Here is an excellent link from pirate 4x4 concerning off road safety. It's a great and worthwile read.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/Recovery.htm

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2005 Unlimited (LJ) Rubicon w/ 5.5" of total lift
Flat Fenders made by http://www.jpfaboffroad.com/

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin, 1759

That is a pretty good article. The one question I've always had (that it doesn't address):

"Why are the recovery points rated for SO MUCH less than you need to recover?"

The article says this: Make absolutely certain that the anchor points on the vehicles in question are capable of handling the loads imposed. .

Article is all about explaining that recovery weight is not just the weight of the vehicle, but is increased by how much it is stuck and the grade of recovery, in addition to how much more force is used when you "yank" to get the elastic effect. Tow hooks on a jeep are rated for 5000lbs. A hitch is rated for less, 500lb tongue weight, 3500-5000lb towing capacity (which depends on transmission, which shouldn't be relevant when using the hitch as a recovery point). Obviously when it hits that magic maximum it doesn't just sheer off, but there is something to be said for manufacturer suggested maximum weights. If my jeep weighs in at 5000lbs, I find it hard to believe that I can recover it from ANYTHING with those tow hooks and still stay under the maximum recommended weight for one of those hooks.

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Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
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