Jeep Offroad Recovery Tips

Useful Jeep Offroad and Recovery Tips

Summer is here, and that means you’re probably ready to change out that hardtop, clear your weekend schedule and plan to hit the trail, right? Then that means you are going to need to prepare yourself for the ever-present possibility of a rollover, breaking down, or getting stuck in the mud! Here are some trail essentials you will need to stay safe and avoid injury:

1. Common sense.
Sounds ridiculous, but some of us simply lose our head when we are hit with the rich smells of dirt, open air and freedom… If you find yourself in a bad situation, rememember to stay safe (come prepared), check out the situation BEFORE you try that recovery technique you learned on YouTube, don’t make decisions in a hurry, and work calmly and patiently. You’ll be back up and running soon enough!

2. If you’ve rolled:
Take some time to check your fluid levels (radiator, brake master cylinder, power steering, and tranny and engine oil). BEFORE trying to start your engine, pull the spark plugs and spin the engine with the starter to evacuate any fluid to prevent hydrolocking the engine.

3. Using a recovery strap (snatch strap):
Recovery straps are great for pulling out a vehicle that has been stuck in a bog or ditch. They are a great alternative to chains, as they are weather resistant, lightweight, and easy to carry. The stretchability of the recovery strap paired with a winch attachment is a strong, safe way to go when your vehicle is stuck, especially because they help prevent further damage to your vehicle. DON’T think that a towing strap is a suitable substitute for a recovery strap. Towing straps are not as strong as recovery straps – it yours should break during a recovery, you could be seriously injured or killed. A recovery strap is flat with sewn loops and no hooks. They are nylon, not polypropylene or dacron or chain. As a general rule of thumb, each inch of width will allow you to pull out about 10,000 lbs. Typically, a 2″ or 3″ wide recovery strap will be suitable for an emergency recovery.

4. A Guide to Basic Winching Techniques
Warn has provided a great guide to basic winching techniques -
-Click here to download winching techniques-

5. Trail & Recovery Gear Tool-Kit – (Don’t leave home without one!)

Happy Offroading! Live Offroad carries everything you need to go off-road for CJ & Wrangler. We are happy to help with any question you may have on how to install a part, how to upgrade, or any other question you may have! Call us at Toll Free 1-866-349-1487, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm (EST).