When it comes to the 4WD recovery rules everyone should live by, having access to the right equipment onboard is rule number one. The right recovery supplies can make self-rescue as simple and straightforward as it should be, as well as give you the confidence to take on any terrain and really relish every moment.
Our range of winches are often the first port of call for 4×4 and pickup truck owners looking to stock up on self-recovery gear. But, every winch is only as good as its accessories! Join us as we go beyond the winch bumper to reveal the top winch accessories you have to have…
1. Recovery kit
A must-have for beginners, the recovery kit provides all the essentials for safe winching. From recovery gloves and tie-down straps to handy carry bags to keep those supplies contained, our recovery kits offer a real lifeline when travelling off-road.
2. Soft shackles
As a rated link between your recovery equipment, a soft shackle is a fantastic alternative to the standard D-ring. Despite their name and appearance, soft shackles are extremely durable. They’re also cheap, quick and easy to use, and simple to transport as Trail 4Runner explains:
“Soft shackles are much lighter than their D-ring counterparts. This means you could throw a couple in the back of your 4Runner and never know they were there. They are just as easy, if not easier, to use than D-rings, and are usually quicker to set up. They’re generally priced higher than standard D-rings, but they have different sizes and load strengths available.”
Safety-wise, soft shackles also come out on top. They float too, making them particularly handy for recoveries that require buoyancy, such as if your 4×4 or pickup becomes stuck in water or deep mud.
3. Recovery points
You’ll need something to hook that winch rope or cable onto, and despite appearances, the tow/transport hooks or tie-down points already available on many new and older 4×4 models won’t be up to task.
Using OE tie-down points can actually be dangerous. They’re after all not designed, developed or tested to haul any sort of additional load, a fact that makes them pretty useless in the event of a snatch strap or winch recovery. Rated recovery points on the other hand are specially designed and approved to handle certain loads.
Whether fitted at the front or rear of your vehicle, or at both ends, our rated recovery points ensure the easy attachment of vital recovery gear and the means to winch or snatch-strap your vehicle to safety.
4. Recovery rings
Recovery rings are heavy-duty, small and lightweight alternatives to the classic snatch block. These handy winch accessories enable you to undertake a safe and controlled recovery whatever the conditions, with our top-rated Saber Recovery Rings now the standard for remote rescues and overland travel.
It is however important to note that Saber Recovery Rings should only be used with soft shackles and synthetic winch ropes.
5. Tree trunk protectors
Reducing environmental damage when overlanding is a priority for many off-roaders. In addition to minimising trail impact, taking the necessary precautions to protect your natural surroundings during recovery is crucial. That’s where our Tree Trunk Protectors come in.
Our Tree Trunk Protectors are built to last, and provide premium protection against wear and abrasion to facilitate safe recoveries for military, mining, industrial, nautical, rescue, agriculture and domestic users.
Shop the best and highest quality winch accessories on the market, including the must-haves detailed above, right here at 4×4 Works.
