Tow Straps

Is there really anything to look in to when buying a tow strap? and what about a tow hook to fit into my hitch?

Thanks
Tony

 

The 30' strap and the receiver shackle on this page are what you're gonna want. Or something similar.

 

then that would be a recovery strap, not a tow strap.

 

So if it has the hooks its no good? I just got one with hooks on it. What is it used for? I dont really know what "recovery" means.

 

when you are out 4x4ing, and another truck gets stuck, then you want to use a RECOVERY strap to pull the other truck out.



The best way to do this, is to hook up the strap to the other vehicle, then hook it up to a receiver shackle from your hitch.



THEN PULL!!!

If you use a TOW strap (one with the hooks) to try and get someone out, then you risk the strap breaking, and having a metal hook launching back in your direction. If you google tow strap accidents, you will find horrible stories of tow straps breaking and the hook killing people, etc.

Check out this link

TOW straps are literally for just towing (on road, etc). The hooks make for easy access of attaching the strap

So to the OP, depending on what you are using the straps, for take your pick

 

Recovery straps typically have a little stretch to them to provide you with a little more pull.
What happens in muddy situations and one truck is stuck: You use the recovery vehicle to give the strap a good yank, the strap stretches and then recoils tugging the stuck vehicle out. Makes it easier on the truck doing the recovering.

 

Get a *Stretch-n-Snatch* by Keeper. They're AWESOME!!
JC Whitney carries 'em.

They allow for A LOT of stretch so you can actually - get a run at it - and the recoil helps with the recovery.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/KEEPER-STRETCH-N-SNATCH-STRAPS/GP_2004417_N_111+10201+600002398_10101.jcw

The reason why you don't want metal hooks, is in case the hook slips OFF the recovery point or the strap breaks.... With all that mementum behind it, you'd get killed if you got hit by a flying metal hook.

Get a strap that's atleast 20' long (or longer) and has a minimum 15,000lb rating.
Get some D-rings with enclosed loops - similar to this:
http://www.tellico4x4.com/images/products/superwinch/2538.jpg
And again, the D-rings will have a RATING. Make sure you get 15,000lb PLUS rated D-rings to match the tow strap you buy.