I've been shopping for recovery straps. There are budget options that don't really state the amount of stretch, and then straps like ARB's which do rate the stretch.

So it seems like the following is true:

1) For using one vehicle to unstick a vehicle, you want a strap with some elasticity to absorb the shock.

2) For a tree saver, you probably don't want much if any stretch.

3) For a tow strap, you also don't watch much stretch.

4) For winching, you shouldn't be using straps (except tree savers) at all.

Please pick apart the above, but when thinking about recovery gear it seems like you need a stretchy snatch strap, a non-stretchy tree saver, and you would be good.

Does anyone use a strap for longer distance towing off road?

Thanks.

Scott

 

Snatch straps are particularly good in mud/sand to let the recovery vehicle get a running start and the strap do the sling shot effect to get the vehicle out of the relative area it is in. Other than that, your info is looking good

 

Yep x2 your info looks pretty good I would add a snatch block to your list, it will double your pulling power and allow you to pull from different angles.

 

You are right on. I carry an ARB 30' (dynamic/stretchy) snatch strap, a 10' static (non-stretchy) tree saver and a 30' coil of 9/16" static kernmantle rescue line and a snatch block (brand unknown) in my recovery bag.

I have never had any need to use a strap for longer distance towing. I would use my 9/16' static line for towing if the need were to arise.

 

sounds good to me

 

1) You don't NEED a dynamic or "stretchy" strap, but it sure does make life easier. You can use a "budget" tow strap if you need to...just understand that you can't yank it. Use a steady pull if you're using a low-stretch strap to unstick a vehicle.

2)

3)

4) Most of the the time there won't be any need to use any straps (other than tree savers) when winching. But sometimes that winchline just won't reach...or the tree saver won't get all the way around your anchor point. In that situation, you may consider using a tow strap (not a stretchy recovery strap) as part of you recovery system...just don't use extra metal pieces in there. For instance, a basket-rigged 30 foot tow (low stretch) strap may be just what the doctor ordered to position a snatch block for use as a re-direct. Just don't start using tow straps rigged as chokers to anchor points. Choker style rigging means a net loss in safe working load...and you had better know exactly what you are doing before you try that.

I carry:

-a Warn 9.5ti with synthetic line and a safety thimble
-a stretchy 30' strap
-a non-stretchy 30' strap
-a non-stretchy 20' strap (spares are good)
-2 tree savers
-2 snatch blocks (won the second one as a door prize at a Jeep show )
-some 7/8" shackles because I tend to over-plan
-a 1" shackle to use on the primary anchor point for when I use a snatch block for mechanical advantage. Again, over-planning.


Yes...that's a lot of gear. My friends and I have gotten ourselves stuck (and un-stuck) in some very interesting places, and have gotten very creative in order to get un-stuck. Recovery gear pays for itself the first time you use it.

 

I pulled this jeep out recently using a snatch strap, im sure it would have eventually come out with a normal tow strap, but it would have been a lot harder, and would have probably dug my jeep in aswell. when I set off and pulled it, I hardly noticed I had pulled it out. If your going to be in mud or sand, then i'd definately recommend one