Tow Straps and Techniques
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 11:20:08 -0500
From: Brian Rau
Subject: Another tow strap Q
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Ok, while the tow strap discussion is still alive, here's a question I've
been pondering: I bought the type of tow strap that doesn't have an open
metal hook on the end, rather, it has a "closed" loop formed by the strap
itself; basically, just the end of the strap doubled over and sewn (don't
worry, it looks VERY strong). I have yet to use it, but finally had cause
to last week during a major snowstorm here. I stopped to help a guy who
had slid into a ditch, but his car only had the "closed" type frame
tie-down points on it, no "open" tow hooks like your typical 4x4 would
have. I couldn't help the poor guy because I couldn't attach my "closed"
loop strap to his "closed" loop attachment on his frame. In such a
situation, what does one do? Is there anything like a mondo heavy-duty
carabiner that can be used for this? Or do I need to buy a new tow strap
with an open metal hook?
==========================================================================
Brian D. Rau, Project Engineer Voice: (513) 831-2881 x167
Computer Technology Corp. FAX: (513) 831-5042
50 W. Technecenter Dr. e-mail: brau@ctcusa.com
Milford, OH 45150 USA
Web Page: http://www.ctcusa.com/users/brau.html
------------------------------
Date: 11 Feb 98 10:16:15 PST
From: Norman.Goetz@directory.reed.edu (Norman Goetz)
Subject: Another tow strap Q
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Pass the end of the strap through his frame, then pass the other end of the
strap through the loop, and cinch it down. You can only do this trick with one
end.
Or, pass the loop end through his frame and use a short metal or wood bar
passed through the loop to form a deadman.
Norman
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 05 Jan 1980 22:27:08 -0500
From: Dave Stracher
Subject: Another tow strap Q
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
>> what does one do? Is there anything like a mondo heavy-duty
>> carabiner that can be used for this? Or do I need to buy a new tow strap
>> with an open metal hook?
I had the same problem recently during a snowstorm. My two inch three strap
wouldn't fit throught the little weeny tow loop that they put on some cars
today. I solved it by going to my local industrial tool shop and getting a
galvanized anchor shackle with screw pin (as opposed to a bolt pin or loose
pin). It is rated at 50,000 lb working load limit.
These are commonly used with hoists and overhead cranes so if you have a
crane supplier in your neighborhood.
Yesterday someone mentioned using a climbing caribiner rated for 20,000 lb
load limit.
Dave Stracher
93 4Runnner (Mostly stock)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 07:24:02 -1000 (HST)
From: Eric Johnson
Subject: Another tow strap Q
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
You've got the preferred kind of tow strap. Go to a hardware store and
get the biggest shackle you can find; that will help in these types of
situations. Also, a short length of thick rope will do in a pinch, but
the shackle is really the way to go. I don't like the 'hook' style tow
straps because its one more thing to go flying through the air if
something breaks.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 09:44:44 -0800
From: Chris Geiger
Subject: Another tow strap Q
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
> I couldn't help the poor guy because I couldn't attach my "closed"
> loop strap to his "closed" loop attachment on his frame.
I carry about 8' of safety chain and a shackle that fits it. I run the
chain around there frame and out to the rope. Most of the people I pull
don't dave hooks at all.This type of chain is very hard to break or cut
because it is hardened. It costs about $5/foot but worth it. When I go
down to Los Angels I use the chain to lock the truck. I run the chain
through a rear wheel and through the frame of the truck, then lock it
tight with a good lock. Even if they get it started they won't be able to
move the truck and you can't take the tire off and put the spare on
because the chain prevents the wheel from coming off more than an inch.
Chris Geiger 93 4Runner http://geiger.mcl.ucsb.edu/offroad.html
BTW I have posted pictures for my latest trip report to Gorman / Mt
Pinos
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: 11 Feb 98 10:19:05 PST
From: Norman.Goetz@directory.reed.edu (Norman Goetz)
Subject: Another tow strap Q
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
- --- You wrote:
My two inch three strap
wouldn't fit throught the little weeny tow loop that they put on some cars
today. I solved it by going to my local industrial tool shop and getting a
galvanized anchor shackle with screw pin (as opposed to a bolt pin or loose
pin). It is rated at 50,000 lb working load limit.
These are commonly used with hoists and overhead cranes so if you have a
crane supplier in your neighborhood.
- --- end of quote ---
They are also commonly used with boat anchors, if there is a marine store
around.
Norman
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 1998 15:05:55 EST
From: DRM033@aol.com
Subject: Another tow strap Q (& A)
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
In a message dated 98-02-11 11:32:49 EST, you write:
> Is there anything like a mondo heavy-duty
> carabiner that can be used for this? Or do I need to buy a new tow strap
> with an open metal hook?
Well here is what I carry in my truck for recovery:
- -2 20'x2" strap
- -3 assorted size D-rings (whatever those horse-shoe shaped thinks with
pins are called)
- -come-along
- -short chain with hooks to attach strap to car frames with no real hooks
or attachment points (can use holes in frame).
I can't believe you have a strap and no D-rings to use to attach the strap
to a vehicle. I prefer closed attachment points - less chance of things
slipping off. Also, with the debate about bumper & pulling on balls - a
D-ring through the bumper hole where the ball shaft goes is a great
alternative.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
David Moore DRM033@aol.com
90 Toyota Truck - 4" ProComp, 33" Swampers,
4.88's, rear ARB, TJM bumper & Ramsey #8000
TLCA #5662
Traxx In Motion 4 Wheel Drive Club
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 06:55:04 -0800
From: "Don M. West"
Subject: On the tow strap thread
To: Toyota 4x4 mailing list
Chris said:
>> I couldn't help the poor guy because I couldn't attach my "closed"
>> loop strap to his "closed" loop attachment on his frame.
>
>I carry about 8' of safety chain and a shackle that fits it.
I can vouch for Chris' chain as that's what we used to get me out of a mud
bog at Hollister. That's when I decided to change out my bumper to a tube
type with a nice Warn tow shackle.
I've also purchased a good tow strap, with closed loops. I've seen chains
at hardware stores. OSH has stuff supposedly CHP approved...this may be
what Chris is referring to? As this stuff says it's rated for towing. What
I've wanted to do is get some and some hooks with shackle/cotter type ends
so I can attach the chain there, then hook the chain onto itself after
passing through the loop. The hardware store's just been out of the hooks
I'd need...I ought to get it before I NEED it *:) BTW...Chris, what length
of chain do you receommend? I don't need to carry more than I need.
Hey, speaking of chains, any of you Calif folk get checked for snow chains
when going to the Sierra? I don't have chains for my 31" and I hope to get
up to the snow before Spring.....more stuff I guess I need to buy, eh?
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 09:59:27 -0800
From: Chris Geiger
Subject: On the tow strap thread
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Don M. West wrote:
> That's when I decided to change out my bumper to a tube
> type with a nice Warn tow shackle.
So when do I get to test the new pull hook?
> OSH has stuff supposedly CHP approved...this may be what Chris is
> referring to?
Yep that's the cain I purchased, it has the highest working load of all
the chain that OSH stocks.
> Chris, what length of chain do you receommend? I don't need to carry
> more than I need.
I think 6' is about all you need. I have never needed more.
> Hey, speaking of chains, any of you Calif folk get checked for snow
> chains when going to the Sierra? I don't have chains for my 31" and
> I hope to get up to the snow before Spring....
Don don't do it! I won't be there to pull you out when you get stuck.
4WPW has chains for about $50 From what I have seen they only give you a
ticket if you get stuck. Get stuck and they ask to see your chains, if
don't have them you get $100 ticket.
Chris Geiger 93 4Runner http://geiger.mcl.ucsb.edu/offroad.html
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Feb 1998 08:26:43 -0500
From: "Eli Madden"
Subject: Snatch Strap Safety
To: toy4x4@tlca.org
I have a rear tube bumper with no hooks and I just loop the strap back
through itself. This still requires a hook on the other vehicle.
However, those tie down points have kinda rough edges which wouldn't
be too good for your strap, so check em out real close before you
loop around them. A slight tear will greatly reduce the strength
of the strap. A way to get around that is to get a short section
of chain and use it to connect to the rough/enclosed tie down point
and then attach the strap to the chain.
Make sure the chain is rated REALLY high. Snatch straps can generate
a LOT of force.
You shouldn't buy straps with hooks, cuz that hook will become a
cannonball if something breaks. Remember, snatch straps generate a
HUGE amount of force.
I've heard stories of trucks actually coming off the ground when
they get yanked by someone with enough speed with a snatch strap.
That gives an idea of how much force we're talking about.
Vehicle recovery can be one of the most dangerous parts of the sport.
Be careful. Think first. Remember, you're not really stuck as long
as the vehicle runs and you aren't hurt. It's hard to walk-out when
you're unconcious. And emergency helicopters sure are expensive!
Ambulances don't do very well on trails.......
Eli Madden
Williston, Vermont
emadden@inacom-vt.com
'83 SR5 Shortbed 4x4 w/ 31s
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 00:00:19 -0500
From: Kevin Watters
Subject: Another tow strap Q
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
>Pass the end of the strap through his frame, then pass the other end of the
>strap through the loop, and cinch it down. You can only do this trick with
>one end.
Not a bad idea on vehicles with frames, but most don't have them
anymore. The other problem is cutting your strap if your not careful. I
use a 6' length of hardened chain with hooks on both ends, hooking the
chain to the loops on both sides of the rear or front of the car, and
pass the chain through the loop in my tow strap. I don't recommend doing
this on seriously stuck trucks in mud though, I am not real comfortable
with a hard yank on a tow strap with anything metal attached, even low
quality tow hooks can become dangerous projectiles
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 15:44:30 -0500
From: Sheldon Gardner
Subject: Tow Strap
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
Been reading the Tow strap thread guess I'll throw in some tips I have
learned. Straps can get expensive especially down here in FLA. We use
em all the time and they tend to get full of sand and dirt real quick
causing them to dry out and rot away. So instead of paying $$$ all the
time I found that some old boat ropes work well, "they can get a little
bulky" I have a friend who has a 60 yd 2 inch thick rope!!! Anyway they
come cheap sometimes free depends on who you know or talk to.
I think it was someone on the list that turned me onto a nice tip. Fire
dept.'s have to throw away their straps and hoses every so often, some
sort if reg. I picked up a real nice 3 inch wide 40 yd long hose for
free, it works great real sturdy.
Sheldon
atzmkt@sunline.net
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 10:34:40 -8 GMT
From: "Leo G. Divinagracia III"
Subject: Sunday ride, I sunk my Toy
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
> From: DRM033@aol.com
>
> I am just real thankful it hit the bumper & not the windshield - bumpers
> can be fixed me & my girlfriend's heads are not easily fixed.
> I learned my lesson...
[snippage as how a tow hook almost killed david and his SO...]
here's a little tip that might add some security. if i'm strapping someone
and i'm pulling from my front hook, i lift the hood up. at least if
something goes through, the hood will slow it down before the windshield...
- -----------------------
Leo G. Divinagracia III
ldivinag@csuhayward.edu
------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 01:22:20 EST
From: "james stevenson"
Subject: Sunday ride, I sunk my Toy
To: Toy4x4@tlca.org
A few years back in the dunes north of Sydney a guy died from a strap
breaking free. The strap was placed over the tow ball. The ball broke
free. The stuck truck (80 series LC) had the strap attached to the
drivers side hook. The ball took off at great speed. It went through the
grill and radiator, bounced off the engine the went through the firewall
into the driver. The ball finally came to rest in the back of the
drivers seat. Needless to say the driver was not healthy. The guy how
helped him out is in Jail for manslaughter. I don't use em often. I've
seen too many close calls. If you have to rig a snatch strap DONT use
the tow ball use the hitch pin. Rig a safety line on each truck using a
tree trunk protector and separate anchor points to the strap. Never join
straps or attach safety's with shackles pass the straps through each
other in a figure 8 and put a stick in between so you can get em apart.
Lastly rig the strap on the stuck rig to the opposite side of the frame
to the driver this way if all goes wrong it wont take anyone out.
------------------------------
Back to the top of this thread
Back to the top of the Accessories Threads Group
Technical Discussion Groups
Back to the top of the Toy Thread Tree