So I just installed my winch and was wondering since I already have a 30 ft tow strap can I use that in place of a tree saver?

 

First of all, is it a tow strap or snatch/recovery strap? A tow strap should be half that length. You really shouldn't be towing someone with that much distance between you. Second, how wide is it? Some straps are 2", a 3" is better for the tree. If it is 3" you can use it but that distance might limit your pulling space in tighter quarters.

A good 3"x 16' tree protector can double as a tow strap and vise versa.

 

It is a recovery strap my length is probably off. I have never actually had to use it. But it is 3 in wide.

 

30' is pretty common for a recovery strap. You can use it as a tree protector it just isn't ideal, then again if the nearest tree is just out of winch range it may help you. Really you just don't want the cable wrapped around bark. In a pinch you can wrap burlap or a blanket around the cable, anything to lessen the damage.

 

30ft tow strap, with a D-Ring connector in the hook eyes... in a pinch only part of it is wrapped on the tree- the surface friction is more than enough for my 10.5k winch.

 

Wrap it a few times around the tree and would be better than a tree saver

 

Certainly have done it!

 

You do not want to use a recovery strap in place of a tree saver. Here's why...

A recovery strap is made specifically to tie from one vehicle to another and it stretches under load. That stored kinetic energy helps in the recovery process when one vehicle is trying to pull the other out.

A tree saver is a different type or weave and fabric and has little stretch. During a safe winching situation, you want a steady continuous pull. Now imagine the stretch and snap that you get from a recovery strap being introduced into the winching scenario. This can not only lead to mechanical damage, but is downright dangerous.

Bottom Line:

Tree saver for winching. Tow strap for towing. Recovery strap for vehicle recovery.

 

As stated above, you don't want to use a recovery strap for winching. However, I use a tow strap all the time as a tree saver. Basically, you just want to protect the tree from the cable cutting into it. Even just a 2" tow strap will sufficiently protect a tree.

 

What he said