Is bigger better

[BigRAWesty]

So guys, when buying recovery gear is it bigger is better, or do you take into effect the weight of the straps to?
I have options ranging from 18T tree protectors 3 or 6m long
7.5t- threw to 12tvwinch extensions and the same with snatch straps
So is bigger is better?

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[MudRunnerTD]

Most tree truck protectors are 3m. Try using that around a monster mountain ash in the Otways or High Country!!! A 6m would be awesome!

In relation to the other stuff... Bigger is better for all except a Snatch strap. An 8ton is about right for a Patrol. Much bigger and you ask the snatch strap to stretch with a massive hit to get it to do what you need it to do -- stretch!

An 8ton is supposed to stretch to max using a hit much less than the same 15ton strap.

[BigRAWesty]

Well I'm finding out weight differences as we speak.

What are people's thoughts on kinetic ropes over straps?? From my reading it seams the rope has a better recoil and life span..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[lorrieandjas]

Hi Westy,

As MudRunner said, 8T is a good weight rating for a Patrol. Bigger is not always better, and you have to take into account not just the recovery gear but what it is attached to. How many times have you seen an expensive part go because the recovery gear outrated what it was attached to? I've seen trees come down because the recovery gear was well in excess of the safe limit - but not the safe limit of the tree! And that's an expensive recovery when you have a tree poking through the roof! :)

Minimal joins and parts in a recovery is also a good way to go - the less bits to be tested the better. I think I have a good recovery guide somewhere which I will post up if I can find it. And I know we all know this - but safety is the number one priority!!

Jas

[BigRAWesty]

Yea when it comes to trees though the first error is not selecting the right tree, 2nd mistake is rigging up the trunk.. I'd happily drag a road train out of the bog off a 1foot round tree, but I've done some courses regarding that area.


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[MudRunnerTD]

I have a rope and straps and I have found the rope to be REALLY BLOODY BULKY. The Age of straps is here I reckon and the Rope is out classed by a 9m long strap that fits under the seat ;)

I tell you though a 15 or even 20m snatch would be awesome on occasion !!

[BigRAWesty]

I have a rope and straps and I have found the rope to be REALLY BLOODY BULKY. The Age of straps is here I reckon and the Rope is out classed by a 9m long strap that fits under the seat ;)

I tell you though a 15 or even 20m snatch would be awesome on occasion !!

See if they did bigger snatch straps it would produce to much energy and either not work or do damage.
I would couple a 12T extension with an 8T snatch if needed.
But were do you draw the line?? We can't have everything perfect for every different situation..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[BigRAWesty]

The kinetic strap is 9m long. Snatch straps are usually 7m long.


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[Bloodyaussie]

Darren is so right about tree trunk protectors.. I have had many times when I needed a 6m strap and would buy one for sure if I could.

Thats my input... wheres my free gear!!!!! he eh!!!

[BigRAWesty]

Darren is so right about tree trunk protectors.. I have had many times when I needed a 6m strap and would buy one for sure if I could.

Thats my input... wheres my free gear!!!!! he eh!!!

Cool. Nish market right there...
And only if your a good boy.. now sit...


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[the evil twin]

Specifically for Snatch Straps and/or Kinetic Rope...

Ideally the rating should be 2 to no more than 3 times the weight of the lightest vehicle in the recovery.
Bigger (or smaller) isn't better per se however longer can be and commercial suppliers will make 'custom' lengths and ratings. One supplier that I buy gear from in Perth makes them up to at least 120 tonnes for the trucking, oil and gas mobs.
Anyway, back on topic. The objective is to get the strap kinetically loaded over a reasonable distance to reduce shock to both vehicles but impart energy to the mired vehicle. Too light a rating and you don't store enough energy before the strap takes up and you risk snapping it, too high a rating and you risk eating the steering wheel or an attachement point if you rip something off.

If anyone wants to dabble with the math, remember Newtons Laws and also the Conservation of Energy calcs that were sooooo much fun back at school and say to hell with it and grab another beer

Also pays to remember this however, there is no full Aussie Standard for straps (only a product standard regards labelling etc) so the manuf is free to rate them however he sees fit so anywhere in the ballpark is OK IMHO.