Snatch Strap and Tree Trunk Protector

[p1michaud]

I've been going through my recovery equipment and realized that I need to replace two of my existing items before the snow starts to fly because winter wheeling is fun but you need to be prepared.

Background information:
1999 Toyota Tacoma, fully loaded pushing 5500 lbs
Warn M8000 winch

For snatching I will rarely if ever have a situation where I need to snatch more than 3 times the vehicle weight. So 3 x 5500 lbs = 16 500 lbs I know, I know, now that I wrote this, it will happen! :oops:

For a winch anchor I will typically be fine with a double line pull. Thus assuming the perfect pulley (conservative) this scenario means 2 x 8000 lbs = 16 000 lbs.

I am researching for two important pieces of recovery gear:


The Snatch Strap

Mininum requirements for my application:
16 500 lbs
30' long
reinforced eyes



The Tree Trunk Protector

Mininum requirements for my application:
16 000 lbs
10' long
reinforced eyes




I've narrowed my choices to two major suppliers ARB and Black Rat based on my research so far. I do have one question for the ARB retailers on this board. Australian 4WD Monthly had done a Snatch Strap Comparison article called "Breaking Point (http://www.beaver.com.au/news/Snatch%20Strap.pdf)". In this test, the Black Rat equipment was highly recommended and the ARB products were Not Recommended. I am also aware that ARB has changed their recovery straps (http://www.arbusa.com/snatch_straps.php) since this test. So my question is, have they improved them to the point where they would make the "recommended" cut?

Have I missed any other great supplies that you folks would recommend?

Cheers,
P

[ntsqd]

The "SuperStrap" from Red Art? (http://www.redart.com/) (I hate Flash pages....) I've played around with one of these at the Off Road Expo. Should just get one & quit stalling....

[p1michaud]

The "SuperStrap" from Red Art? (http://www.redart.com/) (I hate Flash pages....) I've played around with one of these at the Off Road Expo. Should just get one & quit stalling....

Cool strap. This is more of a winch extension type strap no?

Some one on here must sell ARB products and know...:coffee:

Cheers :beer:,
P

[crawler#976]

I've been using one similar to the 3" x 30' from Poly for years. It's been thru hell and shows it. It's been used as a tree saver, a snatch strap, and for long distance towing - one instance of over 30 miles of dirt followed by 40 on pavement. (from the Oro Belle Mine on the LP/CK trail to Humboldt, AZ.) As a snatch strap I've hit it very, very hard on numerous occasions. It has enough stretch to rubber band rigs out of snow or mud.

http://polyperformance.com/atvshop/product.php?productid=17343&cat=885&page=1

Mark

[ntsqd]

Cool strap. This is more of a winch extension type strap no?

Some one on here must sell ARB products and know...:coffee:

Cheers :beer:,
P
Nope, it's a tug-em strap. No hardware required.

[cruiseroutfit]

The new line of ARB recovery straps are completely different then their previous offerings... totally different material (old was 100% nylon, new are 100% polyester), protection covers on both ends, etc. I've been really happy with the new stuff thusfar.

That being said, I've never had an issue with any of their older products, I use them myself, and have sold hundereds of straps, never a complaint? Its likely the majority of them are never used to their operating rating, but I know I have. I've seen that test website over the years, its hard to say how reliable and repeatable their results are... I would love to see them test again with the new ARB gear.

I've got all of the old stuff (NOS) as well as the complete line of the new stuff in stock... I'd be more than happy to snap some pics if you would like.

[p1michaud]

The new line of ARB recovery straps are completely different then their previous offerings... totally different material (old was 100% nylon, new are 100% polyester), protection covers on both ends, etc. I've been really happy with the new stuff thusfar.

That's what I thought, thanks for the input. I won't bother you for the pictures, the ARB USA website has some good ones unless there is something specific you would like to point out.

Cheers :beer:,
P

[FlyingWen]

Pierre,

Have you looked into the Viking products?
Viking Kinetic Yanker Lines (Snatch Strap) have two different straps both 30' long. One has a 19,000 breaking strength and the other is 28,300.

Also, the
The 10' Tree Saver has a breaking strength of 19,600lbs.

On our site, the Viking products have become more popular then ARB and Black Rat. (Granted Black Rat has been out of stock for months).

[p1michaud]

Wen,
Thanks for posting. Yes I have been considering the Viking products. I was specifically looking the their Kinetic Yanker Lines (Snatch Strap). For some reason I can't find it on your site.

As for their tree saver, this is probably totally foolish, but something in me does not trust the synthetic line tree saver to the same extent as a strap. It would make me more confortable to have a larger stap type tree saver. Probably goes back to bigger is better mentality, but then again I've never held one of the Viking tree savers in my hand. That may change my mind.

Cheers :beer:,
P


Pierre,

Have you looked into the Viking products?
Viking Kinetic Yanker Lines (Snatch Strap) have two different straps both 30' long. One has a 19,000 breaking strength and the other is 28,300.

Also, the
The 10' Tree Saver has a breaking strength of 19,600lbs.

On our site, the Viking products have become more popular then ARB and Black Rat. (Granted Black Rat has been out of stock for months).

[cruiseroutfit]

The thing to remember about a Tree Saver, is just that the tree you are attempting to "save". Choose one that is long enough to have a connection point several feet or more from the anchor tree. Choose one that is less likely to do any visible damage to said tree. And lastly, choose on that does not stretch! :D

[p1michaud]

The thing to remember about a Tree Saver, is just that the tree you are attempting to "save". Choose one that is long enough to have a connection point several feet or more from the anchor tree. Choose one that is less likely to do any visible damage to said tree. And lastly, choose on that does not stretch! :D

Much appreciated!
Cheers,
P

[ntsqd]

I was just thinking that bigger is better in the case of tree savers, though not in the way of Kurt's excellent point. A wider strap reduces the psi applied to the tree. Not the total load, just the pressure at strap contact.

[p1michaud]

I've narrowed my choices to two major suppliers ARB and Black Rat based on my research so far.

Well, I've decided to pick up the ARB made products. I'm confident that they will not let me down.

Funny side storry, I went to see a friend last night who is involved in moving heavy equipment on occasion with his job (rigging) and he handed me a huge strap (4-6" wide and doubled over, approx 12' long rating over 20 000 lbs). He said, I heard you were looking for a new tree strap, here you go! Isn't always the case, I just ordered one but gladely accepted his as well!

Cheers :beer:,
P

[Beowulf]

I will only use Expedition Exchanges staps. They have not let me down yet.

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/straps/

They also sell the new ARB line, but the price is little higher.

[TeriAnn]

I've been using one similar to the 3" x 30' from Poly for years.

Then comes the question of when to replace the strap? I used a 4 inch strap sold for tying down loads on commercial trailers used on highways (had to pass highway specs). Somehow I never used the strap in a clean environment. Usually it was in mud of some kind. After about 15 years or so it rotted to the point where it ripped apart on a low stress pull. They get stowed wet and muddy and when you hose them down after getting home they never really get completely clean.

Anyone seen any factory recommendations for a strap lifetime?

Just wondering

[ntsqd]

That I can link to, no. What I've read is any sort of cut or fraying is grounds for replacement. Whether correct or not, I can't escape the feeling that this is a bit premature (though not by a lot) and they just want to sell me another one.

I need another & I had been thinking to get it from my local 4x4 shop as they have the nice type with the leather wrapped loops. However, I've been thinking that I should take the plunge on those I linked previously in this thread. I've handled them at the Expo & was quite impressed by them. At one time the local shop had those too. Need to see if they still do. Prefer to spend locally and all......

[iguana4x4]

I reasearched this subject last year while writing an article for a local magazine. In general terms this is what I found.

Straps should always be stored clean and dry, but should never be sun dryed, for UV rays deteriorate the webbing.

General rules for inspecting straps:
-Look for decolored areas or changes in texture of the material, these could indicate solvent damage. Also excesive decoloration indicates UV damage. If a strap gets soaked in gasoline, battery acid or any other strong solvent don't use it.

-Look for rips, cuts and small holes in the strap, any of these no matter how small they are, will create stress raisers where failures usually start.

-Look for changes in material thickness; the strap should have the same thickness from one end to the other. Changes in thickness could indicate permanent streching of the material, again a stress section.

-Never use a strap that has been joined or has a knot in it.

In my opinion you should discard a strap that shows any of the above sympthons.

Cleaning tip:
After hosing down your strap, put it in your clothes washer with a very minimal amount of soft clothes detergent (non chlorinated). After the washer is done with its cycle, put your strap in the clothes dryer in the low heat setting for about 30 minutes. You should then have a very clean strap.

I've cleaned my straps like this for a long time and have not experienced webbing failures in any of them.

But then again you don't take your washer/dryer with you to overland trips...

[cruiseroutfit]

Wear & tear is hard to put a "quantity" too, I guess its up to the user to inspect their gear just as they do with tires, brake pads, etc.

However, regarding actual yield of the strap. Many of the "higher end" straps have a yield indicator at the label on the strap, they will display a band of red if they have been stretched beyond their designed value. I wish I knew which straps did it... ARB yes, Tereflex yes, others??

[TeriAnn]

Straps should always be stored clean and dry, but should never be sun dryed, for UV rays deteriorate the webbing.

Thats a problem if used in the rain and mud and you are on the trail for another month or so. The only chance of drying the strap is in the sun when it appears. Besides I use a clothes line at home.



Cleaning tip:
After hosing down your strap, put it in your clothes washer with a very minimal amount of soft clothes detergent (non chlorinated

That's another problem. My strap had steel triangular rings permanently attached to the ends. The woman of the house - ME - would never have allowed that strap in the washing machine!

Mine just got stiffer over time (about 15 years), a little fuzzy along the edge than just split all at once.

[Benthosboy]

I was just thinking that bigger is better in the case of tree savers, though not in the way of Kurt's excellent point. A wider strap reduces the psi applied to the tree. Not the total load, just the pressure at strap contact.

Does it seem ironic to anyone that in this thread people are talking about minimising potential damage to trees while at the same time using up their fossilized ancestors like there's no tomorrow :confused: :confused:

Martyn.

[cruiseroutfit]

Does it seem ironic to anyone that in this thread people are talking about minimising potential damage to trees while at the same time using up their fossilized ancestors like there's no tomorrow :confused: :confused:

Martyn.


Due tell your solution? I beleive in minimizing my inpact whenever possible, and in the case of a tree as an anchor, it is easy enough to do so with no long-term impact at all. I didn't destroy the vegitation that later became oil ;)

[highlandercj-7]

I got a nice tree saver from TSC. 4" wide 6' long 15k ratting, $15.90 can't beat it for the $$. If I need a longer one I got a 4" wide 20' long tow strap I can use for gigantor trees lol.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_43189_-1______?rFlag=true&cFlag=1