What's a good brand / length / capacity tow strap to keep in the toolbox?

 

I dunno, but one tip that Demon gave us last week was to drape a tarp or something over the strap while using it. This way, if the strap breaks it gets tangled in the tarp and protects whoever or whatever is near by.

 

I keep two 2"x20' nylon straps and an ARB ****** block under the back seat. I could link them together if need be or double em up for peace of mind. The straps set me back about $25 and I think are rated at 8000# ea.

 

Mayfair I remember that tarp/blanket suggestion. I've been told to hang a sweatshirt or anything over the cable for the same reason. After I read (I thought it was Drew's not the Demon - doesn't matter, sometimes late at night I cant' remember my wife's name, that can be a problem) I found this article about a dude who tightned up some winch cable and synthetic rope and cut them to see what would happen. http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/amsteel2.htm Looks like the blanket worked best.

 

I would also mention to avoid straps with steel hooks. Those are an accident waiting to happen. Buy a strap that has loops on the end and get yourself a couple of D-rings. Much safer method for sure.....

 

I have a 3" 15 footer I got a autozone I think. I have never used it though. I have however pulled many a car and truck with chains. The potential for disaster I think is higher with chains, but I've never had one break. Just be careful and prudent about what your pulling. Probly a greater chance of tearing up your drive train than breaking a good strap or chain. Just my opinion...

 

Why would you think that? I would think that chains would be the strongest / best / safest way to go.

 

I wouldn't go with less than a 3" (approx. 30,000lb) strap. I'm on my 4th or 5th one since I started wheeling about 10 years ago. 3 inch x 30 feet is the perfect size, and NO WAY do you want metal hooks on the ends. Here's a link where you can order just the thing up. I got my most recent one (broke my old one helping a friend remove an 8" diameter tree from her yard ) at Tractor Suplly for about the same price.

Chains are very bad for any kind of recovery. No stretch to them, and when they break, they send metal flying 2 directions with a LOT of energy. A broken chain can easily go through a windshield (like, of the car/truck you're pulling) or if it breaks at the other end, it will destroy your tailgate, or possibly your rear window (I've never seen that, but it seems plausible).

Anyway, spend $50, get a 3" nylon strap, buy yourself a couple good size (I like 5/8") D-ring shackles, and you'll be in good shape. I do carry a short length of chain with me also since it can be tough sometimes to get a big strap hooked to whatever you're trying to pull. But, I avoid using it whenever possible.

Just my $0.02.

 

Ive got 3 1/2"dia. 20 foot chains that I mainly use for holding stuff down. I even have two chain dogs to tension them. would I tow with chains, I have in the past, have I yanked someone out of the ditch with chains. . .yup. you just have to remember chains are not elastic like a rope so there is no give. if you are going to use a chain pull the slack out then give her throttle.

heck this weekend I pulled some college kid out of the ditch with my truck, he was high centered with hit back tires in the air and his front tires in the ditch just a spinning. pulled him out as if nothing was there. the Cops asked me if I would be able to do it, I just told them if you give me the word I'll pull him across the next state sideways and still get 13mpg.

 

Drew is spot on in reference to chains. There is nothing wrong with using them, just know their limitations for the size you are using. Once you get a nice set of shiney new chains, you'll drive around looking for an excuse to use them.