FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Recovery kit

Hey guys I've written a similar request on the blue forum, maybe here I can get more immediate help. I am planning to install a winch with the DeMello bumper and...

"I was looking for a good "recovery kit". Basically it should consist of a couple of D-shackles, tree saver, tow strap, a pulley block, a bag, maybe a chain to anchor on rocks.

Any good deal around?"

bye, thank you
Alessio

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by manoweb on May 9, 2009 at 9:14am

Have you ever had the chance to use a fire extinguisher on a trail? I've seen my father trying to use BIG ones on cars and for this reason I think all reasonable size extinguishers that one could bring around can do little or nothing... If you don't have proper training then, don't even try... but maybe I am wrong and it is useful... what do you think?

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Permalink Reply by potatomutato on May 11, 2009 at 1:51am

i'd rather have the chance to put out a burgeoning fire than not have anything at all and letting the truck go up in flames and, potentially, an entire forest with it. we're talking nipping the fire in the bud. if something is already fully engulfed in flames, yeah, good luck with trying to put it out. that's why mounting a fire extinguisher within reach is important. timing is of the essence - so is your ability not to panic.

as for proper training, aim at the source of the flame for a better chance of extinguishing the fire.

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Permalink Reply by manoweb on May 9, 2009 at 1:32pm

Can you also explain the 2" vs 3" strap; is the 3" not elastic enough for the relatively small mass of the FJ?

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Permalink Reply by GRM on May 9, 2009 at 8:51pm

A snatch strap is like a big rubber band. The 3" is too stiff and does not extend enough for a sub 5,000lb truck. I found a well made 2" strap works far better.

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Permalink Reply by Romanski on May 11, 2009 at 8:41am

GRM said it best! The only thing I've noticed about the two inch <16K straps is no matter how good the quality is they will eventually wear out and break(broke 2 so far). This is not the case of the 3" ">16k lb straps. The 2" is definitely more effective on anything south of FJ Cruiser weight but the 3" will also do the job. I learned to carry two straps to be on the safe side. Don't forget to carry at least one good towel or at least be ready with a good heavy jacket! Straps with attachments don't fly as well as wire rope but they do fly.

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Permalink Reply by GRM on May 11, 2009 at 9:43am

If you want strength, and something very effective south of 5k lbs, try one of these: http://winchline.com/mcart/index.cgi?ID=177634932&PID=IT65&...

I retired mine, after around 15 years of use. Just remember, they rot from the inside out, so make sure to keep them clean, and store them in a separate bag.

I have never broken a quality 2" strap. But I have retired a few.

Its also a good idea to inspect your straps after every use, and if they are starting to fray, its time to retire them. If you don't trust your equipment (tow straps, winch, winch cable, etc) to the point that your putting a towel, or heavy blanket on it in case it breaks, then DONT USE IT!

Remember, if your strap looks like this:

its a tow strap, not a snatch (or recovery) strap. Its designed to lightly flat pull a vehicle off the road, and is NOT designed for off road use. Never use any strap with metal hooks, and try your best to have closed connections on all recovery points (looped recovery straps, and screw pin d-shackles)