Best Recovery Kits in Australia – What’s #1?

Anybody who regularly goes offroading will confirm that potential disaster is always just around the corner.

It doesn’t take much to end up in a dangerous situation. Drivers consistently underestimate the terrain around them. They enter pools that are too deep or their tyres can’t grip loose surfaces and end up stuck.

Even if you’re not in trouble, you may encounter somebody in a difficult spot. That’s why a good 4WD recovery kit is an essential purchase for every SUV and ute. You never know when you might need it.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most popular recovery gear in Australia. We’ve selected a range of products at different price points for every budget.

Check them out!

Best Recovery Kits - Australia

XTM 7 Piece Recovery Kit

The XTM 7 Piece Recovery Kit represents incredible value for money.

For just over $100, customers get their hands on everything they need for a rescue. This includes an 8000kg snatch strap with a length of nine meters. Meanwhile, there’s also an 8000kg snatch block for good measure.

It comes with a tree protector which is always a nice touch, and means that there’s less chance of damaging the surrounding environment. XTM also supplies a pair of 4.7-tonne bow shackles for secure attachment.

Finally, they include a dampener that also doubles as a carry bag. Yes, there are fancier and higher-performing recovery kits out there. But it’s hard to argue with this price.

Mean Mother Recovery Kit 5 Piece - 8 Tonne

Mean Mother is an Australian brand that specializes in off-roading accessories.

However, their recovery gear is the most disappointing in this guide. Firstly, they promote it as a five-piece kit. But this includes a pair of heavy-duty gloves and a storage bag.

That just leaves an 8000kg snatch strap as well as a pair of bow shackles. The latter has a weight capacity of 3.2 tonnes. This is noticeably less than the XTM alternative above. It should also be noted that these two kits cost roughly the same amount of money.

That’s what makes the Mean Mother recovery kit underwhelming.

To be fair, their equipment is high-quality, but customers don’t receive enough for their investment. There’s no snatch block or tree protector and the performance capabilities are lower.

It simply doesn’t make sense to get their recovery kit instead of the XTM.

ARB Essentials Recovery Kit

Next, let’s look at the ARB Essential Recovery Kit.

This is another great example of 4WD recovery gear because it includes almost everything you need. There’s an 8000kg snatch strap. Meanwhile, their 9000kg snatch block outperforms the XTM version we looked at earlier.

It also has a tree protector with a weight resistance of 12,000kg. The bow shackles match the XTM recovery kit at 4.75kg. ARB supplies a carry bag too.

If you own a larger 4X4 like a Ford Ranger Raptor, this may be a good option because of the snatch blocks’ higher capacity. But this recovery kit is almost twice the cost of the XTM gear.

This makes it quite expensive considering everything else is effectively the same.

MAXTRAX Recovery Kit - Bush

Finally, let’s look at the MAXTRAX Recovery Kit.

This recovery gear is much more expensive than the previous items we looked at. However, it’s very high-quality. MAXTRAX also includes a lot of equipment for different situations.

There are three kinetic ropes ranging from two to five metres. Each of these has a weight capacity of 12,000kg. Meanwhile, the five core shackles have a limit of 14 tonnes while the two fuse shackles bear seven tonnes.

MAXTRAX also provides a static rope and a recovery bag.

There’s no doubt that this 4WD recovery gear is good. However, it’s very pricey and it only works in conjunction with other MAXTRAX gear. They don’t even use the same recovery gear terminology as other providers.

If you’re willing to spend a lot, this kit will serve you well. But it’s probably best for only the most serious off-roaders.

Points To Consider When Buying Recovery Kits

Now check out the most important aspects to consider when buying a recovery kit. Take a look!

Recovery Kits Australia - FAQS

What should be in a vehicle recovery kit?

A recovery kit should include the items that we looked at above.

These include a snatch strap and shackles. Ensure that they are compatible with your vehicle’s weight restrictions. A snatch block is also useful if you have access to a recovery winch because it will enhance the former’s capacity.

We recommend a tree protector too because it lessens the risk of damage to your gear and trees at the same time.

A good pair of safety gloves will also come in handy. Recoveries can be dangerous so it’s important to be prepared.

What happens in an off-road recovery?

An off-road recovery is a stressful situation but there are some steps to take to ensure it goes as smooth as possible.

Firstly, ensure that everybody is safe. They should exit the vehicle and stand at a safe distance. Many things can go wrong. There is a risk of spinning wheels sending debris flying or snatch straps detaching and flying. Trees can snap into pieces too.

Next, set up the snatch strap. Use the shackles and the strap to attach to another vehicle. If you have a tree protector and a winch, you may choose to use a tree instead.

Place a dampener in the middle of the rope to absorb energy if it snaps. Remember to inspect your gear regularly to ensure that it’s safe to use. Safety is paramount to reducing the risk to your vehicle and bystanders.

From there, you can pull the vehicle out of its predicament.

What additional equipment may be useful?

A recovery kit doesn’t provide everything that you’ll need to stay safe while offroading. Some extra items will make life easier if you run into trouble.

Compressor

A compressor can be a lifesaver if you’re in the bush.

It doesn’t matter how robust your tires are, because they can still receive punctures. What happens if you use your spare tire and receive another puncture? That’s where a compressor and a tyre plug kit are essential.

Technically, they’re not part of a standard recovery kit but they’re just as important. Nobody wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere unable to drive.

Recovery Tracks

In some situations, your 4X4 may not be able to grip the terrain beneath the wheels.

Instead of setting up the snatch strap, you might be able to get away with using recovery tracks. These can help the vehicle escape from sticky situations. Always keep a pair in your 4WD.

Sometimes a single wheel may become stuck.

The simplest solution may be to dig it out. If you have a small shovel or a spade ready, you can free the wheel by clearing the ground around it. It may not even take much work.

Some recovery tracks incorporate a shovel because it helps to dig an even area to place them. A simple fold-up spade is easy to use and easy to store.

Winch

A decent 4WD winch is another one of those items that you shouldn't leave home without, if you think that you'll be tackling some difficult terrain. 9 times out of 10 you won't need it, but when you do, you'll be glad you bought it!

Final Thoughts

In an ideal world, you’ll never need to use your 4WD recovery kit.

However, it’s best to be prepared for every eventuality. That’s why it’s important to have your recovery gear ready to go. Check it before leaving to ensure that there’s no damage and make sure you clean it after use.

We recommend the XTM recovery kit because it’s comprehensive and represents great value. It also provides specifications on par with most competitors.

If you have a bigger 4WD or want to spend more on a premium kit, then the MAXTRAX and ARB gear may appeal more. These are both decent sets but they do cost substantially more.

As ever, if you’ve any questions, please leave a comment below.