Off-Road Recovery Gear You Wish You Had Before You Got Stuck

There’s a rite of passage in the off-road world — and it usually involves getting properly stuck. Whether it’s getting bogged in a sand dune, bottoming out on a muddy trail, or burying the rear tyres in a creek crossing, it happens to the best of us. But if you’ve never had to dig yourself out with a stick or beg a passing LandCruiser for help, you might not fully appreciate the importance of quality recovery gear — until it’s too late.

At Enhanced Offroad, we’ve seen it all. And if there’s one lesson we’d pass on to every beginner or casual 4WDer, it’s this: Don’t wait until you’re stuck to think about recovery gear.

Why Recovery Gear Matters

Getting stuck is not just inconvenient — it can be dangerous. Remote tracks, changing weather, and limited phone reception can turn a minor situation into a major headache.

Good recovery gear:

• Helps you self-recover and get moving again
• Reduces risk to your vehicle and passengers
• Prevents damage to tracks and the environment
• Gives you confidence to tackle tougher terrain

More importantly, recovery gear only works if it’s rated, accessible, and properly installed.

Rated Recovery Points

Let’s start with the basics: factory tow points are NOT recovery points. Many stock vehicles come with tie-down eyes that are purely for transport, not for snatching out of a bog. These can bend, snap, or worse — turn into flying missiles during recovery.

That’s why the first mod we recommend before even hitting the tracks is installing rated front and rear recovery points that are vehicle-specific and tested to withstand real-world forces.

Our Raslarr bull bar setups include integrated, rated recovery points — giving you the strength and confidence to recover safely from the front.

Image: Nissan Patrol Y62 Featuring a Raslarr Engineering Bull Bar

Winch (Preferably a Carbon Offroad Winch)

Sometimes a snatch recovery isn’t possible — whether you’re solo or don’t have enough space to pull forward. That’s when a winch becomes your best friend.

We recommend and install Carbon Offroad winches, known across Australia for their power, speed, and reliability in real-world conditions.

Why Carbon Offroad Winches?

• High-speed gearing for quicker line pulls
• Waterproof construction—perfect for creek crossings
• Synthetic rope for safety and ease of use
• Wireless remote for safe, solo recoveries
• Tested in harsh Australian terrain

Paired with a Raslarr bull bar, a Carbon winch becomes your go-to solution for serious off-road recoveries — especially when touring solo or travelling remote.

Snatch Straps & Soft Shackles

The classic recovery technique is a snatch — using a snatch strap to pull a bogged vehicle free using kinetic energy. It’s effective, but only when used with rated recovery points and the right gear.

Soft shackles have now replaced heavy metal shackles in many setups, reducing risk and making the gear easier to carry and use.

Don’t leave home without a full recovery bag:

• 8,000kg+ snatch strap
• At least 2x soft shackles
• Dampener blanket to reduce recoil
• Gloves and a recovery bag

We recommend keeping your recovery gear in a dedicated bag, easily accessible — not buried under your fridge or swag.

Recovery Boards (Traction Aids)

If you’re travelling solo or hitting sandy/muddy terrain, recovery boards like Maxtrax or TREDs are worth their weight in gold. They’re simple, safe, and effective in a huge range of conditions.

When they shine:

• Beach driving with no firm base
• Muddy ruts with poor clearance
• Snow or slick clay trails
• Steep, loose inclines

Use them to gain traction under stuck wheels, or even as ramps to get over obstacles. Mounting them on your roof rack or rear tyre keeps them handy.

Tyre Deflator & Air Compressor

Getting bogged? Tyre pressure is often to blame. Reducing your pressure gives you a larger contact patch, better flotation, and more grip. But you’ll need to re-inflate afterwards—so pack the right gear.

Must-haves:

• Tyre deflator – quickly drops pressure without guessing
• Digital gauge – don’t rely on dashboard readings
• 12V compressor – hard-wired or portable, depending on setup

We can install under-bonnet compressors or drawer-mounted kits to make airing up fast and hassle-free.

Shovel & Gloves

Never underestimate the humble shovel. Digging out tyres, clearing mud from the chassis, or creating a ramp—it’s one of the most used recovery tools in any kit. Pair it with a decent set of gloves and you’ll save your hands and your pride.

Lighting for Night Recoveries

Getting stuck in daylight is one thing—doing it in the dark is a different beast. That’s why we often recommend LED camp lights or rock lights that can be used during night-time recoveries to see under your rig or guide a snatch path.

If you’ve got a winch and lights on a Raslarr bull bar, you’re already ahead of the curve.

Bonus: Basic Recovery Know-How

Gear is only part of the equation — knowing how to use it is just as critical. We recommend:

• Practicing recoveries in a safe environment
• Watching videos from trusted Australian 4WD educators
• Travelling with mates until you’re confident solo
• Learning how to use your winch safely (we can walk you through it)

Even better, chat to us about recovery kit bundles and installation packages tailored to your vehicle and needs.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Stuck

The best time to set up your recovery gear is before you need it. At Enhanced Offroad, we build rigs that go further—but we also make sure they can get home.

Whether you’re starting out or upgrading your current gear, we stock and install:

• Raslarr bull bars with integrated recovery points
• Carbon Offroad winches and accessories
• Custom mounting options, lighting, and air systems
• Vehicle-specific recovery kits for Nissan, Toyota, Isuzu and more

Ready to Gear Up?

Visit our Services Page or Contact Us for a custom recovery setup and chat with our team of experienced 4WD builders. We’ll make sure you’re ready for whatever the tracks throw at you.