Getting stuck is part of the game when you’re off-roading. Mud, sand, snow, deep ruts—sooner or later, you’ll find yourself in a spot where the throttle alone won’t save you. But staying stuck? That’s optional.
The difference comes down to your gear. Proper recovery equipment means you can get moving again without flagging someone down or risking damage to your rig. It’s not about overpacking—it’s about packing smart.
At Offroad Trading Co., we carry the recovery tools that real off-roaders trust: hooks, shackles, winches, snatch blocks, and the gear that won’t let you down when things get ugly.
Winches: The Workhorse of Off-Road Recovery
When things go sideways, nothing beats a winch. Whether you’re buried in mud, high-centered on a rock, or stuck solo without another vehicle in sight, a winch gives you self-recovery power that straps and shackles alone can’t match.
Electric winches are the most common for off-roaders. They mount to your bumper or winch plate, spool synthetic rope or steel cable, and are powered by your vehicle’s battery. The key is choosing a winch rated for at least 1.5 times your rig’s gross weight—more if you’re running oversized tires, armor, or gear.
Synthetic vs. Steel Line?
Synthetic rope is lighter, safer under tension, and easier to handle—but it needs protection from UV and abrasion.
- SCAR 12S Winch – Delivers 12,000 lbs of pulling power with a waterproof housing, synthetic rope, and wireless remote.
- Superwinch SX 10000 Winch – Features a 10,000 lb capacity, 80 feet of synthetic rope, and a powerful 12V motor for reliable recovery performance.
Steel cable is old-school tough and resists heat, but it’s heavier, can rust, and recoils dangerously if it breaks.
- Rough Country PRO 9500 Winch – Delivers 9,500 lbs of pulling power with a rugged steel cable, 5.5 HP motor, and IP67 waterproof construction.
- SCAR 12K Winch – Packs 12,000 lbs of pulling strength with a steel cable, 6.5 HP motor, and IP68 waterproof rating.
Other must-haves: a quality winch controller, a fairlead, and recovery gloves—because winching without them is just asking for bloody hands.
Receiver Hitch
Your recovery setup starts at the frame. A receiver hitch gives you a solid, secure point to pull from. These hitch-mounted recovery points slide into your 2" receiver and give you a proper place to connect recovery straps or winch lines.
- Rough Country Receiver Hitch for Polaris RZR PRO R (2022+)
- Rugged Ridge Elite Giga Hook (2-Inch Receiver)
Recovery Shackles
Shackles are the connection point between your rig and whatever’s doing the pulling. You need strength, reliability, and zero slop when the load hits.
Steel Shackles (D-Rings & Bow Shackles)
- Rough Country Forged D-Ring Set – Red – 9,500 lb capacity
- Rough Country Forged D-Ring Set – Black – 9,500 lb capacity
Soft Shackles
- Overland Vehicle Systems 23-Inch Soft Shackle – 44,000 lb breaking strength
- Factor 55 Extreme Duty Soft Shackle – 18 Inch
- Factor 55 Extreme Duty Soft Shackle – 24 Inch
Steel shackles are tough and long-lasting, while soft shackles are safer and easier to handle. Most off-roaders carry both.
Pulleys & Snatch Blocks
Pulleys and snatch blocks help control direction, increase pulling power, and reduce strain on your winch during recovery.
- Overland Vehicle Systems Standard Snatch Block – Matte black steel
- Overland Vehicle Systems Heavy Duty Snatch Block – 30,000 lb breaking strength
Recovery Kits & Protection Gear
A solid recovery setup isn’t just about pulling power—it’s about protecting your gear. Kits like the Factor 55 Medium Vehicle Recovery Kit in Sawtooth Gray include soft shackles, rope pulleys, hitch links, and a rugged storage bag.
Heat, abrasion, and sharp edges can destroy your recovery lines. Abrasion sleeves, rope guards, and heat wraps help you stay ready for the next pull—without sacrificing your gear in the process.
Final Thoughts: Build a Recovery Setup That Works
Getting stuck isn’t a matter of if—it’s when. The only question is whether you’re ready. Don’t cut corners on the gear that gets you back on the trail. Build your kit with smart, proven components that are made to work when it counts.
At Offroad Trading Co., we stock only the recovery gear we trust on our own rigs—because you never know what’s waiting around the next bend.