Recovery 101 — Safe, No-Drama Self-Recoveries
Traction boards • Straps & ropes • Rated points • PSI • Safety zones • Winch fundamentals • Step-by-step playbooks
Recovery basics (mindset first)
- Stop. Assess. Do not spin. Read terrain; choose least-force first.
- Clear the danger zone. Everyone out of line-of-fire; assign a spotter.
- Rated gear only. Chassis-mounted points, shackles/ropes with visible ratings.
- Communicate. Agree on hand signals and stop-words before any pull.
Prep checklist
- Pressure kit (gauge + compressor)
- Boards + shovel + gloves
- Static strap + two shackles
- Kinetic rope (if trained)
- Tree saver + dampener (winch)
New? Read Off-Roading 101 then Your First Day on the Trail.
STUCK: a 30-second assessment
| Step | What to check | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Situation | What trapped you (sand, mud, snow, belly/diff-hung)? | Pick the lowest-force remedy for that surface. |
| Traction | Tread packed? Tires floating or digging? | Dig to lugs; seat boards; lower PSI gradually. |
| Underbody | Frame/diffs grounded? High-centered? | Shovel ramps; relieve drag; consider a gentle lift. |
| Clearance | Approach/exit angle; obstacles ahead? | Re-line; clear obstacles; use a spotter. |
| Kit | Boards, strap, shackles, kinetic rope, winch? | Boards → Static → Kinetic → Winch. Escalate slowly. |
Sand deep-dive: Dune Dominator • Mud: Mud Bogging 101
Gear explained (what to use and when)
Traction boards
Safest, fastest for sand/snow/mud. Seat cleats into the lugs and feather throttle.
MAXTRAX MKII review →Static strap
Controlled, low-stretch pulls on firmer ground. Straight lines, slow tension.
Rhino USA strap review →Kinetic rope
Elastic stretch (~15–30%) adds momentum in sand/mud. Advanced. Wider perimeter.
Theory + practice: Kinetic Recovery, Debunked
Tree saver & dampener
Anchor protection + recoil mitigation for winching. Wrap low, keep angles tidy.
Rated shackles & points
Use only chassis-mounted points. Match WLL to vehicle mass and method.
PSI kit
Gauge + deflator + compressor. Air down for grip; air up before highway.
Tyre pressure science: Tyre Anatomy & Pressure Guide
Technique that actually works
- Air down smart. Increase footprint and compliance (see ranges below).
- Dig to the tire face. Clear in front of the drive tires; build ramps.
- Boards first. Seat cleats tight; smooth throttle; stop if slipping.
- Static pull. Straight line, steady tension; agree on stop signal.
- Kinetic (if trained). Clear perimeter; match rope to mass; smooth run-up.
Common errors
- Wheelspin on boards (melts cleats, digs holes)
- Using tow balls or unrated points
- Standing inside the pull arc
- Driving highway speeds while aired down
Boards deep-dive: Traction Boards — Beyond Recovery (ebook)
Airing-down & PSI (quick ranges)
| Surface | Typical PSI* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | 12–18 PSI | Go lower for soft dunes; slow speeds; gentle steering. |
| Snow | 15–22 PSI | Lower as needed; avoid spinning on ice. |
| Mud | 15–22 PSI | Keep tread clear; steady throttle. |
| Rocky/Trail | 18–26 PSI | Protect sidewalls; careful line choice. |
*Depends on vehicle weight, tire size, wheel width, and load. Reinflate before highway speeds. See OGG Tyre Pressure Calculator and Traction basics.
Winch 101 (single vs. double line)
Single-line pull
- Fast setup to a suitable anchor (tree saver + shackle).
- Keep layers low on drum for power; straight line when possible.
- Use a dampener; spotter outside the danger zone.
Double-line (snatch block)
- Doubles pulling power, halves line speed — great for deep bogs.
- Mind angles and WLL; inspect rigging at each reset.
- Repack drum if it stacks too high.
Safety zones & hand signals
Perimeter (minimums)
- Static pull: 1.5× strap length clear on both sides.
- Kinetic pull: 2× rope length clear; nobody in arc.
- Winching: Dampener on line; bystanders behind A-pillars or well clear.
Hand signals (simple)
- ✔️ Ready: Thumb up, eye contact.
- ⛔ Stop: Both hands up, palms out.
- ⬅️➡️ Steer: Point then small circular hand motion.
Step-by-step playbooks
Sand
- Air down to 12–18 PSI.
- Dig ramps; seat boards to lugs.
- Smooth throttle onto firm surface; recover boards.
Snow
- Lower PSI; avoid spinning.
- Boards + gentle inputs.
- Re-assess line; rebuild if needed.
Mud
- Clear tire face; place boards.
- Keep wheel speed low to avoid polishing.
- Static pull to reposition if required.
Go deeper: Beaches vs. Deserts • Reading Flooded Tracks
Field scenarios (how we actually solve it)
Beach entry, soft shoulders
Symptoms: Digging fronts, no momentum, tide rising.
Rutted climb, cross-axled
Symptoms: Diagonal tires unload, traction control flares.
Snowy ledge road
Symptoms: Packed snow, icy base, limited run-off.
Shallow river exit, slimy rocks
Symptoms: Spin on algae, bumper kisses waterline.
Quick references
Least-force path (decision flow)
- Lower PSI → dig → boards → test again.
- Static pull in a straight line (short, rated strap).
- Kinetic rope (trained team, wide perimeter).
- Winch (single-line; escalate to double-line if needed).
Hardware WLL quick-ref (typical)
| Hardware | Common WLL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft shackle (8–10mm) | ~10–12 t | Check tag and MBS/WLL; avoid sharp edges. |
| Bow shackle 3/4″ | ~4.75 t | Use with rated points only. |
| Tree saver (75–100mm) | ~8–12 t | Wrap low on trunk; protect bark. |
| Kinetic rope 7/8″ | ~12–14 t MBS | Select diameter to vehicle mass. |
Vehicle mass → shackle size (rule-of-thumb)
| GVW (loaded) | Shackle size | Rope/strap |
|---|---|---|
| < 2.5 t | 5/8″ (3.25 t WLL) | 2″ strap / 3/4″ kinetic |
| 2.5–3.5 t | 3/4″ (4.75 t WLL) | 3″ strap / 7/8″ kinetic |
| 3.5–4.5 t | 7/8″+ (6.5 t WLL) | 3–4″ strap / 1″ kinetic |
Always verify manufacturer ratings and local standards.
Recovery FAQ (scenarios, rules, and troubleshooting)
?Static strap vs. kinetic rope — when to use which?
- Ground is firm and traction can build gradually
- You can pull in a straight line with steady tension
- You are repositioning a few feet to new ground
- Vehicle is suctioned in mud or buried in soft sand
- You need gentle stored-energy assistance (smooth run-up)
- Perimeter is fully clear and points are rated
⛽How low can I air down without beadlocks?
Most rigs are happy at 12–18 PSI in sand and 15–22 PSI in snow/mud. Heavy rigs or narrow wheels may need higher PSI. Below ~12 PSI without beadlocks increases de-bead risk — keep speed walking-pace and avoid sharp turns.
⚠️Is a tow ball safe for recovery?
No. Tow balls can shear and become deadly projectiles. Use only rated recovery points (chassis-mounted) and rated shackles/ropes. Keep bystanders behind A-pillars or well outside the danger arc.
🧭When do I choose winching over pulls?
Choose winching when you need precise, controlled movement, anchors exist, and traction is insufficient even with boards/PSI. Start single-line; escalate to double-line with a snatch block if you need more force or finer control.
🧰We keep digging holes with boards — what are we doing wrong?
- Boards are not seated into the lugs — press them tight before moving
- Throttle is too aggressive — feather and pause if you slip
- PSI is still too high — drop 2–4 PSI and try again
- Underbody is hung — reduce drag by shoveling ramps
📣Best way to communicate during recovery?
Agree on simple hand signals and a loud, universal stop word. Keep chatter minimal: one spotter, one driver. GMRS or hand signals; never both at once for the same command.
🌊Recoveries in water or on ice — anything special?
Water: Use dampeners, protect electrics, expect slippery anchors; prefer static pulls or winch. Ice/snow: Lower PSI, chains if available, keep inputs gentle; avoid kinetic pulls near exposure.