There’s never been a better time to explore the sheer diversity of the vast Australian landscape. From the rocky, mountainous gorges of the Kimberleys, or the tropical rainforests in the Far North, to the pristine coastal countryside in the southeast. There’s so much to see, hear, and indulge. Whether you decide to go it alone, with a couple of mates, or make this a family occasion, the possibilities are endless. However, being properly equipped for worst-case scenarios is essential to make the most out of your adventure.
Preparing for Your Next 4WD Adventure
Venturing off-road requires having a capable 4WD vehicle, detailed preparation regarding terrain and weather, and precaution as to the possible difficulties you’ll come across. And you’ll definitely have a few along the way. Going prepared is key, so remember to bring all the necessities to get you out of any unwanted situations.
Before starting out on your next adventure, do a detailed inspection of your vehicle to make sure everything is mechanically sound. Check for recovery tow points, the points in the chassis to which you’ll be strapping your 4WD recovery equipment, like recovery shackles and straps in case your vehicle gets bogged down.
4WDs usually have two recovery points, one at the front, and one at the rear. You can find compatible aftermarket recovery tow point kits, usually as left/right pairs with compatible bolts and fitment tools, for various 4WD models sold in Australia.
What Is 4WD Recovery Equipment?
The equipment used to get your 4WD up and running after being bogged down is called recovery equipment. Simpler situations require fewer pieces of reliable 4×4 recovery equipment like the recovery straps and shackles mentioned above. More complex situations call for heavy-duty items, like winches or high lift jacks. These all come with additional accessories to make the recovery of your vehicle safer, and more efficient.
Recovery Snatch Straps
These are the straps attached to the recovery points in the towing vehicle, and the vehicle being pulled is connected via bow-shaped recovery shackles or hitches. Snatch straps are made from durable webbing that stretches under the pull of the towing 4WD. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the strap ‘snatches’, transferring the collected kinetic energy back to the towed car. Recovery straps and shackles come in different pull capacities. Look for straps and shackles rated at least double your vehicle’s loaded weight.
A Winch
When recovery straps don’t provide enough bite, it’s time to use a winch. Winches are usually bolted to the front of your 4WD and are connected to the car battery. Your car might even come with a winch-compatible bull bar. Winches use either steel cable or the generally safer synthetic rope for pulling, which is connected to the towed vehicle with shackles. Many winches today can be wirelessly operated with a remote. And as with straps, look for pulling capacities roughly twice your vehicle’s weight.
Snatch Blocks
Additional accessories that maximise or even double the winches’ pulling power are snatch blocks. Used together with winch extension straps, vehicles can be pulled out at any angle. This is especially important if the vehicles involved are not in a straight line. If you get bogged in dense forest, a tree protection strap or ‘tree saver’ allows you to use trees as pulling points.
A High Lift Jack
If your 4WD is stuck between large rocks or tree stumps, you can use a high lift jack to lift the car chassis. Jacks come in varying sizes, usually 48 or 60-inch height, and varying lifting capacity. They are sold with compatible mounts and additional base plates that provide stability when lifting, spreading the weight over a larger surface. High lift jacks are also used to salvage stuck farm vehicles.
Recovery Tracks
Additional 4×4 recovery equipment pieces to consider for 4WD recovery are recovery tracks, which provide better tyre traction, ideal for sand, mud and snow. They come in different lengths. Some are bundled with leashes, so are easier to find when you’re bogged down low.
Bundled 4WD Recovery Kits
When exploring light dirt tracks, with little in the way of water or uneven ground, you’ll be fine with a basic off-road recovery kit. If you haven’t got a winch fitted to your 4WD, a basic recovery kit, bundled with a pair of bow shackles, a weight-rated snatch strap, and recovery gloves will be enough to get you out of most situations. Here you’ll need some help from a friend in another vehicle to pull you out. This recovery equipment is packaged in a heavy-duty storage bag, so as you don’t lose anything.
A fully stocked kit, ideal for when a winch is needed, can get you out of really tight situations. Besides shackles, a heavy-duty snatch strap and gloves, here you’ll also find a winch extension strap, a tree-trunk protector and a snatch block. All the items here are built to last and have higher weight compliance. If you’re venturing out in one vehicle fitted with a winch, this is the kit to have.
Safety Precautions During 4WD Recovery
Recovering your bogged 4WD can be both tiresome and extremely dangerous. Though you might be eager to get on with your journey, recovering your vehicle slowly, yet safely is always the better option. There have been reports of deaths and numerous injuries on such occasions. Cables and straps come under immense pressure, and if not properly used and maintained, can easily snap, flying in unpredictable directions, at tremendous speeds.
Also, take care when using high lift jacks. Be sure to secure the base plate, and use a slow, steady lifting action. And lastly, remember to take extra precautions when considering your vehicle’s loaded weight, and get the appropriate recovery gear. Saving a few dollars can sometimes be too costly.
Buying 4WD Recovery Equipment
You can buy recovery equipment for your 4WD at specialised stores. Here you’ll also find any additional items you might need for your adventures, like bull bars, bash plates, mounting racks and snorkels, all available for your particular make and model. Some stores even sell camping equipment, and additional spare parts, making them a one-stop shopping solution before you head out off-road. And if you’re true blue, many items sold are Australian-made.
Online shops offer a quicker shopping experience, delivering your order within 24 hours. So, before heading out to explore, consider what you need, and prepare accordingly. Have a happy and safe adventure.
