Tow strap recommendations??

[DSM21]

Hey guys got my first truck this past summer and has been quite handy, especially in the winter.

So I have pulled out two cars now from the snow storms, including my dumb *** brother. I have been using a chain, but rather use a tow strap.

I would like to have a strap that is at least 20 feet with hooks on both ends.
I have been looking at some tow straps such as the Reese tow straps.

But I do ask what is the difference between payload and capacity/breakaway weight.
The Reese Straps I was looking at were 3,3000 pay load and 10,000 break away.

This was the tow strap I was looking at.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Reese-Carry-Power-Tow-Strap-with-Hook/15125875

Please and thanks for all advice

 

[rsanter]

3300 is their design use stress
When you give a little tug or something you will go beyond that and so there is a design safety margin to the strap. If you keep going beyond the 3300 rating you are little by little wearing the strap out
10000 break away.....well that's self explanatory

Bob

 

[BajaBound]

If you have a 4wheel parts get a 30k lb. You can find decent ones at Walmart. I have a walmart one that has towed fellow Diesel truck off-roaders out of some sticky situations. If you want a great one go with Mac's. Get a couple d-ring shackles for easy connection.

 

[Jswain]

It all depends on what the weight of your truck is. You want a proper strap as it will actually flex(a lot) then snap back and pull out the stuck vehicle(which makes it a lot easier on your vehicle). If you have a light truck or SUV and get a HUGE strap then it won't have enough weight to make the strap flex. You are probably looking at something in the 20,000-30,000lb range and I would suggest getting a 30 foot with loop ends instead of hooks. If the strap comes loose the hook will become a projectile...while your at it pick up a clevis the proper size to mount to your truck, and a variety(2-3) that will fit other vehicles(the same size as the one on your truck and maybe the next two sizes down.

IMHO once you get a 4wd you should throw out those cheap yellow straps with hook ends and buy a proper setup because they will break waaaaay too easily, and could leave you stranded, hurt, or dead....they are better then nothing, but not by much. They are called "tow straps" because they aren't really made for pulling people out of the mud/snow/ditch...what you are looking for are called recovery straps.

 

[fourjeepin]

All of the good straps I have ever had did not come with hooks. All of the crappy straps that broke really easily had hooks. I am not saying there aren't good ones with hooks or telling to get one w/o hooks, but just giving you real world experience.

One other piece of advice on pulling folks, always let them hook up their side, but then check it. And if you think it might bend, warn them. They will always say pull it anyway, but this way they are much nicer about it. I have even had folks offer me cash after bending their bumper while extracting them. Whoops!

 

[jeepinerdeep]

It all depends on what the weight of your truck is. You want a proper strap as it will actually flex(a lot) then snap back and pull out the stuck vehicle(which makes it a lot easier on your vehicle). If you have a light truck or SUV and get a HUGE strap then it won't have enough weight to make the strap flex. You are probably looking at something in the 20,000-30,000lb range and I would suggest getting a 30 foot with loop ends instead of hooks. If the strap comes loose the hook will become a projectile...while your at it pick up a clevis the proper size to mount to your truck, and a variety(2-3) that will fit other vehicles(the same size as the one on your truck and maybe the next two sizes down.

IMHO once you get a 4wd you should throw out those cheap yellow straps with hook ends and buy a proper setup because they will break waaaaay too easily, and could leave you stranded, hurt, or dead....they are better then nothing, but not by much. They are called "tow straps" because they aren't really made for pulling people out of the mud/snow/ditch...what you are looking for are called recovery straps.

X 1000. Straps with hooks are very dangerous. A recovery strap is the correct piece when attached to factory towhooks or shackles. Every off-road and Jeep club I've ever seen strongly forbids and outlaws straps with attached hooks.

 

[Grayguy]

2 summers ago a man killed near here because he happened upon a stuck teenager with an atv, and against his own rules decided to use the hook on a strap the kid had. The hook came off and basically smashed the back of his skull in

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

 

[DSM21]

Thanks guys, so would this work???
http://www.sears.com/everest-2-in-x-20-ft-recovery-strap/p-02866761000P
Also using a clevis would be ok, because I don't want to have a hook or anything in the back of my head.....

It is 20ft with loops and has a 5k working capacity.
Info on my truck
99 XLT Ranger
4.0 ohv v6 160hp 200 torque
4x4 with a 5400lbs towing capacity.

 

[efb16acrx]

Here's what I use. Haven't had to buy one in a few years but I seem to remember this being the best bang for the buck.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CF4UXU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[owenst7]

http://m.sportsmansguide.com/Product.aspx?a=450228&tab=1

Have had four of these for about 7 years. They've held up just as well as any other store bought strap I've used over the years. They get used a lot-mostly on other rigs

As was mentioned, be careful with rigging, especially with the end hooked to the other guy. There are two dimples in my tailgate to show what a shackle will do when your friend hooks his junk up wrong. Not that I care about dents in the trail rig, but someone could have got hurt.

Another thing I see commonly misunderstood: UHMWPE winch "rope" does not store a significant amount of energy, but things attached to it still can. Had a friend lose his windshield and back window due to a flying hook when the winch rope broke. They didn't have anything hanging from the line because they thought it wasn't needed with UHMWPE (which is correct), but they had a nylon strap in line too, which absolutely will turn in to slingshot if anything lets go.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Either use the loop in the end (pass the loop over a solid part of the suspension and the pass the other end through the loop) or use a shackle, like below.

A screw pin anchor shackle is the perfect way to connect a tow strap to most light vehicles which have a transport eye welded into the front or rear frame.

For connecting 2 chain you will need 2 chain shackles.

If you are going to buy a tow strap, spend a couple more bucks and buy at least one shackle !

 

[DSM21]

Thanks guys could you recommend a good clevis

 

[owenst7]

Thanks guys could you recommend a good clevis

Go to a hardware store like Fastenal, Grainger, maybe even a truck stop. All the Smittybuilt, jeep, arb, etc. ones are just rebrands. I believe LiftAll makes USA ones if you're concerned about COO, but they all have to pass the same ASTM for stress.

DO NOT pull on them while they are threaded snug. The proper way is to back them off a quarter turn from snug before pulling on them.

They also make special j-hooks or whatever for rigging to the cheesy oval on the bottom of a lot of cheaper unibodies.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Thanks guys could you recommend a good clevis

Tractor Supply has a ton of good recovery stuff like shackles, straps, etc. The strap in the Sears ad is the kind you want, as stated earlier avoid hooks!

 

[Mohawk Dave]

X 1000. Straps with hooks are very dangerous. A recovery strap is the correct piece when attached to factory towhooks or shackles. Every off-road and Jeep club I've ever seen strongly forbids and outlaws straps with attached hooks.

This. If you're doing recovery grab a 30k, and a couple different size shackles that you can fasten to your vehicle and theirs (Or go around your trailer ball..)

Also, keep the chain with you. Sometimes the sit calls for chain over strap.

And then get a Kinetic ****** strap....this is for jerkin out of mud/snow etc where 10x the pull is gonna be needed. This is only for jerkin out, not pulling back home 5 miles down the road type thing. Bubba Rope or the Smitty built version. I have the SB version and have used it a lot! great tool and cheap. here's link..http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-...out&ppcfon=1&gclid=CJPd29OPy7wCFU5efgoduBkAWw

 

[HMCFab9]

Tractor Supply has a ton of good recovery stuff like shackles, straps, etc. avoid hooks!:

^^^ T.S. and Fleet Farm both sell them.
Make sure you get the proper strap. Some have "stretch" built in (for yanking out of mud / snow)
Some are just for pulling a dead car, not for yanking on.
4wheel parts / 4WD hardware sell them. Smittybuilt, Warn & others are good brands.
There is a guy on here that works at one of the 4wd supply companies. Maybe you can get a good one through him otherwise.

 

[lugnut71]

Check out bubba rope. They work really well. I stArted selling them in my shop couple years ago. I even have them in stock, if you want one. I have sold over 260 ropes just to walk in customers.

 

[madcrisis]

I use the smittybilt recovery straps and some chain when necessary. Always use shackles/ clevis. If you have something heavy that can be put around a strap you should always do so. This can save some one from being seriousy injured. If your on the trails and pulling people out of the mud your gonna need a lot nicer strap(that bubba one looks sweet i might have to pick one up.). But if your just helping a car out whos spinning some wheels strap will work. I use an 8 dollar tow rope with hooks on the ends to help people out of a sliipery situation(like i said on road and just if theyre not getting enough traction).

In the end it comes down to what right for the situation

Off road always use a strap or chain no matter what.
On road if its a light car that just needs a little help, a heavy rope will do the job.

Or you could always buy a winch

 

[warmpancakes]

Little bit more than the ones above but, Its a beast 18k break strength I have a few dealers using them 5-6 times a day Plus its made in the USA

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E1AHJY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[lugnut71]

Those straps are nice but they don't have the stretch like a bubba rope. The stretch and recoil action is what makes all the difference when pulling a stuck vehicle. I got construction guys using a 130k rope pulling semis and loaders. And yes bigger isn't better, if it's to strong u can't stretch it. Got to have one rated for your vehicle. Bubba has several sizes: 7400#, 19000#, 28000#, 52000, 72000, and 130,000.

 

[dieselgarage]

Best strap I have ever owned.

http://www.mooreparts.com/3230-AC510062-230/?gclid=CO2m2Zj3y7wCFcERMwod6ksAwA

 

[jhelrey]

Keep them clean! Don't let them sit out in the sun, etc. That will kill it before anything else will.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

2 summers ago a man killed near here because he happened upon a stuck teenager with an atv, and against his own rules decided to use the hook on a strap the kid had. The hook came off and basically smashed the back of his skull in

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk

Sad story in our area a few years back also,, 15 year old passenger in the tow vehicle was killed when a hook came through the rear window... Two good kids who were just helping a friend get his vehicle unstuck.

 

[BajaBound]

Best piece of advice is get seat time and experience and don't get stuck. One of the best things I own for recovery and yanking people out is my receiver/hitch mounted D-shackle, it's locked on and makes for a great mounting point for a variety of things. Another thing you can do is run the loop end of the rope to an extra heavy duty receiver pin and wrap duct tape around the couple inches around the tow strap that is in the hitch to avoid chaffing on the rope from rubing on the receiver.

 

[lugnut71]

I sold a buddy a 20' bubba rope, he used it to pull a ford dsl pickup out once, didn't think you could get enough of a run in twenty feet to do it, but he ripped the receiver hitch off of the ford and it rammed in between his bumper and tailgate.

 

[niferous]

Find a wire rope/sling company near you. If there is any kind of industry in your area there should be one. Get a 3" three ply strap with loops on each end. I also recommend using shackles.

If you don't have one in your area these guys ship:

http://www.deltarigging.com

 

[jeepinerdeep]

This kit here is pretty nice and affordable, it would have the ****** block in that you would not need......but still pretty nice for the money. 2 Straps and 2 Shackles, gloves and a bag.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N2SUIM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[alohavw]

Any thoughts on this one? Doesn't seem that bad for the price.
http://www.costco.com/.product.1001...vc=itempageVerticalRight|CategorySiloedViewCP

 

[mp23]

And then get a Kinetic ****** strap....this is for jerkin out of mud/snow etc where 10x the pull is gonna be needed. This is only for jerkin out, not pulling back home 5 miles down the road type thing. Bubba Rope or the Smitty built version. I have the SB version and have used it a lot! great tool and cheap. here's link..http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-...out&ppcfon=1&gclid=CJPd29OPy7wCFU5efgoduBkAWw

If you are just pulling stuck people out of the mud or snow then definitely get the kinetic energy one. If someone is broke down you don't want to be towing them down the road anyway. I have broken several of the tow straps pulling people out, I have one for emergencies but I don't trust it very much.

 

[finn]

Jerked a Factory tow hook off a K1500 Chevy stuck in a snowbank in December. The broken missle hit the back of my F450 and broke the brake line on the rear axle near the brake hose. I'm still not sure how the broken hook ended up there. I was worried that the hook may fail, as the factory Chevy hooks look pretty flimsy, but since my Truck has a dump bed with a cab shield I figured I'd be ok.

If I ever do that again, I'll at least put a tarp over the strap

 

[skruft]

I think the best ones are the "******" straps that are available from the four wheel drive places. Bubba ropes are the same idea. I do not have to do that kind of recovery any more but still have a large, heavy strap about 5" wide that I could never break.

I don't see anything wrong with the ones with hooks for towing or light, very occasional use pulling people out of snow and that sort of thing. But not for serious recovery use. I see them around with tears and rips. A big chain will work for that too. These things do not flex, though.

As someone else commented, if you worry that something will come loose, lay a blanket or tarp over the strap. Same with any kind of cable. Not necessary with a chain, which will just fall to the ground.

 

[steel 35]

As someone else commented, if you worry that something will come loose, lay a blanket or tarp over the strap. Same with any kind of cable. Not necessary with a chain, which will just fall to the ground.

naaaaaaaa !

 

[NKlamerus]

Here is what I use...4" Amsteel Blue. 30' for 30 bucks, I will hopefully pass it on to my kids. The hardest part is buying pintles with a 4" opening

 

[NKlamerus]

Yall talking about hooks falling off? Ever ripped a bumper off...?

 

[Buckgnarly]

As someone else commented, if you worry that something will come loose, lay a blanket or tarp over the strap. Same with any kind of cable. Not necessary with a chain, which will just fall to the ground.

Bad, bad advice to give. They certainly do snap back.....

 

[kenfain]

Getting a vehicle un-stuck is serious business. No passenger allowed. Everyone step well away from both vehicles. That's a rule. After that, I've pulled countless vehicles out over the years, always use a strap, loop ends, shackles when needed. I've never used the stretch feature, never will. My personal opinion is it's too dangerous, for me and the equipment. I get enough power to get the job done under complete control. Just a personal preference. That being said, out in the middle of nowhere, middle of the night, whatever, gotta do what you have to. As to the clevis / shackle question , cable supply, or rigging supply will likely have American made shackles! And those pear rings, they hook nicely over a trailer ball! I use those when skidding logs.

 

[owenst7]

Getting a vehicle un-stuck is serious business. No passenger allowed. Everyone step well away from both vehicles. That's a rule. After that, I've pulled countless vehicles out over the years, always use a strap, loop ends, shackles when needed. I've never used the stretch feature, never will. My personal opinion is it's too dangerous, for me and the equipment. I get enough power to get the job done under complete control. Just a personal preference. That being said, out in the middle of nowhere, middle of the night, whatever, gotta do what you have to. As to the clevis / shackle question , cable supply, or rigging supply will likely have American made shackles! And those pear rings, they hook nicely over a trailer ball! I use those when skidding logs.

Hook over the trailer ball? Definitely not safe rigging.

 

[kenfain]

Hook over the trailer ball? Definitely not safe rigging.

Just slipped off topic just a bit, I say it's for skidding logs. And before someone trashes me, I'll also add. 1. You're putting the pear ring on the ball, which means if it does slip off (which it wont ) the energy stored from pulling, goes AWAY from the vehicle. Towards the log. 2. You're not gonna be pulling a log large enough, to cause much trouble anyhow. Just to be clear, I would never use use this to un-stick, or otherwise pull a vehicle. But yeah, those pear rings are handy. They're about ten bucks, at the rigging supply. And made in USA.

 

[dieselgarage]

Getting a vehicle un-stuck is serious business. No passenger allowed. Everyone step well away from both vehicles. That's a rule. After that, I've pulled countless vehicles out over the years, always use a strap, loop ends, shackles when needed. I've never used the stretch feature, never will. My personal opinion is it's too dangerous, for me and the equipment. I get enough power to get the job done under complete control. Just a personal preference. That being said, out in the middle of nowhere, middle of the night, whatever, gotta do what you have to. As to the clevis / shackle question , cable supply, or rigging supply will likely have American made shackles! And those pear rings, they hook nicely over a trailer ball! I use those when skidding logs.

I'd say you have never REALLY been stuck or retrieved someone who was. I have needed to ****** many vehicles they were stuck beyond the imagination. Never had an issue or problem. Some have been with a 100foot run and ****** strap. Because if your trying to tell me you hook up and simply pull them out with no jerking I would like like to see that.

 

[NKlamerus]

I'd say you have never REALLY been stuck or retrieved someone who was. I have needed to ****** many vehicles they were stuck beyond the imagination. Never had an issue or problem. Some have been with a 100foot run and ****** strap. Because if your trying to tell me you hook up and simply pull them out with no jerking I would like like to see that.

He's got a point, especially in mud. There is no way the recovery vehicle will ever have enough traction to strait up tow someone out without a whinch.