Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Recovery gear - best hand-powered options? Recovery gear - best hand-powered options?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Apr 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Toronto
Posts: 23
Recovery gear - best hand-powered options?
I started looking at learning how to build a flip-flop winch in a jam:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFDGGht3CQU

I was wondering what you guys usually carry with you for emergencies in case you are alone and stuck. I've read everything from Hi-lift jacks to actual ratchet straps (yikes!) being used for vehicle recovery.

Since I don't plan on installing a powered winch, I wanted some real-world advice for what to pack in case a situation like this does arise. Safety first... last thing I want is a ratchet strap hook flying at me.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Apr 2018
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
What vehicle are you potentially pulling?

the most versatile is a Tirfor hand winch, not too heavy and can be stored in a plastic tote, can be used on all 4 sides of the vehicle and for lifting etc.

[url=http://www.tractel.com/ca/series.php?id_serie=47]TRACTEL
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Apr 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Toronto
Posts: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gipper View Post
What vehicle are you potentially pulling?

the most versatile is a Tirfor hand winch, not too heavy and can be stored in a plastic tote.

[url=http://www.tractel.com/ca/series.php?id_serie=47]TRACTEL
Probrably pulling a 4Runner or Xterra-sized SUV... 4-5000 lbs of vehicle weight.

I looked into the Tirfor - seems to price out at about $1000...

Is there a more economical option?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Apr 2018
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Those particular ones are expensive, there are much cheaper ones around, but you generally get what you pay for.

Manual Hand Winch (w/ Handle and Cable) | GoWesty

unless you start messing around with hi lift jacks and chains - which are incredibly slow and annoying a hand winch is the most versatile option.
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 May 2018
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
Tirfors are lovely, bombproof, use however long a (specific type of) rope you are carrying, don't mind mud which alternative hand winch/hoists might but are slow and can be hard work. Can pull either end, up or sideways.

Hilifts are cheaper, lighter, simpler but you don't get much pull. You might want something like a Rescue 42 Jackmate to get more out of one.

An adjustable length chain would be good to have with both as well as a recovery rope.

You probably won't use either unless you are not paying attention or trying to get stuck?!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
I've bought the Australian bog-out system, that is just a like a bunch of ropes that you attach to your wheels (front or rear) and climbs around your wheel, allowing you to use engine power to pull you out.
Haven't used it yet.

https://www.bogout.com/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Amazing how effective a few digs with a shovel and letting a bit more air out of the tyres can be.

Been there done that with a full-size tirfor and it is slow hard work but it does do the job. make sure you have a few spare shear pins. Not sure how the weight to pull ratio compares with a decent fixed winch. I carry the small version to use in conjunction with the front mounted electric winch when there is a danger of tipping over sideways.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
If you buy a tirfor-like handwhich (same style but cheaper) at weights like 800kg then you have an affordable, small and lightweight handwinch. This will get you out of a lot of situations but not all. 1600kg version already a bit more expensive but is more gauranteed to have the power in a lot of situations. With our 2 ton 4x4 van, I would like to see the 3200kg version as the one that will always work (could even lift the car vertically), but I sold it again, way to big and bulky to move around and handle.

Now I got the bog-out system, which weighs maybe 1kg or something?
I also want to buy such an exhaust jack (inflatable bag) but I'm only doing that because of all the parts of the trip that have a lot of sand.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 May 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Toronto
Posts: 23
Thanks for all the replies guys. Unfortunately I couldn't get my hands on a Tirfor so I settled with the Hi-Lift and recovery kit with a 30' non-stretchy strap and 20' of chain to climb along.

Hopefully I won't get stuck - and I've got the cheap maxsa recovery boards, shovel, and tire deflators to try 1st line before I break out anything more dangerous.

That's the current plan at least.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetheworld View Post
I've bought the Australian bog-out system, that is just a like a bunch of ropes that you attach to your wheels (front or rear) and climbs around your wheel, allowing you to use engine power to pull you out.
Haven't used it yet.

https://www.bogout.com/
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetheworld View Post
If you buy a tirfor-like handwhich (same style but cheaper) at weights like 800kg then you have an affordable, small and lightweight handwinch. This will get you out of a lot of situations but not all. 1600kg version already a bit more expensive but is more gauranteed to have the power in a lot of situations. With our 2 ton 4x4 van, I would like to see the 3200kg version as the one that will always work (could even lift the car vertically), but I sold it again, way to big and bulky to move around and handle.

Now I got the bog-out system, which weighs maybe 1kg or something?
I also want to buy such an exhaust jack (inflatable bag) but I'm only doing that because of all the parts of the trip that have a lot of sand.

Wow that looks really slick! Will keep in mind for future trips. Anyone have experiences using them that can comment on their limitations?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
I can vouch for the exhaust jack effectiveness except for two things - finding a sturdy, snag-free spot underneath the vehicle that won't damage either the vehicle or the bag - and getting a bag with enough lift to do any good with a high vehicle. On a Suzuki it was magic and on a RangeRover it got me out of a horrendous bog but now I have a truck it isn't any use.

ANY method that requires a decent anchor point is not much use when there is no anchor point and all the magic tricks such as burying a spare wheel require a day's work to prepare the anchor. Any of the "smart" methods using the vehicle wheels require the anchor points to be in exactly the right place and in the real world, that rarely happens.

For the really intrepid there is always a couple of lengths of 2 x 4 hardwood and some rope or chain to tie it to the wheel.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
@Tony LEE, I agree with most of it. Although it is not that easy with all vehicles to just strap a piece of hardwood to the wheel.

Anchor point in exactly the right place is hard in reality. However: using it on the front wheels means you can point to an anchor point. And actually, the bigger bulkier bush whinch has an eye on the wheels to be able to make a corner towards your anchor point. But I don't like to carry that stuff and the long wheel nuts.

If I have to dig in the spare wheel for half a day of work, so be it, if that is the way to get out of a remote desert place then it is fine. But an exhaust jack is probably more useful then.

But airing down the tires is actually the first step, together with a relatively decent compressor so you can pump them up again.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Oct 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I would advise anyone on a vehicle based trip to familiarise themselves with the flip flop winch as a very handy thing to be able to master, I used one on a course recently and was very impressed, you do need a couple of trees to make it work!!
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Shipping options / contacts from Ulaanbaatar APONNELLE Repair Shops, North - Central Asia 0 19 Feb 2016 16:45
Round Africa with a Surfboard garnaro Ride Tales 185 9 Jun 2015 00:23
Camping gear and car gear for sale in Lima, Peru aureetantoine TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 1 May 2015 03:32
In Southern Argentina - lost all camping gear Aussie Rattlers Camping Equipment and all Clothing 3 21 Dec 2014 03:32
Possible gear damage xtcommuter Yamaha Tech 19 17 Nov 2013 18:01

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:43.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top