Recovery Accessories

Traction boards are the go-to when tires need immediate grip on soft surfaces, with Maxtrax-style boards made from rigid composite or aluminum that sit under the tread and double as shovels or leveling blocks. Straps and shackles are better when you need to pull a vehicle out or transfer load to another vehicle, so keep both onboard for different scenarios.

Pick a shackle that matches your vehicle’s recovery point and GVWR; common hard shackles come in 3/4-inch sizes with 20,000+ lb working load limits for heavier rigs. Forged steel shackles provide the strength for winch and strap pulls, and you should always size the hardware above your vehicle weight for a safety margin.

Aim for straps in the 20–30 foot range so you have enough reach for safe, clear pulls, and choose webbing rated toward 28,600 lbs minimum breaking strength if you’re equipping a mid-to-large vehicle. Kinetic ropes are designed for dynamic energy-storing pulls while static straps are better for steady recovery, so match the type to your intended pull.

Air down tires to increase footprint and traction in sand, mud, or loose gravel, then use a portable compressor like an ARB unit to reinflate back to highway pressures afterward; an ARB compressor typically delivers up to 150 PSI for rapid recovery. Keep a compressor on hand when you plan to adjust pressures frequently or when you need to restore tire pressure quickly for road travel.

Soft shackles reduce injury risk and are lightweight, often color-coded for visibility, making them a great option for lighter-duty recoveries or as a safer alternative to metal in close-quarters. Forged steel shackles still offer superior abrasion resistance and higher working load limits for heavy winch pulls, so many teams carry both types to cover different recovery needs.