Over the course of time we evaluated many different lengths and diameters of multiplait 8 strand nylon rope and eventually settled on the 'ideal' specification. This was 8 metres between bearing points and 24mm diameter, giving a minimum breaking capacity of 12 tonnes with an elongation of approximately 30% at full load. The soft eye splices are protected with polyester lay flat tubing with the splices being made with 5 tucks with the 'ends' split, dogged (bound with twine) and heat sealed.

The non-rotating 8 plait construction is used to avoid the inherent problems such as kinking and hocking associated with conventional 3 strand ropes. The use of multiplait construction is also ideal as the rope is more supple and is therefore easier to handle.

This is quite a high specification, but remember, in a serious recovery situation the load is phenomenal. Before I explain how the Recoverline KERR rope works, lets consider general 'getting stuck' and getting the vehicle out.

Recovery situations can be potentially dangerous, especially when attempting to 'pluck' a well stuck vehicle out of the mire, or if wedged in deep ruts.

Personally, I prefer to use either an electric winch to recover either myself or another 4x4, as the recovery is fully under control at the 'touch of a button'. Or equally safe is using a Brano or Tirfor hand winch. But by employing a rope recovery it is generally much quicker to de - bog a stuck vehicle.

When carrying out a recovery, by whatever method, do check first that the stuck vehicle isn't stuck fast on an enormous rock or log hidden under the vehicle. The last thing you want is to damage the steering gear, axles, exhaust system or what-have-you.

Maybe just three or four people could push the vehicle out of it's predicament, but be careful not to get trapped between the side of the vehicle and a tree or a bank as the vehicle gains traction, and definitely watch out for flying mud from those spinning road wheels!

Mild Recovery

The Recoverline KERR rope can of course be used for a gentle pull out. It's long length of 8 metres (27 feet) will enable the recovery vehicle to find good ground to pull from.

When using ropes just as in any recovery situation make sure that there is good communication between the parties concerned, that the stuck vehicle's driver knows when he or she is about to be recovered, and that his or her handbrake is off - you may laugh! Also remember to have the engine running to both run the power steering, and assist with the road wheels if necessary. This also ensures the steering lock unit isn't locked - you may laugh again! The driver of the stuck vehicle must communicate with the recovery driver in front, either directly with hand signals, headlight flashing, CB radio or via an assistant standing to one side between the vehicles to say that he or she is ready.

By all means assist the rope recovery with road wheels turning slowly in first or second gear in low ratio to try and gain traction. But be careful not to overrun the rope and definitely don't get a front wheel over the rope as it could get taken around the tyre with disastrous results, if the recovery vehicle goes off again at warp 9 and he or she thinks you are catching them up. At best, the rope will tighten around the front swivel housing and squash the flexible brake pipe. At worst, you could get your axle ripped off as the recovery vehicle goes charging off.

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(c)Goodwinch Limited 2006