minor mishap can turn into a catastrophic experience.
Ground Anchor for Winch
A ground anchor for a winch is an excellent addition to your winch kit if your vehicle has a weak ground clearance or frequently drives on muddy off-road trails. I see ground anchors as yet another piece of equipment that makes my life easier. Why go through the effort of setting up a winch with a tree or cliffside anchor when you can place slings around a sturdy anchor point on the ground?
Kinetic Recovery Rope
The first item on your checklist should be recovery rope. Recovery rope are designed to stretch and absorb shock, making them perfect for pulling vehicles out of ditches or mud pits. A good recovery rope should be at least 20 feet long and have a minimum working load limit of 5,000 pounds.
While the best kinetic recovery rope is a helpful and simple way to get your truck or Jeep back on the road, there are a few things you need to look for. Make sure you buy 7/8 inch diameter synthetic fiber recovery rope. This type of material withstands outdoor conditions for long-term use.
Traction Boards
Good Traction Mats for Off-road Recovery are an essential item for anyone who is frequently involved in off-road adventures. Whether you use a Jeep, ATV, SUV, truck or any other vehicle for your trip into the wild, traction mats help improve the safety and comfort of vehicles at all times.
Portable Air Compressor for Off-road
When you go off-road, you must take some precautions to protect the parts of your car from getting damaged. One of the parts that you want to protect is the tires since these are very important for your safety and for making sure that you will be able to get to your destination with ease. That’s why you should make sure that you will have a portable air compressor for off-road tires.
CB Radio
If you’re a serious off-roader, then you should seriously consider getting your hands on some sort of the best CB radio for off-road. That’s because they can really help you out in emergency situations, where every second counts. Plus, you’ll also be able to facilitate communication with other drivers while on the trail—it’s a lot better than running with walkie-talkies. No matter your level of experience, an off-road CB radio will be a worthwhile investment.
Hi-lift Jack
Hi-lift jacks are very useful additions to your off-road equipment. You never know when you’re going to find yourself stuck on a rock, or need to get your truck up to a safe height. In an emergency situation, the best hi-lift jack can definitely come in handy.
Repair A Flat
When something goes wrong with your vehicle, you can have it towed to a mechanic or service station where they’ll likely charge you an arm and a leg for an inflated repair fee. Let’s be honest: we all know of someone who has been screwed over by a shady mechanic. Luckily, there’s another option; at least there is if you’re carrying a handy little life hack called Fix-A-Flat.
Shackles
Shackles are used to connect the recovery strap to the vehicle’s recovery points. They come in various sizes and shapes, so it’s essential to select the correct shackle for your vehicle. A D-ring shackle is the most common type of shackle used for off-road recovery.
The Final Note
As you can see, upgrading to some off-road recovery accessories is an easy way to enhance your safety and capability when driving off-road. Although many owners in this day and age are familiar with how their vehicles are capable of climbing a tree or traversing sandy dunes for fun, it’s always important to remember your limitations. That said, having the proper gear on hand when out on the trail will keep you prepared in the event that anything goes wrong.