Recovery Gear

[jordantii]

So, I'm just starting my off road journey. Performance car guy all my life. Bought a 2025 RR last week and traded in my BMW M2 Comp. I've been nonstop reading and reserching everything RR and off roading. This forum has been fantastic by the way.

My question is what is a good recovery kit to start with? I also need some tire deflators and an air compressor. I don't know what brands are good and what brands are trash. Any recomendaions for the above?

Thanks in advance.

Jordan
ps the RR is the M2C of the mid sized truck segment.

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[SBB]

Try the VIAIR compressors. We use that system on the Rubicon. For the R Raptor I use the Milwaukee compressor. We have numerous Milwaukee tool so there is always batteries available for this compressor. For the deflators I bought the Rhino system from Amazon.
Good luck with your choices.


Rhino USA Adjustable Tire Deflators with Gauge (0-60psi) Calibrated & Automatic Tire Air Down Tool - Large 2" Easy Read Glow Dial & Solid Brass Hardware - Best Offroad Deflator for Jeep, Truck or ATV

400P - 40043 Portable Compressor Kit 12-Volt(12v). Tire Pump, Truck/SUV Tire Inflator, For Up to 35 in. Tires from Home Depot $240.00. We keep that one in our Rubicon

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Portable-Inflator-Tool-Only-2848-20/320022879

 

[Glisch]

First, I'm no expert, but willing to share what has been useful to me

Tire deflators. I have both the rhino deflator with gauge posted by SBB above, but what I use almost every time is a set of Staun tire deflators that you just screw on and it deflates for you. I put them on when I get to the trailhead and by the time the group is ready to move, they are good to go. A few times I left them deflating while starting the beginning part of the trail and took off a bit into it. They are very convenient.

Worth noting that I tried 2 brands before shelling out for Stauns. Boulder tools and some other cheap crap on amazon. The cheap ones are not reliable, would not consistently deflate to the same PSI. With Staun, I've never had an issue, I get down to the exact PSI I configured every time.

https://amazon.com/dp/B00QBPBLWY



Inflation. I went through 3 air compressors. First used a cheap one from harbor freight. It worked, but each time I needed to inflate my tires I had to sit around for 30+ minutes to get it done. It was slow and would overheat, needing cool down periods. Then I upgraded to a Viair compressor. This worked great, still not a fast process, but only a fraction of the time as the harbor freight option. Last upgrade was to an ARB that I mounted under my hood. I just didn't want to dig around to find my portable compressor and wanted something that was always in place.

I would recommend Viair to start. If you decide you want the luxury mounted one can always do that later. Performance between them really wasn't that different. The Viair comes in different sizes, but I had the 400p which was fine for ~35 inch tires

https://amazon.com/dp/B000X9AXR8



Beyond those, I'd also highly recommend a few other things

Snatch strap (kinetic strap) of some kind. Important to note this is not a tow strap, these are elastic like bungie cord. I liked the ARB option because it packed down smaller than some of the alternatives I tried, but there are quite a few on the market. Other than tire deflation / inflation, by far the piece of kit I've used the most.

https://store.arbusa.com/snatch-strap-17-500lb-arb705lb/

Soft shackles. A way to attach the strap to recovery points on both trucks. I've been using a pair from RhinoUSA for years now and they have held up great. I know RhinoUSA is controversal, but I've had good experience with their customer service and they are affordable

https://amazon.com/dp/B0C6BQ6P2J

A good shovel. I started with a collapsable one to save space, but eventually got a full size that I mounted along the inside of my bed. I'll always carry one now. IMO the fancy ones with teeth designed to cut through roots are a waste of money.

Lighting. The only lighting I 100% insist on is ditch lights and upgraded reverse lights of some kind. There are a thousand brands and opinions on what to use. When I first got mine, I went with baja designs and have used them every since, they have been great. But I've also heard great things about so many cheaper brands too. If I was buying them new today, I would probably go with something cheaper. A light bar or cargo lights are nice too, but I don't find them all that important while on trails

Traction Boards. These get recommended constantly. I've honestly found very little use for them. I don't spend much time in mud though, so maybe they are important there. The most use mine ever saw was to help level my truck at camp when I used a rooftop tent.

 

[Mystic]

I second the Staun deflator recommendation. Been perfect for me for over a year now. Currently 20% off on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QBPBLWY?m=A3KQFG3QCDIP1O&ref=psp_pc_a_A3BG7Z4DUGH3OI&th=1


For air compressor, I use the Ironman 4x4 Air Champ Pro. Been really good for me. Does all 4 tires from ~18psi to ~40psi in about 12-15 minutes. Kelmatt makes a nice bag for it as well.

https://www.ironman4x4.com/products/air-champ-pro-565cfm-12v-heavy-duty-portable-air-compressor

https://kelmatt.com/product/air-compressor-bag/



As far as recovery gear goes, I would hesitate to recommend a bunch of high $$$ gear unless you know you'll need it. 99.999999% of people, even those who plan to do significant offroading, rarely use the truck to the point where they actually need a winch, snatch block, kinetic rope, etc.

I would simply recommend some traction boards until you have a clear picture of what you'll be doing off road.

 

[SBB]

I also wanted to mention this about the Milwaukee compressor. It's fast, it's portable and very convenient. The Viair stays on the Rubicon because the Milwaukee is so fast. People sometimes buy the cheap POS compressors and with groups there have been many times I have aired up 3 tires while the POS compressors are still on the first tire.
For me, helping friends air up is fun and also saves time waiting for their POS compressor to fill the first tire.

Glisch, I may try the Staun deflators should I have an issue with the Rhino's.

 

[Glisch]

As far as recovery gear goes, I would hesitate to recommend a bunch of high $$$ gear unless you know you'll need it. 99.999999% of people, even those who plan to do significant offroading, rarely use the truck to the point where they actually need a winch, snatch block, kinetic rope, etc.

This is an important point, I wasted a ton of money on gear that never got used. The things I listed above I wouldn't go without, but it really depends on what you are doing and if you are solo or in a group. To me the snatch strap / kinetic rope is very important, but to you it might not be, maybe a traction board is better, etc.

 

[John E Davies]

Traction boards. Never go off pavement without them!

https://morrflate.com/shop/air-sources/portable-compressors/morrflate-tensix-12v-compressor/

https://morrflate.com/shop/morrflat...ded-quad-4-tire-hose-kit-up-to-125-wheelbase/

A good LiFeP04 battery jump starter.

Basic recovery stuff - straps and shackles.

A short narrow spade shovel, one you can easily use to “sweep” sand or snow from under the chassis. This “poacher’s shovel” is perfect:

Hand tools in a military canvas bag, fill it up, you won’t need more than it can hold.

A satellite communicator, don’t rely on a phone. AAA plan with a 200 mile tow radius for out West.

A good off-road nav program with pre-downloaded maps like GAIA or OnX Offroad (my favorite). Backup maps, loaded in a different device than your main one.

Emergency stuff, water, first aid, sleeping bag.

A firearm suitable for bears.

A few extra gallons of gas, I prefer the leakproof 10 liter Wavion NATO can.

That is pretty much all you need, everything else is expensive dross. I have fallen down the Overlanding Rat Hole before, and won’t do it again.

In winter in the West you need a pair of snow chains, the proper kind with heavy links, not the tiny cables. You are required to carry them for passes even if you never install them, but they can save your ass if you get trapped in the back country by snow or mud.

Keep in mind your truck is not a rock crawler. Don’t take it to inappropriate places. Don’t bolt a bunch of unnecessary and heavy crap onto it. Keep it light and nimble. BTW you did not say where you plan to go, if it is only into the swamps, then you need a different set of stuff. Like a different truck and big balls.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

 

[CACTUSGREYFX4]

Best thing to have is a buddy in another vehicle so when you get stuck he can pull you out.

 

[jordantii]

Best thing to have is a buddy in another vehicle so when you get stuck he can pull you out.

I'm trying but all my friends are lame.

 

[jordantii]

Traction boards. Never go off pavement without them!

https://morrflate.com/shop/air-sources/portable-compressors/morrflate-tensix-12v-compressor/

https://morrflate.com/shop/morrflat...ded-quad-4-tire-hose-kit-up-to-125-wheelbase/

A good LiFeP04 battery jump starter.

Basic recovery stuff - straps and shackles.

A short narrow spade shovel, one you can easily use to “sweep” sand or snow from under the chassis. This “poacher’s shovel” is perfect:

Hand tools in a military canvas bag, fill it up, you won’t need more than it can hold.

A satellite communicator, don’t rely on a phone. AAA plan with a 200 mile tow radius for out West.

A good off-road nav program with pre-downloaded maps like GAIA or OnX Offroad (my favorite). Backup maps, loaded in a different device than your main one.

Emergency stuff, water, first aid, sleeping bag.

A firearm suitable for bears.

A few extra gallons of gas, I prefer the leakproof 10 liter Wavion NATO can.

That is pretty much all you need, everything else is expensive dross. I have fallen down the Overlanding Rat Hole before, and won’t do it again.

In winter in the West you need a pair of snow chains, the proper kind with heavy links, not the tiny cables. You are required to carry them for passes even if you never install them, but they can save your ass if you get trapped in the back country by snow or mud.

Keep in mind your truck is not a rock crawler. Don’t take it to inappropriate places. Don’t bolt a bunch of unnecessary and heavy crap onto it. Keep it light and nimble. BTW you did not say where you plan to go, if it is only into the swamps, then you need a different set of stuff. Like a different truck and big balls.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

I'm in Tampa bay. We have a ton of national forest about 1.5 hours away. I'm not into swamps or mudding. I really need to move where I can wring this thing out. But I will figure out some stuff here in FL.

9mm is not gonna cut it for bears. So i'll sort that out.

I'll get OnX.

Have a complete IFAK and trained.

Ok on the shovel. I have to figure out the recovery rope's and shackles. So many to choose from.

And on the rest as well.

I'm coming from an extremely nimble car and I am not going to overload the RR. I have no idea if I will get into overloading/camping etc. But this is a new adventure for me so we shall see.

 

[jordantii]

First, I'm no expert, but willing to share what has been useful to me

Tire deflators. I have both the rhino deflator with gauge posted by SBB above, but what I use almost every time is a set of Staun tire deflators that you just screw on and it deflates for you. I put them on when I get to the trailhead and by the time the group is ready to move, they are good to go. A few times I left them deflating while starting the beginning part of the trail and took off a bit into it. They are very convenient.

Worth noting that I tried 2 brands before shelling out for Stauns. Boulder tools and some other cheap crap on amazon. The cheap ones are not reliable, would not consistently deflate to the same PSI. With Staun, I've never had an issue, I get down to the exact PSI I configured every time.

https://amazon.com/dp/B00QBPBLWY



Inflation. I went through 3 air compressors. First used a cheap one from harbor freight. It worked, but each time I needed to inflate my tires I had to sit around for 30+ minutes to get it done. It was slow and would overheat, needing cool down periods. Then I upgraded to a Viair compressor. This worked great, still not a fast process, but only a fraction of the time as the harbor freight option. Last upgrade was to an ARB that I mounted under my hood. I just didn't want to dig around to find my portable compressor and wanted something that was always in place.

I would recommend Viair to start. If you decide you want the luxury mounted one can always do that later. Performance between them really wasn't that different. The Viair comes in different sizes, but I had the 400p which was fine for ~35 inch tires

https://amazon.com/dp/B000X9AXR8



Beyond those, I'd also highly recommend a few other things

Snatch strap (kinetic strap) of some kind. Important to note this is not a tow strap, these are elastic like bungie cord. I liked the ARB option because it packed down smaller than some of the alternatives I tried, but there are quite a few on the market. Other than tire deflation / inflation, by far the piece of kit I've used the most.

https://store.arbusa.com/snatch-strap-17-500lb-arb705lb/

Soft shackles. A way to attach the strap to recovery points on both trucks. I've been using a pair from RhinoUSA for years now and they have held up great. I know RhinoUSA is controversal, but I've had good experience with their customer service and they are affordable

https://amazon.com/dp/B0C6BQ6P2J

A good shovel. I started with a collapsable one to save space, but eventually got a full size that I mounted along the inside of my bed. I'll always carry one now. IMO the fancy ones with teeth designed to cut through roots are a waste of money.

Lighting. The only lighting I 100% insist on is ditch lights and upgraded reverse lights of some kind. There are a thousand brands and opinions on what to use. When I first got mine, I went with baja designs and have used them every since, they have been great. But I've also heard great things about so many cheaper brands too. If I was buying them new today, I would probably go with something cheaper. A light bar or cargo lights are nice too, but I don't find them all that important while on trails

Traction Boards. These get recommended constantly. I've honestly found very little use for them. I don't spend much time in mud though, so maybe they are important there. The most use mine ever saw was to help level my truck at camp when I used a rooftop tent.

Thanks for all the info and links. Im going to sort through all of it and may have more questions.

 

[Mike9816]

Didn't see listed a farm jack or a come a long. I carry these and most of what's listed. Best is the buddy system.

 

[embedded rock]

Coming from a Jeep Wrangler, I have everything except the winch. Pretty-much all of my adventures have been solo; so, I carry things to self-extract or repair. Even a snatch strap and soft shackles are useful because when another vehicle approaches, it's easy for them to lend a hand if needed. With the Jeep, the only time I used the winch was to upright a side-by-side in the Moab area.

As mentioned Viair pumps. Got mine from Home Depot. Also, to go with that is a two-tire Speed-flate system used to deflate and inflate my tires. A small piece of canvas to put under the air pump so it isn't sucking dust.

I sure would like to have a winch for the just in case situation, but being cautious will most likely have to be the solution.

Speedflate is showing the two-tire system for $99. One cannot collect pieces/parts to build this for that price--I tried a couple of years ago.

https://www.speedflate.com/shop/p/speedflate2xstraightblue

Pretty sure this is the Viair compressor I have and it worked in good time for 33 and 35 inch tires.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/VIAIR-8...2V-120-PSI-For-up-to-33-Tires-00088/206170415

 

[purdyd]

And

flashlight,

socket set,

i actually carry a torque wrench and deep sockets for changing lug nuts

open end wrench set

i need to add a torx bit set as I am finding those on the Ranger

a small board for the jack to rest on

a small tool kit

first aid kit

rival front recovery points

a vee bridle

also a recovery hitch

 

[Ron Quixote]

Lots of good advice above. Been off-roading for fifteen years.

Personally, my kit has gotten simpler and lighter as I’ve learned what works and what is just extra weight.

Staun deflators

Viair 400P (you really want a compressor that clamps directly to the battery)

Wheel chock

Gloves

Small set of basic hand tools in a Blueridge Overland Gear Tool Bag

Shackles

Snatch strap

Jack base (yes, I just carry the scissor jack; bottle jacks have to remain upright or they leak and floor jacks don’t travel well)

Shorty shovel (they work just as well; you’ll work harder; but they’re way easier to carry)

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