PR wrote:Viking in this case is a nickname, bud - not a brand name.

The "Viking Rope" was first brought to the 4x4 clubs' attention by a guy called Bjorn (RIP) who used 24mm ship mooring rope, and I actually gave it its nickname - he was Norwegian, so... Viking Rope!

Then by all means and purposes the rope used is a strong tow rope and not one to be used for a stuck recovery

The guy doing the recovery looks like is our dear friend slivester (caprihorse) from almost 4x4...the viking rope would have been the on Bu salem had got made which soem of us bought thanks to Ali !

Avan wrote:Then by all means and purposes the rope used is a strong tow rope and not one to be used for a stuck recovery

No mate, the 24mm 3-strand mooring rope, called the Viking Rope, is ideal for pulling vehicles stuck in dunes - it's used by many 4x4 clubs, and with great respect. Some guys have used 26 and 28mm rope, but IMO it became too heavy.

Here's why I like it. The flat tow straps have no stretch, and so they shouldn't really be used with a run-up. I also carry a flat strap, and it's useful in its own way, but you really must maximize the distance between cars before accelerating to avoid a very heavy bang.

The KERR straps are too stretchy, some of them doubling in length. So you need a lot of room to get the run-up and then continue until it reaches full stretch, and then brake and allow its kinetic energy to smoothly pull the stuck car out. in the sand dunes, stucks are often in bowls and tight locations, and so KERR is difficult to apply. KERR also can be extremely dangerous if a metal shackle or two point gives way - it's a catapult, and it reaches very far! I've seen tow points fly off very very nastily with KERR!

The Viking Rope is a great in-between. It stretches about 20% of its length, so you can use it as a KERR. A lighter car can pull out a heavier one. I've pulled a dead Patrol (clutch gone) up and over dunes with my Jeeper Eater, taking full run-up at full acceleration, then braking and letting the Patrol follow uphill. A young guy took over with his Patrol, and this guy was hitting it even harder than I was... insane stuff, and not recommended, but at the time necessary. The Viking? Smooth every time, never a bang!

Normally, no need to pull so hard, anyways. Just enough to pop the stuck car out. Up and over a crest, like in the video, does need a bit more muscle, which is why I didn't particularly freak out at the video. It does seem a bit harsh, though! LOOL But the rope did its job well.

And it's way durable - I still have one of the very first ones made 8) and I've never heard of one snapping.

Anyways, best is to try one. Make sure it's the 24mm, with eyes on both ends.

Interesting, learn something new everyday. Cheers! I can tell you its an incredible sight watching mooring lines snap (9 out of 12 in a matter of seconds) - never by a car though!