Sierra Recovery Gear: Getting Stuck & Getting Out

If there is only one item you could bring along for a day of off-roading, it should be the tow strap. It can be attached to the hitch, around the axle - really any reinforced part of your truck - if you find yourself stuck (or a friend) and need to be hauled out. Available in many different lengths and weight capacities, recovery straps are a flat, reinforced nylon textile strap with a stitched loop at each end. Much lighter and easier to store than a chain, recovery straps are also slightly elastic which allows the tow vehicle to build some momentum before the strap transfers the energy to the stuck vehicle. This is extremely important, as even if the tow vehicle does not have amazing traction either, it can build some momentum and jolt the stuck truck out.

Recovery straps start at a minimum width of 2" and can go up to as large as 5". The width of the strap and the number of layers are the two most important characteristics in determining weight capacity. Multiple layers and a larger diameter produces a stronger tow strap. For a Sierra pickup truck, you'll want to use a strap that has a weight capacity of at least twice the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which usually equates to a 15,000 lb capacity strap as the bare minimum. In terms of length, it is always wise to go longer as opposed to shorter as you can always double loop the strap if it is too long. Ideally, however, you ought to have a few straps of varying lengths.

A tree strap is essentially the same as a recovery strap except that it is significantly shorter in length. The purpose of a tree strap is to provide a connection point around the trunk of a solid tree that can act as an anchor, and do so without damaging the tree. Like a recovery strap, a tree strap is stitched from reinforced nylon and thus won't cut into the tree when under strain like a chain will.

A D-ring provides a high strength and secure method of linking together various straps and chains or providing a solid connection point on your Sierra (like through the hitch receiver). As the name implies, they are shaped like the letter 'D' and use a screw-in pin to close the connection. Compared to a tow hook that has an open end, a D-ring is stronger and considerably safer. Tow hooks under strain can deform or break as the entire load is placed on the midpoint of the hook. Furthermore, a chain or strap could slip off the hook and are especially vulnerable to this if not placed in the correct orientation (if using a tow hook, it should always be connected such that the pulling force would pull the hook downward if it breaks or the strap slips). D-rings mitigate this risk by sharing the load through the entire ring and pin. And unless the D-ring breaks, your recovery strap or rope cannot slip off.

A snatch block is only useful if your Sierra is equipped with a winch. If your Sierra ticks this box, then a snatch block is a winches' best friend. More or less a heavy duty pulley, a snatch block uses the mechanical advantage that a pulley provides and is capable of actually doubling the pulling power of your winch as long as your pull line and anchor point have been correctly configured. For example, anchoring a snatch block to a tree (with a tree strap) and then running the cable from the winch through the block and back to your Sierra would result in a pull with twice the force (but half the line speed). Additionally, a snatch block can be used to change the pulling angle. In fact using three snatch blocks and multiple lines, it is possible to winch your Sierra backward using a front mounted winch!

Another handy item to have available is a set of traction boards, especially if living in a northern climate that sees a lot of snow. If the wheels keep spinning due to deep snow or mud, wedging one of these boards under the wheel might just be enough to get your Sierra going again. Made from polyolefin plastic, these types of traction boards are lightweight and feature protruding patterns on each side to increase traction.

Another great trick that works well in the snow is cat litter. If you happen to get plowed in or stuck in some deep snow, throwing cat litter all around and under the tires in many instances will be enough to get your Sierra out.

Another great item to have as part of your recovery kit is some sort of shovel. There is plenty of space in the bed of your GMC Sierra to store one, or better yet, there are collapsible spades available on the market. These collapsible spades usually feature an aluminum or composite handle so that they are extremely lightweight and collapse or fold into a very compact form, making them super easy to store. If the time comes when all the wheels do is spin, grabbing the spade and getting down and dirty may be your ticket out.