4WD Recovery Glossary

Snatch Strap

A snatch strap is a heavy-duty recovery strap designed to stretch under load during vehicle recovery. The elasticity stores kinetic energy, helping pull a stuck 4WD free from sand, mud, or poor terrain. Snatch straps must be used with rated recovery points and proper safety procedures to avoid damage or injury. Shop all of our recovery gear for the Aussie environment.

Recovery Boards

Recovery boards are traction devices placed under a vehicle’s tyres to help regain grip when stuck in sand, mud, or loose terrain. Made from high-strength composite materials, they allow tyres to climb out of ruts and regain momentum. Recovery boards are essential off-road gear for beach driving and remote touring.

Dry Bag

A dry bag is a waterproof storage bag designed to protect gear from water, dust, and harsh outdoor conditions. Typically made from heavy-duty PVC or coated fabric, dry bags use a roll-top closure to seal out moisture. They are commonly used in camping, boating, and 4WD trips to keep equipment dry.

Tyre Deflator

A tyre deflator is a tool used to quickly reduce tyre pressure for off-road driving. Lower tyre pressure increases the tyre’s contact patch, improving traction on sand, mud, and rocky terrain. Tyre deflators allow drivers to safely and accurately adjust pressure when transitioning from highway driving to off-road conditions.

Winch Dampener

A winch dampener is a safety accessory placed over a winch cable or recovery strap during vehicle recovery. Its purpose is to absorb energy and reduce recoil if the cable or strap fails under tension. Winch dampeners are widely recommended in safe recovery procedures to minimise the risk of injury.

Read how to recover yourself during your next 4WD trip.

Recovery Gloves

Recovery gloves are heavy-duty protective gloves designed for handling recovery gear such as winch cables, straps, shackles, and recovery boards. They protect hands from abrasion, cuts, and dirt while improving grip during vehicle recovery operations. Many recovery gloves also feature reinforced knuckles and touch-screen compatible fingertips.

Spare Tyre Bag

A spare tyre bag is a storage bag designed to mount onto a vehicle’s rear spare tyre, commonly found on 4WD wagons and SUVs. It provides convenient external storage for items like firewood, rubbish, or wet gear, keeping dirt and debris out of the vehicle interior.

Towbar Recovery Shackle

A towbar recovery shackle is a rated recovery point designed to fit into a vehicle’s tow hitch receiver. It provides a secure mounting point for recovery straps or winch lines during vehicle recovery. Towbar shackles must be properly rated and used with compatible hitch receivers to ensure safe operation.

Ratchet Strap

A ratchet strap is a load securing strap that uses a ratcheting mechanism to tighten and secure cargo during transport. Commonly used in 4WD touring, camping, and trailers, ratchet straps keep gear stable and prevent movement on rough roads. High-quality straps are rated for heavy loads and repeated use.