Safe tow rope options? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Steven Sellers · 12-26-2004, 10:12 PM

Hi guys, I know yall have used tow ropes so which ones are good and SAFE!!
We used log chains when I was on the farm and never had a problem so I am dumb when it comes to the rope thing.
Ive seen pics and heard horror stories on what happens when a tow rope goes bad, even saw a pic that showed one with a hook on the end going through a Jeep windshield and the headrest.

So cmon I know you guys have the info and safety concerns saved up......let me hereem.

Thx
Steve

71swb4x4 · 12-26-2004, 10:18 PM

I use a tow strap. I have had it for years and it has never failed me. I love it!!

71swb4x4 · 12-26-2004, 10:21 PM

Forgot to mention, I don't use hooks. I hook one end to the other vehicle's tow hook, or wrap it around the frame if it's ever possible. I slide the other end in my receiver hitch and slide the pin through. Tow hooks on the front in case I ever have to be pulled out, but hasn't been a problem yet

Steven Sellers · 12-26-2004, 10:23 PM

Where did you buy it and what brand? Thats actually what I was thinking about was a strap. Also I probally should mention if someone has to pull me out I have a 2500HD 4x4 with a dry weight of 5600lbs

71swb4x4 · 12-26-2004, 10:26 PM

I bought mine from Summit Racing. I think it was $50. They have them rated for 10,000 to 40,000 pounds. The ones with the hooks have a much lower rating. Check out www.summitracing.com They range from $16 to $86. Drop the dough for a nice one, you never know how much it may mean to you some day.

4x4Poet · 12-27-2004, 05:58 AM

Simple. Use a quality brand 3-inch tug 'em strap rated for over 30,000 lbs. Never a 2-inch with any rating. I think ARB makes some good ones, but, to my knowledge, most brands are comparable within the same strap width and rating.

Look for a 3-inch strap with lined loop-ends. The loop-end lining should be tough to protect the loop-end material from abrasion. You don't want hooks or clevises coming in direct friction contact with the nylon fiber.

For any connection not made to factory tow hooks, use very strong clevises. US made. Or Japanese, if they exist. And never connect two 30-foot straps together. That's a major rubber band effect accident waiting to happen.

Mudder · 12-27-2004, 09:28 AM

Never hook a strap to a trailer ball. Use straps with loops on the ends like Poet says and use good clevis'. For just pulling something around on the street a 2 inch will be fine but never for retrieving stuck vehicles. Wrapping a strap arround a sharp edge will cut it.

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-27-2004, 12:24 PM

I'd say have a couple different ones. I have a 30' 4" wide strap, that is not always convenient to use. Depending on the situation a short 8' is great to have. Also look into lifting slings, they dont stretch and are made to higher standard(lifting). The one's I've seen are about 6' long and 3" across w/ abrasion protection in the loop ends. I plan on purchasing a 20' 3" wide snatch strap to complement what I already have.

4x4Poet · 12-27-2004, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Sellers

...Thats actually what I was thinking about was a strap. Also I probally should mention if someone has to pull me out I have a 2500HD 4x4 with a dry weight of 5600lbs

I probably should mention that my first post only addressed tug 'em straps used by one vehicle to jerk another out of a stuck situation. I did so based on the above statement quoted. I'll leave tow straps, chains, etc. to others with more such expertise than I.

784X4GUY · 12-28-2004, 01:12 PM

Speaking of tow straps I need to get me one, right now I still use a 35' log chain. Never broke on me yet, but I just don't want that day to come. Yall know what I mean...Later Mike

Prerunner1982 · 12-28-2004, 01:23 PM

I have spent enough time using chains that thats what i use.. safest? probably not.. but thats all that he military uses, have i seen them break? yes.. but i have also seen a 34,000lbs truck (my wrecker) use chains to pull out stuck hmmwvs... seen 2 hmmvws use chains to pull our stuck dueces too...

784X4GUY · 12-28-2004, 01:41 PM

yeap...I hear ya prerunner well maybe Ill just stick with my chain. Its just that a rope is lighter so I wouldn't have to lug around that big a#$ chain I've got...Later Mike

Destructo · 12-28-2004, 10:59 PM

I only use straps with NO hooks on the ends and good strong clevices or make sure there is a nice strong tow hook to attached it too.

Or I just use the 150Ft of 8mm wire rope on the front of my truck known as a winch :p

784X4GUY · 12-28-2004, 11:22 PM

I see what your saying Destructo I can't wait to get me a Warn Winch and Bumper. Or actually Id like to mount it under the stock bumper like they did in the peterson's four wheel drive mag...Later Mike

Destructo · 12-28-2004, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 784X4GUY

I see what your saying Destructo I can't wait to get me a Warn Winch and Bumper. Or actually Id like to mount it under the stock bumper like they did in the peterson's four wheel drive mag...Later Mike

Hmm, I didn't see that, i'll have to check that out.

I bought a Warn Classic bumper for my winch, looks pretty good and now I have to decent seats on the front of my truck lol.

Mudder · 12-28-2004, 11:37 PM

Just one thing for everyone to remember. There's a lot of force on a chain or strap and if broken they can kill you or anyone else standing close.

784X4GUY · 12-29-2004, 12:19 AM

I hear ya there mudder we once had a little hand come along break on us. When we were trying to winch out a mustang out of a mudhole. (Don't ask lol). And that sucker went flying through the air scared the crap outta all of us...Later Mike

784X4GUY · 12-29-2004, 12:20 AM

Destucto...Yeah it was at the begining of this year I do believe it was on that military K30 they bought. The one that was camo remember?...Later Mike

ChebyCheyenne · 12-29-2004, 07:57 PM

i bought a tow strap at a garage sale where this guy was selling off a bunch of army surplus stuff. Its 60' long and holds 40,000lbs. Good deal for $10

matt

Steven Sellers · 12-29-2004, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4Poet

I probably should mention that my first post only addressed tug 'em straps used by one vehicle to jerk another out of a stuck situation. I did so based on the above statement quoted. I'll leave tow straps, chains, etc. to others with more such expertise than I.

Well thats actually what I was looking for I misworded it I guess. Im not going to tow anything down the road unless it is an extreme emergency. Just got to thinkin about it the other day when a fellow was in the ditch and me and the other guy with a Z71 had nothing to pull him out with.

Thx for all the advice guys like I said we used log chains on the farm to jerk everything out but was looking for yalls opinion on all available options.

Steve

cableguy0 · 12-29-2004, 09:51 PM

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

67_SS396 · 12-30-2004, 01:40 AM

Most of the off road parks around here won't let you use chains or straps with hooks. I have a line on some of the straps that the railroad uses, they are 6" wide and will handle whatever I can throw at it. I'm slowly saving my nickels and dimes for a winch this summer, that way I typically won't have to worry about having someone around to pull me out.

784X4GUY · 12-30-2004, 01:57 AM

Yes very good reason there 67SS I can't wait till im able to get me one...Later Mike

Destructo · 12-30-2004, 07:17 PM

I traded my suzuki samurai for the winch I got, kinda wish I hadn't now, but I think it was a good trade.

Stomper_1_Ton · 01-01-2005, 02:56 PM

Here is a reminder of what can go wrong when using tow straps incorrectly.....It only takes one time

Accident this fall

12-26-2004, 10:12 PM	#1
Steven Sellers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	Safe tow rope options? Hi guys, I know yall have used tow ropes so which ones are good and SAFE!! We used log chains when I was on the farm and never had a problem so I am dumb when it comes to the rope thing. Ive seen pics and heard horror stories on what happens when a tow rope goes bad, even saw a pic that showed one with a hook on the end going through a Jeep windshield and the headrest. So cmon I know you guys have the info and safety concerns saved up......let me hereem. Thx Steve __________________ 2008 Buick Enclave(wifes new non wrecked) 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2002 2500HD 6.0L (traded) 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee(wifes/wrecked) 1977 DJ5 postal jeep(mmm lots of fun) 1988 Toyota 2wd p/u(DD, blewup 199,000) 1991 Toyota 2ed p/u (sry just cant break these things) 1997 XR70 Honda 1991 Z50(FOR SALE) 1972 Z50 Honda 1970 SWB 350/knucklebuster "The adventure begins and I am confident that there will be no end".

12-26-2004, 10:18 PM	#2
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I use a tow strap. I have had it for years and it has never failed me. I love it!! __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-26-2004, 10:21 PM	#3
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Forgot to mention, I don't use hooks. I hook one end to the other vehicle's tow hook, or wrap it around the frame if it's ever possible. I slide the other end in my receiver hitch and slide the pin through. Tow hooks on the front in case I ever have to be pulled out, but hasn't been a problem yet __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-26-2004, 10:23 PM	#4
Steven Sellers Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	Where did you buy it and what brand? Thats actually what I was thinking about was a strap. Also I probally should mention if someone has to pull me out I have a 2500HD 4x4 with a dry weight of 5600lbs Attached Images __________________ 2008 Buick Enclave(wifes new non wrecked) 1996 Jeep Cherokee 2002 2500HD 6.0L (traded) 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee(wifes/wrecked) 1977 DJ5 postal jeep(mmm lots of fun) 1988 Toyota 2wd p/u(DD, blewup 199,000) 1991 Toyota 2ed p/u (sry just cant break these things) 1997 XR70 Honda 1991 Z50(FOR SALE) 1972 Z50 Honda 1970 SWB 350/knucklebuster "The adventure begins and I am confident that there will be no end".

12-26-2004, 10:26 PM	#5
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I bought mine from Summit Racing. I think it was $50. They have them rated for 10,000 to 40,000 pounds. The ones with the hooks have a much lower rating. Check out www.summitracing.com They range from $16 to $86. Drop the dough for a nice one, you never know how much it may mean to you some day. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-27-2004, 05:58 AM	#6
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	Simple. Use a quality brand 3-inch tug 'em strap rated for over 30,000 lbs. Never a 2-inch with any rating. I think ARB makes some good ones, but, to my knowledge, most brands are comparable within the same strap width and rating. Look for a 3-inch strap with lined loop-ends. The loop-end lining should be tough to protect the loop-end material from abrasion. You don't want hooks or clevises coming in direct friction contact with the nylon fiber. For any connection not made to factory tow hooks, use very strong clevises. US made. Or Japanese, if they exist. And never connect two 30-foot straps together. That's a major rubber band effect accident waiting to happen. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

12-27-2004, 09:28 AM	#7
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Never hook a strap to a trailer ball. Use straps with loops on the ends like Poet says and use good clevis'. For just pulling something around on the street a 2 inch will be fine but never for retrieving stuck vehicles. Wrapping a strap arround a sharp edge will cut it.

12-27-2004, 12:24 PM	#8
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I'd say have a couple different ones. I have a 30' 4" wide strap, that is not always convenient to use. Depending on the situation a short 8' is great to have. Also look into lifting slings, they dont stretch and are made to higher standard(lifting). The one's I've seen are about 6' long and 3" across w/ abrasion protection in the loop ends. I plan on purchasing a 20' 3" wide snatch strap to complement what I already have. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

12-28-2004, 01:12 PM	#10
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	Speaking of tow straps I need to get me one, right now I still use a 35' log chain. Never broke on me yet, but I just don't want that day to come. Yall know what I mean...Later Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!

12-28-2004, 01:23 PM	#11
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	I have spent enough time using chains that thats what i use.. safest? probably not.. but thats all that he military uses, have i seen them break? yes.. but i have also seen a 34,000lbs truck (my wrecker) use chains to pull out stuck hmmwvs... seen 2 hmmvws use chains to pull our stuck dueces too...

12-28-2004, 01:41 PM	#12
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	yeap...I hear ya prerunner well maybe Ill just stick with my chain. Its just that a rope is lighter so I wouldn't have to lug around that big a#$ chain I've got...Later Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!

12-28-2004, 10:59 PM	#13
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	I only use straps with NO hooks on the ends and good strong clevices or make sure there is a nice strong tow hook to attached it too. Or I just use the 150Ft of 8mm wire rope on the front of my truck known as a winch :p __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

12-28-2004, 11:22 PM	#14
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	I see what your saying Destructo I can't wait to get me a Warn Winch and Bumper. Or actually Id like to mount it under the stock bumper like they did in the peterson's four wheel drive mag...Later Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!

12-28-2004, 11:37 PM	#16
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Just one thing for everyone to remember. There's a lot of force on a chain or strap and if broken they can kill you or anyone else standing close.

12-29-2004, 12:19 AM	#17
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	I hear ya there mudder we once had a little hand come along break on us. When we were trying to winch out a mustang out of a mudhole. (Don't ask lol). And that sucker went flying through the air scared the crap outta all of us...Later Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!



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12-29-2004, 12:20 AM	#18
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	Destucto...Yeah it was at the begining of this year I do believe it was on that military K30 they bought. The one that was camo remember?...Later Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!

12-29-2004, 07:57 PM	#19
ChebyCheyenne Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 72	i bought a tow strap at a garage sale where this guy was selling off a bunch of army surplus stuff. Its 60' long and holds 40,000lbs. Good deal for $10 matt __________________ Truck #1: 1972 Chevrolet K20 Cheyenne Custom Camper SB400, TH400, NP205 Truck #2 1967 Chevrolet C10 Custom Sport Truck 327 small journal, TH400

12-29-2004, 09:51 PM	#21
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	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 __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-30-2004, 01:40 AM	#22
67_SS396 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Blue Ridge, Tx Posts: 1,172	Most of the off road parks around here won't let you use chains or straps with hooks. I have a line on some of the straps that the railroad uses, they are 6" wide and will handle whatever I can throw at it. I'm slowly saving my nickels and dimes for a winch this summer, that way I typically won't have to worry about having someone around to pull me out. __________________ Fawker Fab three seater rock crawler buggy 498 BBC/SM465/203/205 doubler, propane, 5.13's, 42" PB Rockers '66 C10 - The new hot rod '77 3+3 Dually - 12 valve 4wd conversion tow rig project '28 Ford 2 door sedan street rod RevLimit Offroad "Hang on beer, we can do this."

12-30-2004, 01:57 AM	#23
784X4GUY Did someone say MUD? Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pullman,WA Posts: 1,089	Yes very good reason there 67SS I can't wait till im able to get me one...Later Mike __________________ Im in the market guys...so keep ya eyes peeled -------------------- Mini trucks are for guys who cant get it up!

12-30-2004, 07:17 PM	#24
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	I traded my suzuki samurai for the winch I got, kinda wish I hadn't now, but I think it was a good trade. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

01-01-2005, 02:56 PM	#25
Stomper_1_Ton Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Terril,IA Posts: 22	Here is a reminder of what can go wrong when using tow straps incorrectly.....It only takes one time Accident this fall

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