Recovery Gear from the Pacific Northwest: Warn Industries, ARB and Ironman 4x4
The Pacific Northwest has just about every type of terrain, from stuff that's perfect for beginner off-roaders to even the most seasoned 4x4 enthusiast. It’s no wonder it’s a hotbed for companies to be based in or have their North American headquarters here. I talked with three local companies to learn about their latest or unique recovery products: Warn Industries, ARB and Ironman 4x4.
Warn Industries
Warn Industries was founded in 1948, and started by developing the 4WD locking hub for surplus Jeep vehicles returning to the US from WWII. In 1959, Warn Industries pioneered the electric recovery winch, which allowed vehicles to recover themselves even if the rig wasn’t running. The company also manufactures a full line of bumpers, mounting systems and accessories for trucks and powersports vehicles, as well as utility and commercial products.
WARN Spydura Nightline Winch Replacement Rope
One of WARN’s newest products to aid in vehicle recovery is their Spydura Nightline replacement rope. The Nightline rope takes the company’s proven Spydura synthetic rope product and adds color and increased function. Nightline is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, comes with a UV-stable coating and is woven in a bright red-and-black fashion. In addition, the Spydura Nightline integrates a 3M reflective strand into the rope, which improves visibility during nighttime or harsh weather recoveries.
The Nightline replacement rope is 3/8-inch in diameter, comes in both 80-foot and 100-foot lengths and includes a forged steel hook. This winch rope includes a red heat-resistant Nomex® sleeve to protect the first layer of rope from the heat of the winch and acts as a visual end-of-line indicator. This rope is compatible for winches up to 12,000 pounds. Price: $374.99 for 80-foot replacement, $429.99 for 100-foot replacement.
WARN Epic Sidewinder
WARN’s Epic Sidewinder is a hook and shackle replacement for a quick and direct connection to various recovery points. Constructed from a forged 6061-T6 billet aluminum body and forged steel pin, this direct connect rigging system gives users a fast and secure anchor-point attachment.
The Epic Sidewinder attaches to most recovery points on aftermarket bumpers, D-ring shackles or recovery straps and even soft shackles and rope extensions. It's also corrosion, impact, salt, weather and UV-resistant. The Sidewinder is compatible for winches up to 18,000 lbs and is available in black, polished and gunmetal finishes. An optional black or red polyurethane isolator is available to help protect the Sidewinder pin. Price: $139.99 for Sidewinder, $9.99 for isolator.
WARN Epic Hyperlink
WARN’s Epic Hyperlink is a multi-purpose dual-pin shackle that allows for direct attachment to various recovery accessories for quick and easy rigging. The Hyperlink’s dual screw pin design can be used with most hooks, straps, snatchblocks, shackle mount links and D-ring shackles, as well as soft shackles and rope extensions.
The Hyperlink’s body is made from forged 6061-T6 billet aluminum and incorporates two forged steel screw pins. The Hyperlink has a 36,000 lb. working load limit and is available in black, polished and gunmetal finishes. An optional black or red polyurethane isolator is available to help protect the bumper’s finish and prevent debris from damaging the pin shaft. Price: $99.99 for Hyperlink, $14.99 for isolator.
ARB
ARB is an established Australian-based company that got their start from an off-roading enthusiast, Anthony Ronald Brown (ARB), who saw the need for durable and dependable products when adventuring in the Outback. With years of success in the 4x4 market, ARB decided to expand to the Americas in the early 1990s and based their headquarters in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle office offers product development for U.S.-spec vehicle applications. From bumpers to lights, recovery kits and JACK, the Pacific Northwest is the perfect landscape for ARB to develop, test and use their products.
ARB JACK
ARB’s JACK is a new take on a traditional long-travel jack. It includes hydraulic technology and is extremely easy to use. JACK comes to life when even the lightest pressure is put on its handle. JACK lifts a vehicle up at up to 1/2-inch increments with each arm pump of the handle (as long as JACK is used with proper mounting points like hi-lift bumper openings, under rock sliders, etc.). JACK’s rubber body stopper is specially designed to prevent damage to the vehicle during recoveries. JACK’s handle is positioned up high to give users control of the recovery without kneeling down in precarious terrain.
JACK’s body is made from aircraft grade 6061 T6 aluminum and its red lever (located at the top) is used to quickly and safely lower the vehicle via a two-stage descent feature and safety stop. Dual lowering speeds are offered with a press of a lever: either slow or rapid. Nine notches offer the adjustable hook a wide range of lifting heights, plus JACK is capable of lifting up to 4,400 lbs. When being used, an internal blow-off valve provides overload protection to safeguard the JACK and user if the vehicle suddenly drops if the working limit is surpassed. JACK can be rotated 360 degrees, too, so it can be positioned in a multitude of ways for recovery. This unit weighs 28 pounds, is 35x8x6 inches and has 22 inches of travel. Price: $812.00.
ARB JACK Base
ARB’s bright orange JACK Base is JACK’s perfect companion. When the pair is used together, JACK Base offers up a stable and flat surface during vehicle recoveries. This wide non-slip textured floor plate helps limit slipping or sinking when JACK (or a farm jack) is in use. ARB’s JACK Base is constructed from high-density polyethylene construction and can support up to 15,400 lbs. Not only is the JACK Base a jack base, but it can also be used as a wheel chock or small shovel. There are even leash attachment points to easily pull JACK Base out from tricky terrain post recovery. Price: $48.00.
Ironman 4x4
Ironman 4x4 originally was established in 1958 as a Melbourne, Australia suspension parts manufacturer named Jacob Spring Works. In 1982, it transitioned to JSW Parts and soon became well known as a manufacturer and supplier of suspension parts globally. In 1988, JSW Parts launched the Ironman 4×4 brand of springs and suspension parts, and in 2004, they expanded again. This was to meet the ever-growing demand of off-tarmac users looking for answers to help their fully-loaded 4x4s traverse off-road terrain successfully.
Since then, Ironman 4x4 has grown to become an international company and chose the Pacific Northwest as their North American headquarters. They selected this area because of easy access to backcountry trails, the Cascade Mountains, ocean beaches and high desert areas. Being outdoors is critical for their staff’s quality of life, as well as the “heartbeat” of their brand. Along with recovery accessories, Ironman 4x4 offers winches, protective bars, lights, awnings and electrical upgrades.
Ironman 4x4 Tire Repair Kit
This fully loaded Tire Repair Kit is critical to have when venturing off-road terrain. No matter if it’s patching your own mud-terrain tire, or happening upon someone else in need, having a deluxe patch kit is important to have on board.
Ironman’s 4x4 kit comes with; 30 tire repair cords, hole reamer tool, cord insertion tool, lubricant, spare valve caps, spare valve stems, spare valve cores, calve core removal tool, digital tire gauge and carrying case. Price: $39.00.
Ironman 4x4 Rear Wheel Carrier
This versatile Rear Wheel Carrier can be used in a multitude of ways, especially as an exterior holder for all your used, dirty recovery accessories (like snatchblocks, D-rings, winch damper, recovery straps, etc.). The Ironman 4x4’s organizer has a whopping 55 liters of storage, weather-proof Velcro sealed zip flap and even vented side pockets with built-in drain holes for muddy or wet items. It’s a perfect place to stash your recovery wares after a successful and challenging off-road adventure. Price: $79.00.
Warn Industries, ARB and Ironman 4x4 offer loads of off-road recovery accessories. From recovery kits, straps, shackles and tons more, these three Pacific Northwest companies will help you be better prepared for future off-road excursions.
Wheel bag and tire kit photos supplied by Ironman 4x4.
Looking to buy a winch? Learn what to look for before you buy.
