Tow strap recommendations??

[dirttracker18]

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

I know you are looking at better stuff now but just an FYI for anyone else reading this.

That strap is for towing only and it set up to allow some stretch so that you are not getting that jerking from a standstill and allowing some stretch as vehicles speeds change.

If you attempt to use a strap like this to pull someone out it will break the first time.

I own one of these just for towing as they are great for what they are designed for.

What you are looking for is a recovery strap.

 

[dirttracker18]

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.

This is terrible advice. In fact a recovery strap without any metal hooks or shakles stores almost no energy while a chain of any kind is a lethal weapon. The best thing I have used is synthetic rope which does fall to the ground but still allows stretch.

Avoid chains at all costs. If neccessary then lay something heavy over it and keep people far away, raise hood of vehicles to slow down the potential impact.

 

[Nephronracing]

I carry an ARB 710 ****** Strap. http://www.arb.com.au/products/arb-recovery-equipment/straps/

The premium recovery kit is a great kit if you go off-roading. http://www.arb.com.au/products/arb-recovery-equipment/recovery-kits/

 

[Chris_L]

I can't recommend a kinetic style rope enough (masterpull super yanker, Viking offroad kinetic, bubba rope etc) it's a braided rope similar to what they moor big ships with. They stretch something like 30% you can do a 20mph pull and it will hit softly. It is WAY softer, less violent, and easier on the vehicles involved in the recovery. They are a little pricier but it's not an area you wanna skimp on and they work better than ANYTHING you else.

 

[kenfain]

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.

Exactly! Winch & ****** block or two, is the way to go in mud. I've also used a chain hoist and cable, straps, rope, whatever you gotta use. Sometimes you find the nearest hard point is a long way off. I've spent hours hand winching, grabbing as little as a quarter inch a stroke! What does " REALLY stuck " mean anyway? I mean it'll only sink as far as the axle usually. After that, your done anyway. Some people just wanna take issue with anything someone else says. Besides pullin someone out with your truck, is a good way to break an expensive transfer case, or twist a drive shaft, break u joints, half shafts, the list goes on ....

 

[NKlamerus]

Exactly! Winch & ****** block or two, is the way to go in mud. I've also used a chain hoist and cable, straps, rope, whatever you gotta use. Sometimes you find the nearest hard point is a long way off. I've spent hours hand winching, grabbing as little as a quarter inch a stroke! What does " REALLY stuck " mean anyway? I mean it'll only sink as far as the axle usually. After that, your done anyway. Some people just wanna take issue with anything someone else says. Besides pullin someone out with your truck, is a good way to break an expensive transfer case, or twist a drive shaft, break u joints, half shafts, the list goes on ....

I would consider "really stuck" when the original vehicle, and 1 or more of the recovery vehicles is down to axles. I've left my truck in holes overnight before waiting for a tractor or dozer

 

[Terra Nova]

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 know you covered it, and for your explanation/application it makes sense. However, I wanted to reiterate for anyone reading that missed. Doing this with a ****** strap is extremely dangerous. That really can't be over stated.

I use 4"x30' straps and shackles with pretty good success. As mentioned; recovering someone who is really stuck is serious business and can't be approached lightly. I've seen some close calls, even with equipment that looked up to it and spectators who looked to be out of the way enough. Things happens when you're generating those kinds of forces. On the flip side, I've done some bumper to bumper pulls with a 30' strap between two fullsize trucks and everything made it out unscathed. Use your head and if you feel something isn't safe don't try it. Especially if it's something a wrecker can make short work of.

 

[kf4zht]

Side question on the bubba ropes/kinetic straps - Should you size them based on the vehicle you are pulling with or being pulled? I am going to spend the coin on a bubba, but want to only buy 1.

I have 2 vehicles -
F250 Diesel
Jeep WK Grand Cherokee (also diesel)

Most frequently I am pulling out Jeep/Car sized vehicles. On occasion the jeep is pulling the truck, but since it is 2wd I don't ever get it too deep.

I am guessing the regular bubba would be the best, but should I get the big bubba for the extra capacity. Worried that the GC may not be able to use it effectively.

 

[owenst7]

I know you covered it, and for your explanation/application it makes sense. However, I wanted to reiterate for anyone reading that missed. Doing this with a ****** strap is extremely dangerous. That really can't be over stated.

I use 4"x30' straps and shackles with pretty good success. As mentioned; recovering someone who is really stuck is serious business and can't be approached lightly. I've seen some close calls, even with equipment that looked up to it and spectators who looked to be out of the way enough. Things happens when you're generating those kinds of forces. On the flip side, I've done some bumper to bumper pulls with a 30' strap between two fullsize trucks and everything made it out unscathed. Use your head and if you feel something isn't safe don't try it. Especially if it's something a wrecker can make short work of.

Wreckers don't go where we go but it sure would make things easier.