Safe tow rope options?

['71c204x4454]

Here is a good sight for the right equipment. http://www.recoverygear.com/DEFAULT1.HTM

[Mudder]

I added that link to the world of information sticky. Thanks

[1FaastC10]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

log chain never use a strap again. broke 5 of em in the matter of 20 minutes . would much rather trust a piece of metal than some dinky ass piece of fiber. good chain will last a long time and not break. nothing is exactly safe except a winch in one of those situations.the best bet is to just stay the f@#k outta the way

you're absolutely right, i'd much rather have a heavy metal chain flying at my head at 200mph when it breaks than have one of those pesky nylon straps break and just fall to the ground. idiots.

[500HP/SB]

i go pick up my $500 power wagon tomorrow, has a "hickey" behind bumper, winch.....not sure what i'm doing with the truck but the winch is going on my k10

every one shoud read this post.....just friday night i didnt hesitate to hook 2 tow straps and 2 chains together to get a 2wd ranger out of the mud....wont ever do that again

[454_72_4X4]

Like everyone else says, straps with no hooks are the best.
I've only got one little strap probably 6 foot and 6000lb rating or so but I just use it to pull the "dead" trucks/cars around and into/out of the shop.

I usually use some chains from work they call "lifting chains". They are 3/8 chain and certified of some sort. Grade 70 I think. I'd have to read the tags again to be sure. I've seen these chains lift the rear of a 970 Cat loader with it trying to lift something else. I've also seen the same loader snap 1in cable like peanut butter doing the same thing.
I don't worry much about them breaking but I also don't jerk on them.

Except once when my temper got the best of me trying to pull a tree stump out. Bent my reciever hitch insert, rivited the reciever pin hole so the insert wouldn't come out, bent the chit out of my steering wheel, broke the turn signal lever, and almost put myself through the windshield!
Tree stump 1 : Me 0

A couple other things is to try to hook low so if something does break there's less chance of it getting into the cab and the old throw a heavy coat/blanket over whatever you're pulling with, (strap/cable/chain).

[4x4Poet]

Originally Posted by 500HP/SB

...every one shoud read this post.....just friday night i didnt hesitate to hook 2 tow straps and 2 chains together to get a 2wd ranger out of the mud....wont ever do that again

Thankyou for your honest testimony. Along with the link posted earlier, I hope you've helped someone.

[Mudder]

I used to do a lot of wheelin and I carried (still do) a 3x30 ft tow strap and clevis's. I have seen 3 trucks hooked together trying to pull one out with a 3 inch and it didnt break. I saw a 2 inch break but never a 3 inch, unless it had a bad place in it. Never hook a strap to where it can be cut by a sharp edge. I also carried a very short chain in case I didnt have anything to hook to, then I would still use the tow strap and clevis.

This thread will be a sticky for a while. If it keeps 1 person from getting hurt it will be worth it.

[useRc10]

another question for you guys...if i were to come across a new car stuck in a ditch or something from snow, where is the best place to hook a strap to on their car? Theres too much plastic and stuff (I have tow hooks so that wouldnt be a problem)

[rodnok1]

Most new cars have a spot were they tie them down for transport, one problem is the angle from your truck. It helps to have a cheapo short strap(if it gets cut no biggie) to loop around an axle or susp member. I won't yank on them, just a slow pull, if they don't come out see ya.

[arkracing]

new cars usually have chinsey "tow hooks" under the bumper that shouldn't be trusted. best place to hook them is around a lower ctrl arm in the front and around the rear axel in the back if you can.

best suggestion would be to get a good size strap - and loop it around the rear axle and put an old sweatshirt against the "SMP" plastic bumper to avoid scratching it.

i used to run a rollback for the bodyshop that i worked for and even with that they are a pain in the neck to load - the bumpers usually hit either the ground or the bed when winching them up.


NOTE: All you guys using a tow "CHAIN" ...i'll make a suggestion that goes along with "putting a old heavy coat on the chain to help it from flying"

get another chain and drape it back and forth over your tow chain towards the middle...this works better with a shorter length of tow chain. - the weight of "safety chain" will - help but not eliminate the possibility of the chain "flying"...it may slow it down or help it to "drop" quicker.

i picked up that tip from working on the frame machine in the Body Shop...

[Mudder]

Ttt

[gn4u2c]

Transport chain is much stronger than log chain.
I have broken several 3' straps No joke they do not just fall to the ground. I had one with no hook destroy the tailgate band on my gmc.
Tips
Hook to a secrue point and verify with visual inspection.
Never hook 2 or more straps or chains together.
Never jerk the chain or strap thats the #1 way to fukc things up. If you cant pull it hook 2 trucks to it or some type heavy equipment.
If you are pulling something with a chain hook another chain by the hooks to it and wrap the slack if it jumps the weight will pull it down quick.
If using a strap wrap a floor mat or heavy jacket around it and secure with a bunjie so you know it will not fall off. these are items that will not hurt you if they go flying and they catch the wind and stop quick.
Lastly don't be a pussie and don't rush. pay attentition to what you are doing and make sure everyone possible is way clear.