FAQ

FAQ: Off-road equipment & crisis preparedness

1. Recovery equipment

What advantages do soft shackles (e.g., from Seilflechter) offer compared to steel shackles? Soft shackles are significantly lighter and drastically reduce the risk of injury if a connection breaks under load, as they have very little mass. Our Seilflechter shackles have a breaking load of up to 12 tons and are extremely gentle on materials.

Do I really need Maxtrax recovery boards? The Maxtrax MKII are the gold standard for sand, mud, and snow. They serve as a "substitute surface." Thanks to their special teeth, they dig into the tire tread. Unlike cheap imitations, they are made of highly flexible nylon that won't break under load.

What should a basic recovery kit contain? A good entry-level kit (like our Seilflechter "Basic") should include at least a kinetic recovery strap and suitable shackles. This allows you to be safely pulled out of a difficult situation by other vehicles. For towing in public areas, it is recommended to use a tow rope that is approved for road use and no longer than 5 meters.

Kinetic vs. rigid recovery strap - what's the difference? When recovering vehicles off-road, choosing the right equipment is crucial for safety and success. The two most common types are the kinetic recovery strap and the rigid recovery strap .

  • A kinetic belt is made of stretchable material and is designed to stretch by approximately 20-30%. 
    • How it works: The recovery vehicle starts moving with momentum. The strap stretches and stores the kinetic energy as elastic energy. At its maximum stretch, the strap contracts and gently but powerfully "snaps" the stuck vehicle out of the dirt.
    • Advantage: Protects the material (frame, attachment points) as there are no abrupt jerks. Ideal for deep sand, mud or snow.
    • Important: The recovery vehicle does not need to be heavier than the stuck vehicle, as the energy comes from the momentum.
  • The rigid recovery strap (the classic type) has virtually no stretch. 
    • Function: It is mainly used for towing on paved roads or for static recovery (e.g. with a winch).
    • Disadvantage: Attempting a "swing recovery" using this method creates extreme stress peaks. In the worst case, this can lead to towing eyes breaking off or the vehicle frame being damaged.
    • Advantage: It is usually cheaper, more compact to store and ideal as a tree strap (when winching) or for simply towing over longer distances.

2. Winches

Warn Zeon vs. Warn VR Evo – What's the difference? The Zeon series is the premium segment: extremely robust, waterproof (IP68), and designed for tough, continuous use. The VR Evo series offers the best value for money for casual users, but is also very reliable.

Steel cable or synthetic rope (S models)? Synthetic ropes (marked with an "S" by Warn) are lighter, easier to handle, and safer because they don't whip when they break. Steel cables, on the other hand, are more abrasion-resistant against sharp stone edges.

What pulling power do I need? A rule of thumb is: multiply the total weight of your fully loaded vehicle by 1.5. For most off-road vehicles (Defender, Wrangler, Hilux), winches with a pulling force of 4,500 kg (10,000 lbs) are ideal.

3. CB radio

What is the VOX function on Albrecht devices? Since the amendment to the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), holding a microphone while driving is prohibited. The VOX function enables hands-free communication: The device recognizes your voice and automatically switches to transmit mode.

Do I need a fixed antenna or is a magnetic base sufficient? Fixed antennas (like the Albrecht Gamma 2 F) offer the best range and stability. A magnetic base (e.g., ML-145) is ideal if you only use the system temporarily or want to change vehicles.

What can the Midland Dual Mike do? It's a "hybrid" microphone. You can connect it to your mobile phone via Bluetooth (using the CB Talk app for worldwide range) and simultaneously connect it to a regular CB radio.

4. Crisis and emergency equipment

Why is a crank radio (e.g., Midland ER 300) useful? In emergencies (power outages), you're independent. It can be charged by hand crank, solar power, or USB. It also functions as a power bank and a powerful LED flashlight with an SOS function.

What are the advantages of PMR radio over CB radio in times of crisis? PMR446 radios (like those in the Tectalk set) are handy, license-free, and ideal for communication in close proximity (house, convoy). CB radio, on the other hand, has a greater range for regional information.

What should I look for in a survival shovel? Multifunctional tools like the "Survival 10 in 1" save space. They serve as a shovel, hoe, saw, and knife – essential for gathering firewood or securing a camp in an emergency.

5. Cooking on off-road trips

Which type of cooker should I choose?

  • Gas: Clean, quickly adjustable, ideal for Europe and all countries where gas supply (plug-in or screw-in cartridges) is available.
  • Multifuel/petrol: Essential for long-distance travel (e.g. Africa/Central Asia), as petrol or diesel is available everywhere.

How do I purify water on site? We recommend a combination of mechanical filters and chemical treatment (tablets) to safely eliminate bacteria and viruses.

What to do with greywater after cooking/washing up? Environmental friendliness is paramount. Use biodegradable soap and collect greywater in a collapsible canister if you are in sensitive natural areas, so you can dispose of it properly later.