Tow Straps

[Flounder]

Alright folks, I have a 20 foot long 18,000lb tow strap, teflon coated, NO hooks, etc.

If this enough for trail runs? It has been great for getting people out of ditches when it snows, but I've seen 30 foot long, 30,000lb tow straps at the auto stores.

Are those overkill, or is bigger indeed better?

 

[leebo]

Thats' just fine. The 30' are nice, but can become too long at times. I'd say forget it and toss that 20' in the back and off you go.

 

[Flounder]

I get bored easily, and today I was looking at the packaging my tow strap came in.

It says it has a capacity of 18000 pounds, but the working strength is 6000 pounds. Is this adequate for off roading?

I'm not very educated in the world of tow straps, as I have always used a rope, so any help is appreciated.

 

[Isles4evr]

Well my expierence with tow straps are not all that convincing. We got mu buddies 97 wrangler stuck and broke 2 15,000lb keeper straps... then today we got all of our rigs stuck... 92 blazer s-10 (3" w/ 31 muds), 99 wrangler (stock), my 91 explorer (click on my link), and 97 wrangler (stock). It snowed so we were having fun for a while. We ripped 3 today... one of them we ripped 4 times (thanks to slip knots). We eventually called someone with chains, and got yanked out my a bulldoser/crain thing. After all of this I am going to go get some nice chains for when we get stuck next time .

Chris

 

[leebo]

Here's one for you. Guess what they use to commonly tow out Semi's out of the ditch with, straps. Granted they're larger ones than you and I would use, thats' still what they use. The straps are not only rated at a higher rate than chains, but help with the pull, and are a heck of alot easier to take along.

I still wouldn't worry about the straps. Even if it's only at 6000 that's still about 1.5 times the weight of the explorer. It's also 4000 pounds lower than most all tow hooks are rated at. I have broke tow straps, but they were either ripped a bit to start with, or being used to pull large pieces of metal with a forklift at work.

 

[Lifted95X]

Wow...I revived this thread after a year. I have a question...I want to buy some good tow straps...and want some input.

Good place to buy/What to look for/good price??

Thanks

 

[CBoug76]

Dead Link Removed

Recovery Gear USA

OR

4x4 Connections.....

 

[Arnold D.]

Several years ago, the military tried out a large bungee rope type strap called a Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope (KERR)...if you can find one at a surplus dealer, I don't think you would ever break it!

 

[Lifted95X]

2" or 3"??? 20ft or 30ft??

 

[CBoug76]

Originally posted by Arnold D.
Several years ago, the military tried out a large bungee rope type strap called a Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope (KERR)...if you can find one at a surplus dealer, I don't think you would ever break it!

Doing a quick search on Yahoo for "Kinetic Energy Recovery Rope" will give you a few links telling you should be careful when using these.... they can be dangerous in UN-Trained hands!

So I'd say stick with a tow strap(no hooks) its SAFER!

 

[Lifted95X]

OK...what about size...what is adaquate?

 

[Lifted95X]

ok people...1 more time...I'm gonna have my fiance get me some as part of my B-day gift(I know..it's not as good as the stripper Rick got) but what size??

 

[Jefe]

I'd say a 20'x2" rated at 20,000 lbs is fine for almost all offroad recoveries. Make sure it doesn't have hooks. I've seen way too many of the 20'x1.5" straps with hooks break. . .even when pulling out light jeeps. . .and its not pretty.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by SSIKORA
ok people...1 more time...I'm gonna have my fiance get me some as part of my B-day gift(I know..it's not as good as the stripper Rick got) but what size??

I'll second the tow strap without the hooks. BTW you could always use your new towstrap to get your own stripper

 

[ld50]

Hey people,

Quick question regarding tow straps (we`ll say I got a two inch [strap!]).
do you worry that it would be a strain on the strap loop grabbing on the inside curve of your tow hook or no worries?
Anyone ever use shackles to keep the strap loop flat?

-Jim from BC

 

[jimbo74]

my strap is 2" x 30' rated at 30k #..... i liked this better as a 20' wouldnt have been able to double back to the jeep that rolled me back over......

 

[RangerX]

You can also carry more than one strap. I carry a 2" 30', and a 3" 16' rated at 42000lbs.
I've been in a situation where three 30' straps was barely long enough to save my ass from rolling. I was with two other vehicles, and we each had one strap. Since then I carry two!

 

[PghBill]

So, if i read all these posts right, I should look for a strap with the following:

1 NO METAL HOOKS!

2 Strength rating - minimum 20,000 lbs, 30000 lbs better!

3 Minimum width 2" 3" better

4 Length 20' - 30'

5 Consider carrying two straps

(Anyone want to buy a nice, never used strap with two shiny hooks on either end? )

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by Jefe
I'd say a 20'x2" rated at 20,000 lbs is fine for almost all offroad recoveries. Make sure it doesn't have hooks. I've seen way too many of the 20'x1.5" straps with hooks break. . .even when pulling out light jeeps. . .and its not pretty.

I've broken about 6 20K lb. rated towstraps so far pulling trucks out of mud. If you're in the mud alot, consider going with a 30K or 40K one instead.

 

[Rx4phun]

so where are you all mounting your tow hooks, front and rear?? Especially on the front of a 95-98 explorer with the front air damn and a 3" BL.
Gary