Page 32 - Jeep Jamboree Ultimate Guide To Safe Common Sense Off-Roading

SAFETY SHOULD BE THE HIGHEST
STRAP RECOVERY PRIORITY IN RECOVERY SITUATIONS!

When you are stuck, self-recovery should always be your first option. Digging out, adding small rocks
or logs, or even using your own winch are your safest alternatives. Avoid bringing another vehicle in to
help until you have exhausted all self-recovery options. The first of these two options is using a recovery
strap or kinetic rope. Strapping is quick and simple but there are still many safety risks involved when
strapping a vehicle.

TOW (RECOVERY) STRAPS
In a low-energy recovery, a mobile vehicle pulls a bogged vehicle free with the use of a strap. Many
drivers gravitate to tow straps because they are cheap and convenient. Made of flat nylon webbing
with open loops, a tow strap may stretch up to 15%, allowing the strap to store kinetic energy that will
be used to free the bogged vehicle.

KINETIC RECOVERY ROPE
Kinetic recovery ropes are made of stretchy, high-tenacity nylon. These are based on the same concept
as the tow strap, but kinetic recovery ropes rely even more on elasticity to sling the bogged vehicle
free – like a rubber band. A kinetic recovery rope will stretch up to 30%, which is significantly more
than a recovery strap will stretch. The rope’s capacity to stretch is not only safer, but it is much easier
on both vehicles’ recovery points. While it does cost more, a kinetic recovery rope has proven to be
the safer and more effective option.

1. Line up the the mobile recovery 2. Attach the rope to 3. Place a dampener over 4. Pull forward until the slack is
the rope to protect
vehicle in as straight a line
gone, and try to slowly pull
each vehicle’s recovery
as possible with the bogged points with a D-ring. individuals in the event the bogged vehicle free.
vehicle. It should be positioned of a rope snapping.
to allow around 3 feet of slack in
the strap or rope.
SAFETY FIRST!
NEVER join two straps or ropes with a
shackle. If the shackle snaps, the kinetic
energy can cause a chunk of metal to be
hurled at you at the speed of a bullet.
NEVERsstep over a strap when it is
connected at both ends or you could get
your leg caught.
DO NOT subject recovery points to side
5. If recovery fails, repeat the process, but give the recovery loads.

rope slightly more slack to create more of a whip. The
mobile vehicle can also slightly increase its speed. DO NOT attach a strap to a ball or
bumper tow hitch.
DO NOT use a strap for a vehicle
completely bogged in mud.

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