How to Rig a Tree Strap for Lowering

Understanding proper winch techniques saves you a long walk home.

An off-road vehicle takes you deep into the wilderness to experience Mother Nature at its finest. When you are far from civilization, it is important to understand how to retrieve a stuck vehicle. One technique is using a winch to pull or lower the vehicle from its location. Not all winches are designed to lower the vehicle, so consult the owner's manual for your winch before attempting this task. Fastening a tree strap for lowering is the same as pulling the vehicle.

Things You'll Need

• Leather gloves
• Tree strap
• D-shackle
• Moving blanket

Instructions

1. Put on the leather gloves to protect your hands.

2. Choose a tree at the top of the slope that has a thick trunk and is alive. As a general rule, the taller the tree, the deeper its roots, the stronger the anchor point.

3. Wrap the tree strap around the bottom of the trunk as close to the ground as possible. Ensure the strap is flat around the tree without any twists.

4. Connect the two ends of the strap together with a D-shackle. These work by loosening the pin, turning it counterclockwise. Insert both ends of the strap into the shackle and secure in place by tightening the shackle's pin.

5. Place the vehicle's winch in the neutral position and pull the winch's cable out with your hands. Pull the cable toward the tree strap.

6. Hook the winch on the end of the D-shackle and place a moving blanket on the center of the wire rope. The blanket absorbs the energy if the cable brakes, reducing the likelihood of an injury.

Tips & Warnings

• Practicing proper winching techniques prior to heading out in the woods assures you understand how to safely use the equipment.

• Keep all spectators away from the wire rope when winching.

References

• Warn: The Basic Guide to Winching Techniques