ASR Offroad Kinetic Recovery Rope

OP Updated

 

Tree protector, yep gonna need one of those too.

 

1. SnowroxKT 20' or 30' 7/8"
2. ffirg 20' 7/8"
3. Large 20' 1"
4. Tacomacrazy (awaiting clarification)
5. Idaholandho ?
6. CO MTN Steve (if 16+ people)
7. MQQSE (if 16+ people)
8. DoorDing 20' x 1"
9. Pchop 20'x1"
10. VE7OSR one- 30'x1", one -20'x1/2"

 

Ding

If you used a snatch block with a pulley diameter of at least 4x the rope diameter, you would retain much of the rope's strength in the bight around the pulley. The pulley of course, being metal that does not stretch needs to be adequately rated for the force your truck is applying. Thinking here is snatch block located at the tow vehicle, two ends attached to the stuck vehicle. Yes, you would be shortening the distance, increasing the load capacity technically of the rope, but decreasing the amount of available stretch length by half as well for the same amount of force applied.

 

Randy and I were talking about adding snatch blocks to our kits on the drive home this morning. Thanks for that explanation.

 

only used the common snatch strap, but I can see the physics and the advantage of employing the stretch.

Ya, the 1" rope is for me in my truck, and of course it will get used/loaned on callouts. The 1/2" is for ATV/ snowmobile use, or pulling a light load (ie ATV) with the truck. If the load is lightweight, I don't want to use the heavy weight rope, as without sufficient load on it, it won't stretch. Use the 1/2" to give a small tug to smaller objects/ or rolling objects, and still take advantage of the dynamic effects of the stretch, and make the yank out smooth without imparting a sudden static force.

 

Since we're discussing it, I'm thinking 50' 1/2" for my ATV because the times (most likely) I'd use the recovery rope is when there isn't a tree within reach to winch off. Is there a reason I should go with a shorter recovery rope for the ATV?

 

answer is short and long rope both have their uses.

So what I hear you say is 50' would keep your buddy's ATV further away from the sticky stuff that you got your Ranger into, hopefully more likely to be on solid ground and better chance to get you out. Advantage to the long rope.

Short rope would be handy if the tow vehicle can get a better force vector ie if you need to pull both up and forward to release the stuck vehicle. If the tow vehicle is further away, the vector is shallow, and the pull direction may just be pulling you further into or against the object you are hung up on.

On the other hand, if you had a long rope, snatch block, and there are trees/rocks/anchor points around and you can use an anchored snatch block to redirect the force in the direction you need.

Ever see someone try to pull a vehicle out of ruts sideways? WTF, they are just pulling the vehicle against the side of the rut = anchor. Not going anywhere. Direction of pull needed is up, and that's not easy to achieve unless you have a redirect point.

If your tow rope is dragging over a hump in the ground, depending on how much contact angle there is, a bunch of your force will just be going into overcoming the friction of the load pressing into the ground. Not good. Short rope closer to stuck vehicle would be better then.

 

Here's a link to understand force vectors and angles. The techy stuff.

 

and here
https://dbs-sar.com/vfcg-users-manualv3.pdf

 

Gonna have to give this some thought. I understand all of what you're saying and it makes sense. We've been getting by with "salvaged" cargo straps and airdrop centerline straps so far. I'm leaning towards a 30' 1/2" with proper size shackle (2"?) now. Middle ground between long and short. Still carry the cargo strap and centerline for winching off trees that are farther than the winchline itself will reach. I'll think on it a bit more. Thanks for the advice and information.

 

You're the man! Thanks Rob!

 

Ah yes, I forgot there for a moment your working role. If you knew some.rock climbers that want to retire their climbing ropes, that would be a cheap, expendable alternative.

 

I never thought about it in this application, but it's the same math concepts we use to calculate cargo restraint on aircraft. Don't know why that didn't dawn on me sooner. Another "sometimers" episode I suppose.

 

I know, right?

 

So you are already well equipped Chief!

 

Back to the OP though, these ropes are versatile, less likely to damage either towed or recovery vehicle, with much greater chance of recovery success.
Short, and long ropes have their purposes, get em here, especially if you have no winch.

 

I'm still in for the winch line and a couple of 20' recovery ropes. Straps don't have the kinetic benefit.

EDIT: Referring to cargo straps.

 

EDIT: was referring to your well equipped brain, Chief. That's 85% of successful recovery right there.

 

Wow this thread blew up during my calc class!