So from what I've been reading lately, my 20 foot 3/8"link logging chain seems to be a relic of the past for vehicle recovery. I understand steel ages, stores energy, multiple projectiles, chains do have a down side, but they also can do things straps can't. So I won't be leaving the chain at home, but I'm looking for a strap to maybe take the majority of use.
So before I get stuck somewhere and inevitably my chain fails because that's just my luck, what do we like for tow straps?
I'm looking for tow/pulling specifically, but a good recommendation for a snatch strap could be useful in the future as well.
With my first vehicle, I had some braided nylon orange thing that was advertised as 10k lbs strength that snapped when I pulled a 4x4 out of the ground with my truck, so since then I've ignored synthetics, but I know technology has come along way in the 15 years since then.
Is there such a thing as too much strap or chain? Like would buying something from a semi truck supplier for my ranger be overkill to the point of breaking the truck before the strap?
The majority of use I see will be dragging vehicles around the property, but should I get myself good and buried in some mud, I'd like to be able to get out.
2 x 20 20K# strap w/ loop ends. I hate hook ends. Mine are prolly 20 yrs. old from the old farm store, holding up well and they stow well. I trust 'em.
TSC, Rural King, HF etc should have similar.
Or Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-CC220-20-Recovery-Strap/dp/B001CF4UWG
I hate chains.
I buy a new 2 or 3" by 20 or 30' every fall when the farm supply place has them on sale for my truck and toss the old one in the tractor or trailer toolbox for dragging stuff around on the farm.
Mine is also a 20k rated strap with loops at both ends. I don't know what brand it is or anything, it was something I saw on sale for a 'what the hell' price at Summit Racing a while back. It's done what it had to do the handful of times I've used it and seems well made.
Do NOT get the ones from Harbor Freight. They are terrible.
I like the 3 and 4 inch ones that pop off Tractor trailers, Some times you get Lucky and find the ratchets too ,Before someone drives over them. But I like the free ones Best !.
Interested in this post as well:
I bought and really liked a recovery strap I purchased years ago and then sold when I sold my 4x4 in the 80s. I think the brand name was Snatchum Strap or something similar to that.
Since my latest project is a Tracker, I am looking for a good recovery strap.
Loop ends, 30' and I am thinking 20,000 lbs. should do it.
Nugi
New Reader
2/3/18 7:46 p.m.
Remember a snatch and tow strap are not the same.
A snatch has some stretch, while a tow shohld have much less. Iirc.
I bought a 3"x30' loop end tow strap off Amazon that high ratings to keep in the back of the Jeep. The brand was Rhino something. I haven't used it yet but it's rated to 30k lbs or some such and seems stout. Paid about $25.
I'd like to get a snatch strap too, so I'm interested to see if anyone chimes in with a good cheap one.
I have both, the snatch strap has flex, the tow doesn't. both have loop ends that are covered in a non abrasive. Here in florida, you need to watch out for sand getting in them and degrading them. I also think they are technically supposed to be downgraded in capacity by some factor each time you use them. That said, both of mine have been used a ton and work perfectly. In fact, I used the tow strap tonight. I bought mine at 4x4 parts aka bro trucks central.