Tow Strap - Safe Usage

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Date: Thu, 27 Feb 1997 09:51:22 -0700
From: nickkrest@batnet.com (Nick Krest)
Subject: Tow straps 'n stuff
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org

I wrote:

        "You can loop the strap thru itself,
        wrapping it around a sturdy frame-mounted
        bumper or around an axle if there's no
        bumper. If the guy's buried and has no
        bumper, wrap it around his neck."

Scott wrote:

        "I've always heard it's a big no-no to
        pull anything from your (or the other
        guy's) suspenson and axels...is this
        true?"

Steve Capuano wrote:

        "Why tear your axle off???? Think of the
        stress on the drive train and why bend
        some thing on your suspension or break
        it all together?;) Maybe I'm paranoid
        about it, but use caution if you can
        only choose this route."

Yes, it is a big no-no, but you wouldn't believe the number of guys I've
seen that go off-road with no rear bumper. If he gets stuck, where should I
put the snatch-um strap, thru his tailgate net? Around his headrests?
Rear-view mirrors? Maybe he can just close his rear window on the strap and
that will do the trick!

Assumptions in this instance:

1) I'm assuming the other guy's stuck. I'm assuming he must be pulled back
out of whatever situation he's gotten himself into. I'm also assuming the
non-stuck one has: a) no winch, b) either a bumper or tow hitch, or is
willing to pull in reverse using front tow hooks.
2) I first assumed he has a bumper - "You can loop the strap thru itself,
wrapping it around a sturdy frame-mounted bumper" - receivers count here,
and yes, receiver shackles rule.
3) IF the guy has no bumper - "around an axle" - it's his truck, he's
stuck, and he's appealing to you for help. In this situation, I don't care
if I pull his axle OFF, as long as it doesn't come hurtling thru my rear
window.
4) I think the last option is entirely appropriate for people that have no
business being outdoors - "If the guy's buried and has no bumper, wrap it
around his neck."

More big no-no's:

NEVER USE A CHAIN.
NEVER USE A TOW STRAP (nylon strap with big heavy metal hooks on the ends).

Good ideas:

Use a 2" wide strap for Toyota trucks.
Keep spectators away.
Keep your head inside.
Put your seatbelt on.
Put your hood up if pulling in reverse.
Put a heavy blanket (e.g. moving blanket) over the tow strap. If something
comes off, it will help direct it toward the ground and not toward your
head.


 - Nick

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