When it comes to off-road recovery procedures, there are basically two rules to follow. First, everything has its limits – including the most rugged 4x4.   And second, it's our responsibility as 4x4 owners to have all the indispensable equipment (you're talking about $170 to $250 worth of chains, jack, tow straps, tree savers, D-rings, and snatch blocks) for the appropriate situation.

Tree Savers/Chokers: Tree Savers should be as long as possible, especially when anchoring the vehicle. The following chart shows how a winch cable with a safe working load of 8,000 pounds has its strength severely reduced through improper rigging. The bottom line is this: wide-angle setups (caused by using a tree saver that is too short for the job or a tree that is too big for the job) can dramatically reduce your working load capacity. That’s why 4x4 Connection stocks both 6' and 15' Tree Savers.

Tow Straps: Off-road Tow Straps are best used for vehicle-to-vehicle recovery. They purposely contain an 8% to 12% stretch factor to minimize shock to your vehicle frame and allow you to set your load gradually. The most common sizes are 2" and 3" widths. The 2" width can handle 20,000 lbs. of tension; the 3" width will handle 30,000 lbs.   Use only tow straps with sewn loop ends; don't use tow straps made with a pre-applied, open hook (the hook or strap can break and send the hook into outer space or your face). NOTE: Breaking a strap during a recovery operation will hurt if you're hit, but breaking a strap with a hook or a chain can kill you.

D-Rings/Clevises: Other than the vehicle mounted open tow hooks, all connections should be made with a D-Ring/Clevis that closes and locks.

Hi-Lift Jacks: A Hi-Lift Jack can also be used on the trail as a vice (with a 4 foot grasp) or as a hand winch in tight spots. When using the Hi-Lift Jack for winching, a chain gives you optimal performance because the stretch from a tow strap is a waste of energy each time you load and unload the jack.

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