Frequently Asked Questions
What is DitchPig® Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope used for?
- Used for dynamic vehicle recovery, where vehicles are stuck in mud, sand or snow
- It’s the safest and easiest product for getting vehicles unstuck
How does DitchPig® Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope (KERR) work?
- KERR works like a rubber band:
- It’s very elastic – stretches up to 30% of its original length
- As the rope stretches, energy is built up and stored in the rope
- Once the rope reaches maximum stretch, the energy is transferred to the stuck vehicle
- Like stretching a rubber band: the further it’s pulled out, the harder it fights to draw back to its original length
- One end is attached to the stuck vehicle and the other end to the pulling vehicle
- As the pulling vehicle drives forward, it takes up the rope’s slack creating momentum and pulling force
- Once the rope is tight, it begins to stretch – when it reaches maximum stretch, the stuck vehicle will begin to move, using all of the energy built up from stretching the rope like an elastic band
Why choose DitchPig® Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope over Recovery Straps?
- DitchPig® Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope:
- 100% double braid high-tenacity Nylon rope
- Highest strength-to-weight ratio for recovery products
- 45% stronger and lighter than wire rope winch line
- More effective – Stretches up to 30% of its original length, so it stores and transfers more energy
- Can absorb shock loads effectively
- With Recovery Rope, a smaller vehicle can recover a larger, heavier vehicle
- Recovery Straps:
- Made from Nylon
- Less stretch: only 10-15%
- Lower strength-to-weight ratio than Recovery Rope
- Straps are larger and bulkier than Recovery Ropes with same work load
Why use double diamond braid rope versus twisted rope?
- Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope:
- Used for dynamic recoveries, where vehicles are stuck in mud, sand or snow
- Versatile – KERR can be used as a tow rope, but tow rope cannot be used for recovery
- Made from high-tenacity nylon, which can stretch up to 30% of its original length
- Safer for the user and the vehicle – easiest way to get a vehicle unstuck
- Tow Ropes and Tow Straps:
- Used for static towing – when the vehicle’s wheels are not stuck
- Cannot be used for dynamic recoveries
- Generally made from low stretch materials, like polyester or polypropylene
- Frequently have hooks at both ends
Why is DitchPig® Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope made from Double Braid Rope?
- Double Braid rope has a core rope and a cover (jacket) rope
- Both core and cover are made in a diamond braid pattern
- Rope cover provides two key benefits
- Protects the core rope from debris and dirt, which can cause excessive wear and abrasion if it gets stuck between the fiber
- Carries part of the recovery load, which allows the load to be evenly distributed
- Some Recovery Ropes are made from Twisted rope:
- Less rope material used for twisted rope
- Weaker than double braid – lower strength-to-weight and strength-to-length ratio
- Easier to damage
How safe is DitchPig® Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope?
- Recovery Rope is the safest and easiest way to get a vehicle unstuck
- Tow chains, cables and straps become dangerous whips when they break under heavy load and can cause serious injury
- Nylon rope is softer than tow chains or straps, so it poses less risk of injury
- Always take precautions to minimize risk:
- Bystanders should be at least 50 feet away from the vehicles in all directions
- Place a filled line dampener or heavy blanket over the rope to minimize whip lash in case it breaks
How to attach a Recovery Rope to a vehicle?
- Only use a high-strength fixture that can be securely closed
- Examples include screw-pin shackles or soft shackles
- Work Load Limit (WLL) should be 3X the vehicles curb weight
Where to attach a Recovery Rope to a vehicle?
- Look for attachment points on the frame of the vehicle (check owner’s manual)
- Do not attach to a bumper or ball of a trailer hitch
- Under load, these can easily be torn off
Other Features of Nylon Rope:
- Can be used in very low temperatures:
- Will not lose strength after many hours at -40°F/-40°C (F & C are equal at -40°)
- Take measures to keep the rope free of moisture at very low temps – moisture can freeze and the resulting ice can damage rope fibers when load is applied
- Can be used at very high temperatures:
- Will not lose any strength as the temperature rises
- Retains all physical properties almost to its melting point at 210°F / 99°C
- Highly resistant to alkalis, like potash and lye
Things to Avoid with Nylon Rope:
- Submerged in water for long periods of time:
- After a long time, Nylon will shrink and can lose up to 15% of its strength
- In salt water, the salt and minerals can get trapped in the rope fibers and cause internal abrasions
- Avoid contact with chemicals:
- Nylon is rapidly attacked by most acids, paints and linseed oil