Recovery Gear / Expo Gear

Building and equiping my 07 DCSB Sport for Rausch Creek in the spring. Already have winch , tow strap, shovel and chainsaw / axe. Looking to see what I need further for recovery gear and equipment for moderately technical trails at Rausch and weekend wheeling in PA. All suggestions on specific brands / manufacturers welcome so I can get a better list of what works and what just takes up space. Thanks.

 

You can do a lot with just those items. A snatch block is very useful as well. Do you have a Hi-Lift or some other brand of the same type of jack? If you are wheeling with others (as it is always preferred) a super yanker like a Buddy Rope is good to have as well if you are working in mud/snow. Its a dynamic rope used to yank someone out of a tight spot. The rope stretches and contracts like a rubber band. I have used mine quite a few times with guys I have wheeled with. I always carry extra shackles, truck parts (usually only after I break something). I actually have extra replacement bolts for my lower shock mounts for the rear. I have rattled them off on the trail before. Make sure you have gloves too.

Hope that helps. I had to figure it all out by experience. I wheel by myself a lot. I shouldn't but sometimes its hard to get guys out with me when I want to go and its sometimes last minute. But, all that said, I have never wheeled there before. I'm in CO. Maybe some local guys will have better suggestions for that area.

 

Max trax are a must for recovery

 

An X-jack (exhaust jack) would have saved me from my last two quicksand disasters. I now have one for the next "got stuck" situation.

 

I've been to Rausch more than once, and the Maxx Trax haven't been that much of a help. I have seen the Hi-Lift jacks used frequently, hopefully you have a good set of sliders. Most frequent recovery is lack of traction due to boulder under frame member.
Wheeling alone is not only a bad idea, but not allowed at RC. They will perma-ban you if necessary, and it is too good a place to get banned from.
Tow strap points front and rear, and you already have a tow strap.
Fire extinguisher. 5- 10lbs should cover you. It's your truck, not sure if insurance covers a fire while off-roading.
After last year, I added some JB weld and make sure to carry spare fluids. Used oil will get you home and will just get dumped out during repair anyway.
Skids if you want to attempt black trails. Most vids do not convey the experience adequately.

 

Sliders are coming shortly, and at least a fuel tank skid. Hi Lift I'll pick up this week along with the snatch block and shackles. Appreciate the input, shouldn't be wheeling alone unless my buddy's cherokee grenades. Any particular brands for block and shackles. I've used Crosby gear for work and military, but I can't justify spending 150+ on a shackle.

 

The Van Beest shackles are well-regarded.



Available here (and other places, I'm sure): http://usoffroad.us/store/threequarter-shackle

 

10 or 20 dollar 3/4 inch d riings are fine as we only weight 2 to 3 tons and only pulling over or out of obstacles and not lifting via crane.
Gas tank skid was last on my list as front ifs and transfer far more important. Rear diff diaper if you plan to run loaded and off your meds.
Figure out a weight for your winch cable if you have steel cable, larger groups rarely need winch as a push can get you off a belly drag most times.
No mud bogs at Rausch but you can go for a swim at the frog hole and have the pleasure of removing your interior to get cleaned out