Miolle Recovery Gear
Venturing off-road, out into the vast back country wilderness with some friends in multiple vehicles can be loads of fun, that is until one of you gets your vehicle stuck and can't continue forward, that's when you will be glad you came prepared with the appropriate recovery gear.
It doesn't take much to stop your off-road travels, soft sand, a muddy patch, or an up-hill climb on lose dirt. This is why it's a good idea to always have some recovery gear with you. In addition to tractions boards mentioned in the previous article, I carry Recovery Ropes. Tow Straps, and associated gear. This includes a Kinetic Recovery Rope, Static Tow Strap, Bridle Rope, Soft Shackles, and D-Ring Shackles.
Continuing Reading
It is very important that you understand the difference between a Kinetic Rope and a Tow Strap. A Kinetic Recovery Rope stores energy when stretched. That stretched rope wants to contract back to its normal length, when it does it will pull on the item it is attached to, in the case of a vehicle stuck in soft sand or mud.
You use this type of rope by slowly pulling forward until the rope is taunt. Then back up about five feet and proceed forward with a little speed. Not too much. You can attempt this multiple times until the stuck vehicle is unstuck.
In contrast, Tow Straps are static, meaning they do not stretch. They are primarily used for towing a vehicle for a longer distance. DO NOT confuse the two and jerk on a stuck vehicle with a Static Tow Strap. You are likely to damage something. Also, towing long distances with a kinetic rope can cause it to lose its elasticity.
Static ropes are to be used for static pulls only, if this will work in the particular situation then it is okay. And for towing a vehicle. Be sure to keep from jerking when using a static rope or strap.
To be clear, there are dynamic recovery ropes that stretch when pulled, and there are static ropes and straps that do not stretch when pulled.
Other Recovery Gear
Soft Shackles are quick and easy to use and must be placed around rounded edges. Placing a soft shackle around a sharp edge, such as some recovery points, can damage the soft shackle.
D Shackles are for connecting to recovery points with sharp edges. You now have a rounded edge to place a rope or soft shackle.
Bridle Ropes spread pulling forces across multiple tow points and, can help to keep the stuck or towed vehicle moving straight as opposed to pulling from one side only.
Shackle Hitch Receiver. This is an item you can benefit from if you do not have recovery points at the rear of your vehicle, but you do have a 2" trailer hitch. This item goes into the receiver and allows you to attach a d-ring shackle.
When purchasing a dynamic recovery rope, it should be purchased with the idea of recovering YOUR vehicle. A recovery ropes size should be matched to the weight of your vehicle.
ShredPowerSports.com has a good article on selecting the correct kinetic recovery rope for your vehicle. Their business is UTV's but the information will help you select a product for larger off road vehicles as well.
My Choice
After some research, my choice for recovery ropes is Miolee. I must admit I was attracted to them because they are manufactured in a bright red color which is the chosen accent color for Gold Rush. But that was certainly not the only reason. They look to be very well made, tested, and have many positive reviews on Youtube. They also look to be priced a little lower than many competing brands.
For my needs I chose:
Miolee Recovery Rope & Soft Shackles
30 foot by 7/8-inch dynamic Recovery Rope
It came with two Soft Shackles
30'x4" Miolee Tow Strap
This is a static tow strap made with a durable UV water-resistant Polyester Webbing, and an MBS of 45000 lbs.
The item came with two 3/4 screw pin D-Ring shackles.
1/2"x10' Miolle Bridle Rope
This is a static rope made of polyethylene with a W.L.L. of 9000 lbs. and a MBS of 27500 lbs. It can be used as a bridle, tow rope, or a winch extension.
Miolee offers a wide selection of recovery gear at miolee.com.
So, get yourself some quality Recovery Gear, find a buddy (with his own off-road vehicle) and get out on the trail exploring the great outdoors.
It doesn't take much to stop your off-road travels, soft sand, a muddy patch, or an up-hill climb on lose dirt. This is why it's a good idea to always have some recovery gear with you. In addition to tractions boards mentioned in the previous article, I carry Recovery Ropes. Tow Straps, and associated gear. This includes a Kinetic Recovery Rope, Static Tow Strap, Bridle Rope, Soft Shackles, and D-Ring Shackles.
Continuing Reading
It is very important that you understand the difference between a Kinetic Rope and a Tow Strap. A Kinetic Recovery Rope stores energy when stretched. That stretched rope wants to contract back to its normal length, when it does it will pull on the item it is attached to, in the case of a vehicle stuck in soft sand or mud.
You use this type of rope by slowly pulling forward until the rope is taunt. Then back up about five feet and proceed forward with a little speed. Not too much. You can attempt this multiple times until the stuck vehicle is unstuck.
In contrast, Tow Straps are static, meaning they do not stretch. They are primarily used for towing a vehicle for a longer distance. DO NOT confuse the two and jerk on a stuck vehicle with a Static Tow Strap. You are likely to damage something. Also, towing long distances with a kinetic rope can cause it to lose its elasticity.
Static ropes are to be used for static pulls only, if this will work in the particular situation then it is okay. And for towing a vehicle. Be sure to keep from jerking when using a static rope or strap.
To be clear, there are dynamic recovery ropes that stretch when pulled, and there are static ropes and straps that do not stretch when pulled.
Other Recovery Gear
Soft Shackles are quick and easy to use and must be placed around rounded edges. Placing a soft shackle around a sharp edge, such as some recovery points, can damage the soft shackle.
D Shackles are for connecting to recovery points with sharp edges. You now have a rounded edge to place a rope or soft shackle.
Bridle Ropes spread pulling forces across multiple tow points and, can help to keep the stuck or towed vehicle moving straight as opposed to pulling from one side only.
Shackle Hitch Receiver. This is an item you can benefit from if you do not have recovery points at the rear of your vehicle, but you do have a 2" trailer hitch. This item goes into the receiver and allows you to attach a d-ring shackle.
When purchasing a dynamic recovery rope, it should be purchased with the idea of recovering YOUR vehicle. A recovery ropes size should be matched to the weight of your vehicle.
ShredPowerSports.com has a good article on selecting the correct kinetic recovery rope for your vehicle. Their business is UTV's but the information will help you select a product for larger off road vehicles as well.
My Choice
After some research, my choice for recovery ropes is Miolee. I must admit I was attracted to them because they are manufactured in a bright red color which is the chosen accent color for Gold Rush. But that was certainly not the only reason. They look to be very well made, tested, and have many positive reviews on Youtube. They also look to be priced a little lower than many competing brands.
For my needs I chose:
Miolee Recovery Rope & Soft Shackles
30 foot by 7/8-inch dynamic Recovery Rope
It came with two Soft Shackles
30'x4" Miolee Tow Strap
This is a static tow strap made with a durable UV water-resistant Polyester Webbing, and an MBS of 45000 lbs.
The item came with two 3/4 screw pin D-Ring shackles.
1/2"x10' Miolle Bridle Rope
This is a static rope made of polyethylene with a W.L.L. of 9000 lbs. and a MBS of 27500 lbs. It can be used as a bridle, tow rope, or a winch extension.
Miolee offers a wide selection of recovery gear at miolee.com.
So, get yourself some quality Recovery Gear, find a buddy (with his own off-road vehicle) and get out on the trail exploring the great outdoors.
