So I just put my first ever winch on my first ever Wrangler this weekend , and I'm working on putting together a recovery kit without spending a fortune.

I'm trying to figure out the difference between a snatch strap and a tree saver besides the fact that snatch straps generally seem to be longer.

Obviously snatch straps are stretchy, and I originally figured tree savers would not flex, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Here they mention how this tree saver has "plenty of strength and flex"

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92123_101.htm

And here they even claim these tree savers "can stretch up to 20% of their original length"

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92144_510.htm

I'm done reading product descriptions on Quadratec. Can you guys help me out? Should I buy a tree saver and a snatch strap for my kit, or just buy 2 snatch straps? Is it wrong (bad, unsafe, etc) to use a snatch trap the same way I would use a tree saver?

Thanks for your help!

 

You need a tree saver. Full stop, end debate.

Ideally, a tree saver should not stretch.

The tree saver will be used as an anchor point when you're using your winch.

To be blunt, it looks like the folks that wrote the descriptions on the Quadratec site have never recovered anything bigger than a ten-speed.

What I would recommend as a basic recovery kit:

Tree saver
Snatch block
Two 3/4" shackles
Snatch strap
Leather gloves
Heavy blanket to put over the winch line as a weight (or a purpose-built one)

That will give you the basic tools needed to get through most basic recoveries. The other thing that I would recommend is that you go wheeling with someone that's got some recovery experience and follow their lead. Recoveries can be a dangerous business if people don't know what they're doing or aren't paying attention.

 

I think that is just a crappy description to make the product sound cooler. Tree straps are generally shorter 6-10' in length and should not stretch. A snatch strap is a specific strap that acts like a rubber band. It uses Kinetic energy to help unstuck the rig. Snatch straps should NOT be used in winching as they strech. When buying a snatch strap make sure it is rated appropriatly for the weight of your rig. If you buy the biggest baddest one and the truck is too light it wont work up to it's potential. Can't go wrong with ARB's recovery gear..Everything is color coded for ease of use..And it works like it supposed to. Just don't buy a "tow" strap with the metal hooks already attached and use it to yank out stuck things...bad joojoo.

 

Even knowing better, I fell victim to peer pressure in getting a small running start with a tow strap that I had already connected but wasn't working to get the other guy out. Granted, it was also a 4" wide strap (but was pretty long), but nonetheless it sounded like the back of my jeep was going to crack off during that pull. I couldn't find any broken welds in the frame or anything, so I am not sure what the crack noise was. Hopefully I will never find out.

I WILL NOT EVER use a tow strap again for a running start.

Since then I have only used recovery stretch straps if there is any running start involved. No problems, always nice and smooth.

Hope this helps.

 

Good info and I think trees straps are a little wider so not to damage the tree.

 

I agree, a 10' static (no stretch) tree strap is a must. I use it to sling trees and debris when I am winching obstacles off the trail or when hauling downed trees into camp for firewood. If you plan to do recoveries get a complete kit as w squared mentioned in a prior post. Congats on the new winch, I know the feeling

 

Thanks for the great advice everybody! I figured a tree saver shouldn't stretch, but I just wanted to hear it from someone who actually had experience.

I put together a recovery kit with everything w squared recommended and added a folding shovel for good measure.

Thanks again for the help!

 

Good call on the shovel. Sometimes digging is a necessary evil

Other good (cheap) things to have with you are an axe or hatchet, and a buck saw (or sweep saw). You can probably find each of these for under $20. You only need to use that saw once before it pays for itself...chopping through a thick tree truck that's fallen across the trail with an axe is a LOT of work.

Oh...and pack a file for the axe too.

 

Makes sense...I probably woulnd't even have thought of that. These are the types of comments I really appreciate. Knowledge that you guys have acquired over the years that people like me haven't learned the hard way yet.

I've got a few axes and saws lying around, so that won't even cost me anything. Actually....I've got an electric chainsaw that I've run off the inverter in my Jeep before

Thanks again!

 

Remember some Charmin along with the shovel. I've really appreciated that after couple of winching situations I've been involved with.