Originally Posted By: tawnoperThere is a difference between getting stuck and getting STUCK. The latter usually requires assistance or a good winch and something strong enough to anchor it to. One thing I always carried was a 12v compressor. I mainly hunt the desert, lots of sand. Amazing how much more traction you get (and a much better ride) when you air down. Once back to pavement air back up.
Agree 100%. Been carrying a compressor with me since I was as teenager. I have a pretty nice onboard air setup on my Jeep, dual ARB, hard mounted, plumbed to a tank and air chucks inside each door, on the rear bumper and under the hood. Decent CFM and duty cycle, I've used it to seat beads and run air tools in short bursts.
But any compressor is better than no compressor. An MV50 can be had for about $50, or less if you find a closeout sale (I bought a pile of them for $25 each). Had a pair hard mounted in the Jeep for awhile.
One of those clipped to the battery will get 'er done.
Originally Posted By: hm1996
I'd rather drive in 4x4 and not get stuck in the first place; lot easier to avoid getting stuck than to get out once stuck.
I usually agree with most of what AWS has to say, but I agree with this 100%. The ability to keep up momentum and NOT get stuck, is way better than being stuck in 4WD. Which, happens sometimes if you wait until you are already stuck before putting it in 4WD.
A spot like this.
Better hit it in 4 else you'll be needing a strap or a winch.
Rear winch is a neat option. I have had to winch from the rear with a Hi-Lift and logging chain a few times. It works, but it's a slow process and a lot of rigging. Being able to plug in an electric in the rear would be nice.
AWS mentions a system for ground anchoring and he is spot on. I like the Pull Pal. Here's a video of it in action on a coyote hunt over a dozen years ago. My Jeep sure was cute when it was little...
Link in case the video embed doesn't work.
That Pull Pal has saved my shanks on a number of occasions in the treeless desert.
In my truck, which doesn't have a winch, I keep some cut down T posts and a bundle of nylon rope in one of the Ram boxes at all times. And sometimes throw the Pull Pal in the bed too. I use the T posts and rope in the military extraction "picket fence" style, pounding them in a row and roping them top to bottom one to the next.
Originally Posted By: Plant.One
[*] a good pair of leather gloves![*] manual come along (~$50)[*] a heavy duty recovery strap (~$30)[*] a rug or other cable weight (minimize backlash if the come along cable lets go under stress)[*] a snatch block (power multiplier)[*] 2 or 3 shackles (~$20 for 2)[*] a tree saver strap (~$15)[*] a shovel[*] something other than your factory scissor jack (maybe a hi-lift, or even a bottle jack) [*] probably some traction mats - or some way to cut branches/etc to use like you would a traction mat (im thinking a larger hatchet, or reasonably sized limb saw).[*]spare set of dry clothing including footwear (sometimes getting unstuck is wet and messy!)[/list]
besides youtube ... if i wanted to really learn to do self recovery stuff, i would find a local off-road group and do a few sessions with them. im sure if you explain what you want to do and then work with them to intentionally get yourself "stuck" while out on the trail you can learn a lot quick. i cant imagine a group of die-hard offroad guys wouldn't want to help a newbie learn some basic tricks.
Some of the items on that list will be most useful if another vehicle shows up, not for getting yourself out. But, they are a good idea. I have on quite a few occasions been "saved" by someone else who happened along, only because I had the yank strap or logging chain and all the rigging gear to make it happen.
A couple of words about a couple of the items... On the come-along. Your odds for a good outcome will be greatly increased if you carry something better than a