Basic Recovery Techniques

Basic Recovery Techniques

TL;DR: Vehicle recovery is about safety, patience and using rated equipment correctly. This page covers common beginner recovery methods with step-by-step guidance and simple diagrams.

Safety first

• Stop and assess: never rush into a recovery.
• Keep all bystanders well clear of recovery lines.
• Use only rated recovery points — never a tow-ball.
• Always use dampeners (blanket, jacket, recovery dampener) on any tensioned line.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling cables or shackles.

1. Traction recovery (simple)

1. Stop spinning wheels — excessive spin digs deeper.
2. Clear obstacles from in front of tyres (mud, sand, rocks).
3. Place traction boards, branches or stones for grip.
4. Deflate tyres slightly (down to 16–20 psi in sand, 22–26 psi in mud, depending on load).
5. Gently apply throttle in low-range second gear until traction returns.

File:Traction boards recovery.svg

Basic traction recovery: boards + lowered pressures.

2. Snatch strap recovery (kinetic pull)

1. Confirm both vehicles have rated recovery points.
2. Lay out strap straight, no knots or twists.
3. Attach with rated shackles or soft shackles.
4. Place dampener over the centre of the strap.
5. Towing vehicle moves off gently until strap tightens, then increases throttle smoothly to apply momentum.
6. Once recovered, stop both vehicles and inspect gear for damage.

3. Winch recovery (self or assisted)

1. Assess anchor points — tree, ground anchor, another vehicle.
2. Use tree-trunk protector around live anchor (never choke a tree).
3. Connect winch line with rated shackles; place dampener mid-line.
4. Winch slowly and steadily while guiding the vehicle.
5. Stop every few metres to check alignment and strain.
6. Rewind the cable evenly once complete.

4. When to stop

If the vehicle is severely bellied-out or mechanical damage is likely, dig out around wheels or call for assistance rather than forcing recovery. Patience prevents breakage.

5. Post-recovery inspection

• Check straps, shackles, and recovery points for deformation or fraying.
• Inspect tyres, underbody and driveline for damage.
• Reinflate tyres to road pressures before continuing.

Common mistakes

• Using an un-rated point or tow-ball (can kill).
• Standing in the line of tension.
• Jerking violently with too much speed.
• Leaving line dampeners off.
• Forgetting to re-check vehicle afterward.

Linked topics

• Beginners_guide_to_Overlanding
• Vehicle_Preps_Checklist_(Detailed)
• Techniques

Editor notes

Add regional recovery training providers or diagrams for complex multi-line winch setups as this page develops.