Not my mistakes... but good reminders.

[traveltoad]

Right tool for the right job.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ ... man-aurora

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKQQVyS7 ... ature=plcp
The aftermath...

[DRX350]

Never skimp on recovery gear!

A few years ago, I bought a cheapy tow strap, figuring "oh, it's okay, my rig only weighs 3000 loaded...". The chinese strap was rated for 7,000 pounds, they must have a different pound out there, because as soon as I got stuck and my buddy with his F150 hooked me the actual hook broke and whipped back against my car!

I nearly messed myself, it sounded like my axle ripped out! Well, after taking a look, it made a nice baseball sized dent in the tailgate and a cracked bumper; a reminder to spend when worth it, now I use a 5/8" Kevlar core rope, breaking strength of 12,000, great abrasion resistance, and NO connectors!

(I'll try to find and post a pic later on)

[hmfigueroa]

Anything with a hook should never be used for a stuck. That is a tow strap used for pulling something on a relatively smooth surface.

for a stuck, you should use a recovery strap or a Kerr device. They will never have a hook on the end. A dynamic recovery is accomplished with incredible forces requiring secure attachment. Hooks even with a latch arrangement are not up to the task.

Always know the capabilities and specifications of recovery equipment used. The weakest link should be the strap or rope, not the attachment points.

[BorregoWrangler]

Yep, and never attach two recovery straps together with a shackle... I was stupid in my younger days...