Trail Recovery 101- A Scary Off-Road Experience!

Yes this is a sad story but luckily everyone survived. I am surprised a rope could do that much damage.
A good take away… just send it, is rarely the answer.

There’s a number of lessons that can be gained from the video, both technical and practical. Worth noting…

Thanks for sharing! A bit long, but good teaching story. We all need to be reminded that even experienced wheelers doing everything almost right, just barely survive a recovery accident.

Here's a fatal accident:

Helo ride is going to be expensive.

Eninty

Helo ride is going to be expensive.

I thought the same thing. But hey, you only get one life, so don’t cut corners!

We belong to air st lukes... something like.$40 per year for the entire family. Covers you in case of a need for life flight. Well worth it. Reciprocates with other helo services.

Here's the app Justin mentions - Looks like a very handy tool to add to our recovery kit:

https://www.safe-xtract.com/safe-xtract-vehicle-recovery-application/

Sozzy1269

We belong to air st lukes... something like.$40 per year for the entire family. Covers you in case of a need for life flight. Well worth it. Reciprocates with other helo services.

Hope you never need it! Our experience is yeah, Flight for Life rides are expense - Ground rides are too..

Cheers

Kenneth

Thanks for sharing! A bit long, but good teaching story. We all need to be reminded that even experienced wheelers doing everything almost right, just barely survive a recovery accident.

Here's a fatal accident:

Never use a drop hitch as a recovery point and a chain is a bad idea. Know your limitations. Even if it was a $1000 recovery fee to get a professional out there that guys life is worth way more than that.

I added this to my ARB Weekender Recovery Kit today: Spartan Rope Soft Shackle

As is always the case, it's better to be prepared, come what may!

BuckYeah

I added this to my ARB Weekender Recovery Kit today: Spartan Rope Soft Shackle

As is always the case, it's better to be prepared, come what may!

Looks like a good 'on! Our kit includes 4 of these Gator-Jaws in case we need to bridle both ends.

Cheers

Kenneth

Looks like a good 'on! Our kit includes 4 of these Gator-Jaws in case we need to bridle both ends.

Cheers

I’d rather be accused of being over-prepared than not prepared at all!

@BuckYeah thanks for sharing.
Knowledge is power!

Bschurr

@BuckYeah thanks for sharing.
Knowledge is power!

Thank you, sir. I think it's important to raise everyone's awareness of what could go sideways, even if a situation seems to be taking a turn for the better.

Caleb's first suggestion was to slow down. It reminded me of what the trail guide said on the Bronco Off-Roadeo. He said we should slow down, adding "Look where you are!" Everyone in the group acknowledged that our setting was awesome. It gave us time to appreciate the moment and keep things in perspective. Just pausing to appreciate the scenery helped us approach recovery efforts with a calm mind.

Thanks @BuckYeah for posting this. A guy I know from another forum was leading this group. I saw his post about it but skipped it over.

After you posted it I took notice. I have been thinking about soft shackles and kinetic ropes. I've pulled people out over the years with cheap straps with hooks on the end so buying a better strap and some strong D rings I thought I was good.

Since your post and your soft shackle buy I realized the strap I have is just ok and the the Chinese D rings.....welll. I just ordered some Bubba soft shackles, a Bubba Kinetic rope, and chafe guards. It only takes one time.

Thands Dude!!

I saw this as well, and one of the things that got me to thinking was the fact that not only did the soft shackle break, but he actually came very close to pulling the mount point out of the Bronco, as well as bending the frame horn! So, I did a little research on best practices for using a kinetic rope for recovery. Long story short several sources indicated that you should not just "floor it". 8-12 MPH seems to be the general consensus on the max speed. If you watch the video, that Jeep spooled up and then just sent it. Factor 55 puts out a great handbook on how to correctly perform a KRR recovery that I found very helpful. I found a copy here.

BuckYeah

This video should be required viewing for ANYONE who wants to spend time off-roading their Broncos. Take it to heart. Thanks for sharing your ordeal with us, Caleb! (AKA “popo_patty”)

The Off-Road Recovery That Almost Killed Me!

The cover image is giving me nightmares already. Gotta find a time to sit down and watch because this looks real scary. Always heard stories in the Army of tank recoveries gone wrong - when tow cables broke. This kinda drives those home.

Best Slope Bronco

The cover image is giving me nightmares already. Gotta find a time to sit down and watch because this looks real scary. Always heard stories in the Army of tank recoveries gone wrong - when tow cables broke. This kinda drives those home.

One of the things that this also drove home for me was that, contrary to popular belief, a kinetic rope CAN come through your windshield. Maybe we need to go back to the old school method of putting our hood up?!?

JoergH

I saw this as well, and one of the things that got me to thinking was the fact that not only did the soft shackle break, but he actually came very close to pulling the mount point out of the Bronco, as well as bending the frame horn! So, I did a little research on best practices for using a kinetic rope for recovery. Long story short several sources indicated that you should not just "floor it". 8-12 MPH seems to be the general consensus on the max speed. If you watch the video, that Jeep spooled up and then just sent it. Factor 55 puts out a great handbook on how to correctly perform a KRR recovery that I found very helpful. I found a copy here.

Yeah, an aftermarket bumper it seems. I was wondering if it was weaker than the OEM. I just ordered that book from Amazon for 6 bucks. I won't cancel the order. Good to have in the truck. I like the 8-12 mph. That makes a lot of sense to me. I have always finessed when I have pulled people out. Especially with the old strap I used to have.