The strap’s/rope’s strength and stretch are reduced when the strap/rope is saturated.
• An object such as recovery damper, heavy bag or blanket must be draped over the
strap/rope during use to reduce any unintentional rebound of the strap/rope
• Before attempting the vehicle recovery, passengers of the vehicles involved must
• Exit the vehicles and
• Stand as far away from the vehicles as possible (recommended as at least 1.5 times
the length of the unstretched strap/rope) from either of the vehicles involved in the
recovery process and
• Avoid standing within the path of the vehicle performing the recovery
SETTING UP THE RECOVERY
Assess the circumstances of the stranded vehicle. If it has bottomed out, clear under
the vehicle body so it rests on its wheels. The recovery vehicle should be placed in
line (n o m o r e than 10° off the straight line) with the stranded vehicle, for either a
forward o r r e v e r s e recovery operation. Distance between vehicles should be 2-3
metres (6-9ft) less t h a n t h e un-stretched length of the Recovery strap/rope.
Establish agreed signals between the vehicle drivers, by radio (preferably), hand signals
or vehicle horn.
CONNECTING THE RECOVERY STRAP/ROPE
Carefully inspect the Recovery strap/rope to determine that it is in good condition. If the
strap/rope is wet, dirty, cut or chaffed, it will not perform properly. A wet strap/rope may
be 20% under strength, a damaged strap/rope may break. Do not allow the strap/rope
to contact hot surfaces or sharp edges. Roll the strap/rope out between the vehicles, and
make sure there are no twists, leave about 2-3 metres (6-9ft) slack between the vehicles.
The joining of ropes should be avoided wherever possible (Retailers carry varying
lengths of strap/rope).
NEVER USE A METAL OBJECT to join ropes - if the strap/rope breaks it can become a
missile and cause damage or injury.
Check your vehicle hand book for recovery point locations, or use correctly rated and
fitted aftermarket recovery points. DO NOT CONNECT TO A TOW BALL OR TIE DOWN
POINT. Connect Recovery strap/rope to recovery point, for any recovery point requiring
the use of a shackle to attach the strap/rope, use only load rated shackles. Only connect
to correctly rated recovery points on the vehicles, with only `Load Rated’ shackles. Load
ratings are marked on shackles as WLL (Working Load Limit). Bow Shackles are suitable
for this purpose and should be rated at least 3.25t. To correctly tighten shackle
pins,screw the pin until it seats then back about 1/2 to 1 turn. Over tightening may lead
to seized pins, due to the force exerted during recovery operations. To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage and personal injury, hang a suitable recovery damper blanket, over the
Recovery strap/rope, approximately midway to restrict the whipping action of a
strap/rope should it break.
Last thing - Check all connections and clear bystanders to a safe distance (1.5 times the
un-stretched Recovery strap/rope length) to the side of the recovery operation and
NEVER in the line of recovery.
MAKING THE RECOVERY
1. Before the recovery operation drivers must agree on the point to which the
stranded vehicle is to be recovered and the signal (radio, hand signal or horn blast)
when that point is reached.
2. With communications maintained between both vehicles, and Recovery Rope
secure, the recovery vehicle should gently accelerate, taking up the slack and
proceeding at no faster than 10-12 kph. (6-7mph) For best results the stranded
vehicle should be in 1st gear (or 2nd Low), and the driver should assist the recovery
by trying to drive out approximately 3 seconds from when the recovery vehicle
moves off.
3. If the vehicle is not recovered on the attempt, check under the stranded vehicle,
again, for obstacles, reset the slack in the Recovery strap/rope and try a little more
speed by the recovery vehicle. NOTE: Excessive speed or continual jerking action
whilst using a Recovery strap/rope may result in damage to the recovery point,
chassis and drive line of both vehicles.
4. When the stranded vehicle reaches the agreed point the driver should advise and
the recovery vehicle should stop, then the stranded vehicle should stop.
5. Where proper use of a Recovery strap/rope is unsuccessful, use an appropriate
sized recovery winch.
6. Do not attempt to remove the strap/rope until both vehicles are stationary and
secured.
7. NOTE: Recovery Ropes require rest periods between use to return to their original
length and capacity. Excessive pulls over a short period of time can cause heat build
up and possible failure. Check your vehicle hand book for recovery point locations,
or use correctly rated and fitted aftermarket recovery points.GENERAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• Never allow your strap/rope to rub against sharp or hot surfaces.
• Avoid twists & kinks, after washing, and when dry; always coil your strap/rope for
storage
• Clean your strap/rope with warm water and a mild detergent, allowing thorough
drying before storage. Foreign material such as sand and grit can permanently
damage the strap/rope fibres.
• Check full length of ropes for nicks and cuts before and after use. If damaged,
replace it.
• Never use the strap/rope as a lifting sling.
• Inspect shackles for damage; if pins are hard to turn, shackle has been overstressed.
Replace it.
