Favorite Recovery Strap

[shawkins]

I am wondering what your guys favorite recovery strap is?

At the moment I have a 2" Procomp Strap but am planing on gettinga 3". I was leaning twards the ARB one just because its blue (my favorite color:D )LOL But if their is a better one, I will definately get it instead.

Thanks!

[flyingwil]

I have a generic 3" strap the streches during recovery. I want to say it is made by Keeper, but I dont remember for certian.

The only advice I can give regarding tow straps is not to get the ones with the built in hooks.:ar15: Other than that as long as it yanks, it works..

Wil

[paulj]

I not sure this fits with the threads topic, but:

One thing that I am interested in, is the distinction between dynamic recovery straps, and low stretch straps that might, in theory, be used with a hand winch or jack used as a winch.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/index.cgi?cart_id=3212280.2816&pid=88
for example is a 'winch extension strap' which may have low enough stretch to work with a hand winch. Another is the 2" ratchet strap with hook ends
http://offroadrecovery.com/product/58727

The use that I have in mind is where a light duty expedition vehicle (such as an Element) is pushed a bit too far, and looses traction on a front wheel and a rear one. A modest pull from another vehicle, or with a hand winch might get it going. Basically I am thinking of a 2 ton pull limit.

A dynamic jerk would work in a more serious situation, but would also put more stress on the factory 'tow' hooks/loops.

paulj

[flyingwil]

I not sure this fits with the threads topic, but:

One thing that I am interested in, is the distinction between dynamic recovery straps, and low stretch straps that might, in theory, be used with a hand winch or jack used as a winch.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/index.cgi?cart_id=3212280.2816&pid=88
for example is a 'winch extension strap' which may have low enough stretch to work with a hand winch. Another is the 2" ratchet strap with hook ends
http://offroadrecovery.com/product/58727

The use that I have in mind is where a light duty expedition vehicle (such as an Element) is pushed a bit too far, and looses traction on a front wheel and a rear one. A modest pull from another vehicle, or with a hand winch might get it going. Basically I am thinking of a 2 ton pull limit.

A dynamic jerk would work in a more serious situation, but would also put more stress on the factory 'tow' hooks/loops.

paulj

If you are worried about the jerking motion stress I would go for the rachet straps, and mount only to a stationary object, thus mitagating the stress on the tow hooks.

The way I see it once the other vehicle starts moving it could potentially create too much stress on the hooks, and the racheting strap would allow to tighten firmly prior to starting to pull the vehicle.

[barrypt5]

So i have read a bunch of threads about tow straps and everyone has said to get the ones without hooks...so can anyone tell me WHY? ya i know stupid question...but if you, for example, are wheelin with two 80 series cruisers that the tow hooks are a closed loop how do you connect them ya you can use a larks head on one side but how on the other??? D-Shackle? Please enlighten

thanks

:confused: barrypt5:confused:

[Brian McVickers]

You got it, you connect the closed loop of the strap to the closed loop tow point with a D-shackle.

The reason for not using the straps with built in hooks is for safety. If the strap snaps the hooks become projectiles!:ar15: :ar15: :eek: But if the strap snaps when using D-shackles the shackles stay where they are.

[DaktariEd]

There is a good article in Australian 4WD Monthly, #87, Dec '05, that deals with proper use, safety, etc. when using snatch straps. Also talks about a "new" and safer technique that has a lot of merit...

Ed

[Beowulf]

These two are my favorite.

The rope is the same that I have seen from others such as Master Pull. But the yellow strap is from Expedition Exchange and is the best I have ever used.

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/recoverygear/straps001%20010340.jpg

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/recoverygear/DSC04234340.jpg

[Grim Reaper]

Some how I have managed to end up with 5-6 straps and the one I use the most is the first one I bought. a 2inch x 30ft Keeper. for a truck weight between 2500-4500 a 2 inch is a good match. The strap is suppose to stretch and act like a rubber band. A 3 inch strap is best suited to a heavy full size.

The others I currently have is a 20ft absorb edge. A 30ft Procomp, a cheap low dollar Keeper, one that I just don't recall the brand and a strap I won as a door prise that came from Omix Ida (two of my friends work there) that I think is in their Rugged trail line.

The big key to making a strap last is keep it clean. If you get it in the dirt the dirt will act like razors and slowly cut the strap apart fiber by fiber. The other big saver is keep it out of the sun. UV damage takes a toll much faster then you would think.

[bigreen505]

Check out this article (http://offroadrecovery.zoovy.com/category/offroadrecoveryinfo.recoverystrapcomparo)from 4WD Monthly.

[cshontz]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/63/190082600_40359855f6.jpg

[SeaRubi]

looking around at older threads today :)

Paul, check out the wyeth-scott. This would be enough grunt to get out of the occasional light stuck.

http://www.wyeth-scott.com/

barring that, a hi-lift and 50ft of 3/8's link chain is your best bet. Do not waste time trying to use straps or synthetic line. I've tried with 5/16's plasma rope and by the time you get tension on it, there's maybe 2 or 3 clicks left on the hi-lift before it's used up and ready for a reset and another pull.

fwiw


I not sure this fits with the threads topic, but:

One thing that I am interested in, is the distinction between dynamic recovery straps, and low stretch straps that might, in theory, be used with a hand winch or jack used as a winch.

http://www.extremeoutback.com/index.cgi?cart_id=3212280.2816&pid=88
for example is a 'winch extension strap' which may have low enough stretch to work with a hand winch. Another is the 2" ratchet strap with hook ends
http://offroadrecovery.com/product/58727

The use that I have in mind is where a light duty expedition vehicle (such as an Element) is pushed a bit too far, and looses traction on a front wheel and a rear one. A modest pull from another vehicle, or with a hand winch might get it going. Basically I am thinking of a 2 ton pull limit.

A dynamic jerk would work in a more serious situation, but would also put more stress on the factory 'tow' hooks/loops.

paulj

[david despain]

So i have read a bunch of threads about tow straps and everyone has said to get the ones without hooks...so can anyone tell me WHY? ya i know stupid question...but if you, for example, are wheelin with two 80 series cruisers that the tow hooks are a closed loop how do you connect them ya you can use a larks head on one side but how on the other??? D-Shackle? Please enlighten

thanks

:confused: barrypt5:confused:

a larks head is a knot, yes? you should never ever never tie a knot in a strap like that it makes a big stress point for failure. the reason for not using the walmart special w/ hooks is that if the vehicle tow point fails, then the very solid hook on the strap will come flying at you and damage somthing, quite posible something alive. this might create some damage and posibly leaks.

[Grim Reaper]

So i have read a bunch of threads about tow straps and everyone has said to get the ones without hooks...so can anyone tell me WHY? ya i know stupid question...but if you, for example, are wheelin with two 80 series cruisers that the tow hooks are a closed loop how do you connect them ya you can use a larks head on one side but how on the other??? D-Shackle? Please enlighten

thanks

:confused: barrypt5:confused:

http://www.southernhighrollers.com/tips/articles/a_near_miss_from.htm

[ntsqd]

There is at least one knot used on flat webbing that is OK. It's called a "Water Knot" and there is a second name for it that at the moment escapes me. From my experiments in mending broken poly winch line it would seem that sharp bends create literal hot spots in the line or webbing. The failures I saw in the poly line looked more like they got too hot than they were over loaded, even though we deliberately overloaded it.
I guess the moral is to use a knot that has the largest bends reasonbly possible. I have seen certain knots tied around a large diameter stick, presumably just for this reason.

That being said, a knotted strap is b/c it broke & you're still stuck. Not something you started off with.

There was a question about the difference btwn "snatch straps" and winch extension straps. I didn't see an answer so bear with if I missed it. The extension straps want to be unstretchable or you'll loose a lot of pull length just stretching the extension.
A snatch strap does want to be stretchable as this acts as a force magnifier.

[DaveInDenver]

There is at least one knot used on flat webbing that is OK. It's called a "Water Knot" and there is a second name for it that at the moment escapes me.
There are several climbing knots that work on webbing. The ring bend (is that the other name for water knot you are thinking?), the clove hitch, girth hitch, slip knot or even a figure-8. Their effectiveness varies with the width of the webbing, though.

[ntsqd]

Ring Bend sorta rang a bell so I searched it. Simple Ring Bend or Water Knot:
http://www.swcp.com/csar/knots/images/watera.jpg
How it would be used in joining a parted strap:
http://www.swcp.com/csar/knots/images/waterc.jpg
What it looks like cinched down tight:
http://www.swcp.com/csar/knots/images/waterd.jpg
The Search & Rescue page those pics came from recommends backing up the tails with overhand knots. Though it certainly wouldn't hurt to do so, I can't recall being told to do that in my BMTC days, but then again that was about 1979........

I have used this knot in wide strap and it does get ungainly. Onced a load has been put on a wide strap it usually requires a Marlin Spike to get the knot loose. Climbing width webbing isn't nearly as troublesome.

[DaveInDenver]

The Search & Rescue page those pics came from recommends backing up the tails with overhand knots. though it certainly wouldn't hurt to do so, I can't recall being told to do that in my BMTC days, but then again that was about 1979........
Backing up the knot is essential, particularly for climbing. A ring knot can loosen and you don't want the knot slipping. The knot itself is very strong when it's under tension, tying the tails isn't for knot strength but as protection.

[ntsqd]

Which is why I haven't seriously climbed since about '84

Time for a refresher course.

Some of the local 4x club members insist on a 3" strap for their CJ's. Their experience is that the 2" straps just aren't up to the job. Counter that with knowing that most of the trails they prefer have names with "hammer" in the suffix.
So, YMMV

[shawkins]

Well, time to revive this thread!

Someone earlier posted this:
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/recoverygear/straps001%20010.jpg

With all of the snow I have been encountering lately in the offroad travels, I was thinking about picking one up. I also saw it used in the Top Gear arctic expedition video and it looked like it worked quite well for recovering a vehicle in deep snow.

So what do you guys say? Should I get one? Is the one from Expedition Exchange good or should I look for one somewhere else?

Thanks,
Stephen

[ckkone]

Looks like Wil carries the Black Rat Snatch Strap (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=149)

From the 4wd monthly article:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Black Rat 8000kg (Best stretch in the 8000kg class ? 23 per cent)
Mean Green 8000kg
Terrain Tamer 11,000kg
Megastrap 8000kg
Super Cheap Auto 8000kg

RECOMMENDED
Megastrap 11,000kg (Best stretch in the 11,000kg class ? 24 per cent)
Mean Green 10,000kg

NOT RECOMMENDED
Terrain Tamer 8000kg
Ox 8000kg
Repco Mortorguard 7500kg
Megastrap 9500kg
ARB 8000kg
ARB 11,000kg
Super Cheap Auto 9000kg

[ghost]

Just bought a 3" Smittybilt recovery strap to replace my damaged 2" pro comp strap. I was looking at the ARB strap, but decided to get the Smittybilt strap.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/PPT5836T5083.aspx

[adventureduo]

I have a BEARD strap. I didn't even know they made straps until i went shopping. I thought they just made seats and limiting straps. I have yet to use this particular one yet.

http://www.redart.com/recoverystraps.jpg

[Rezarf <><]

I am wondering what your guys favorite recovery strap is?


Thanks!

My favorite is the one long enough to get me out! :D

Seriously though I have used some from a farm store for a while and they are really nice for a lot less than the 4x4 shops.

Just another .02

[Cackalak Han]

Sorry for the resurrection, but what is the ideal length? 20ft? 30? Long as possible? I'm looking at the Keeper 2"x30' or 2"x20' on Amazon.

[nwoods]

I recommend the 30' length. You can always make it shorter creatively, but it gives you the ability to extend the strap over the obstacle that is snaring your buddy. Also, should something break, that extra 10' might make a difference.

With a 20' strap, I frequently had to double gang two straps together on the trail for a pull. With the 30' strap, it is usually enough to reach and get the job done.

My preference is for 3" x 30" straps. I have the yellow one from Expedition Exchange and it's gotten a LOT of use over the past few years and is still in pretty good shape. I also have one of the newer blue ARB straps, but thus far, its so pretty and clean I have not used it :-)

[4hilux]

Hi, I have 6 differant ARB 9m 8,000kg snatch straps, some of which have done some seriously hard work at times. Have never had any 'issues', & even ones that have been used well in excess of 50 times, are showing no wear, or stress areas. (The oldest / most used ones are now due to be 'cut up' more for peace of mind than anything else).
Bear in mind, this gear is in constant use on 4WD training courses.........

[UK4X4]

Remind me to ask my hummer mate here in oman which one he used last weekend.........:oops:

so we don't buy it......as knowing him it was the cheapest in the shop

8 hrs stuck......and the last 10ft leftover was the one the bit that managed to pull him out.

Two beginners a nice coral sand beach- a Hummer and a Toureg

rocks 50 feet away and jacks in the trucks, eventually rescued by a goat herder in an old LC 60

and no he won't give me the photo's:shakin: