Tow straps

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:27 am

I was just looking over my tool kit in prep for next weekend and was looking at the tow strap my dad had given me. It is rated for 6000lbs but with a working load of only 2000lbs, this seems too low for safety in any recovery situation. Any suggestions on how strong a good tow strap should be rated for our trucks?

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:47 am

I went with a 20,000 pound rated strap because because our rigs are 4,500#s +. Add inclines, mud and the straps need to be much higher rated. Bwenny turned me onto a local source that had reasonable prices. I can't find the link now for their online catalog. I paid about $50 for mine. It is from a place called Trailblazers in Lexington, KY.

BobbleSmitty · Post by **BobbleSmitty** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:05 pm

I have a 30,000 lbs Keeper tow strap. You're always better safe than sorry!!

top_sgt · Post by **top_sgt** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 2:51 pm

f9k9 wrote:I went with a 20,000 pound rated strap because because our rigs are 4,500#s +. Add inclines, mud and the straps need to be much higher rated. Bwenny turned me onto a local source that had reasonable prices. I can't find the link now for their online catalog. I paid about $50 for mine. It is from a place called Trailblazers in Lexington, KY.

sounds like the one i have. it's even yellow to match reed's truck!!!!

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 2:53 pm

I carry 2 Highland 30 ft tow straps plus one of their 30' recovery straps.

Highland 30' Tow Strap @ Summit Racing

Highland 30' Recovery Strap @ Summit Racing

If you don't mind spending more money the Pro-Comp straps are very nice.

Steve

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 2:57 pm

Well it looks like a frantic look at local stores to find a good recovery strap is in order for the week. Got to have a proper recovery/tow strap before the weekend. Glad I looked before I try any fun stuff.

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:01 pm

04crewvt wrote:Well it looks like a frantic look at local stores to find a good recovery strap is in order for the week.

I believe Wally World, Kragen Auto Parts, Vatozone, and Orchard hardware store all carry Highland/Keeper tow straps.

Steve

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:10 pm

Well at least I have one of those around here, Wally World is just around the corner from work.Otherwise it's the Advance Auto parts store. Also just a bit away from work. I will try for at least the 20000lb strap

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:24 pm

I'm sure everyone already knows this, but there is a difference between a tow strap and a recovery strap. Tow straps do not stretch while recovery straps do stretch 20-30%. A tow strap is good for slow pulls while a recovery strap is good for trying "yank" a stuck vehicle out of the snow or mud. It is not advisable to "yank" a vehicle out with a tow strap for obvious reasons.

You never know what situation might arise and this is why I carry both types of straps.

Steve

Post by **HenryJ** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:39 pm

Avoid one with hooks. The loop over a hook or through a clevis in a hitch are preferable.

Here is the NAPA strap that I carry

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 3:42 pm

Thats the plan. I am really hoping my 2in receiver shackle comes in this week as well. I am waiting on a lot of things to try and get ready for next weekend . There will be some wrenching this week after work that's for sure.

Jigg · Post by **Jigg** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 5:25 am

My strap is a wally-world special. Rated at 15,000 lbs. No metal hooks. It's worked just fine for everything i've done with it, from picking up a 30 yd dumpster full of shingles with a Lull, to pulling a honda civic out of the woods in the snow.

Don't stress yourself out too much over getting some super fancy, expensive strap. We've all got them, and as long as yours doesn't have hooks on the end, and is at least rated for 1.5x your vehicle weight(what's that, like 7k lbs or so?), you're good to go.

Post by **Walt** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 7:53 pm

SuperStrap.com. Nuff said IMO

They're pretty expensive, but worth it. I have a 25' 1" strap, and it's probably seen 10,000 pounds if not more, on several occaisions.

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:52 am

Went to Wally world last night. They had the Highland straps in stock but the heaviest duty was the 17000lbs rated one for $25 so thats what I ended up with. I may get a stronger one later, we will have to see how much wheeling I do. The SuperStrap looks good, I was looking at that one on line before you posted.

04crewvt · Post by **04crewvt** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:29 pm

My tow strap is broken in. I had to help the Taco behind me on the rock obsticle. The line he took got him hung up on his crossmember and he needed an assist. Everyone who made the rock waited to help the next guy in the line it was great teamwork.