I bought a 4 ton heavy duty come-along to put in my Jeep for recovery use. I was planning to use it with a tree saver strap and my 2"x20' recovery strap. However, people keep telling me that I should find something that doesn't stretch like my recovery strap does.

Therefore, I am trying to find a non-stretching strap, 20-25' in length, to use with my come-along.

In a last ditch effort, I'm sure the stretching recovery strap would work, but I understand the concept that something that doesn't stretch would be better.

I'm having a hard time finding a non-stretching strap, cable, or rope. I want something with loop ends (instead of hooks) for safety. It seems like all the recovery (stretching) straps have loop ends, and all the tow straps (non-stretching) have hook ends.

ARB makes a "winch extension" cable, which is exactly what I want, however it's around $80. That's more than the come-along, so I was hoping I could get away with something cheaper. The problem is that just because a strap isn't marked as stretching, doesn't seem to mean it doesn't stretch. Some of the straps in local stores are marked as "tow straps" and have loop ends, but sometimes the terms tow strap and recovery strap are used interchangeably.

The other thing I have found is winch extension cables on eBay. They are reasonably priced (like this one). I'm not sure if these are steel or synthetic cable, but it looks like it might work for my purpose. I think I would rather have a strap instead though, which folds up nice, could be more easily wrapped around things, etc.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

you should be able to get an american made 4" 20' long lifting strap rated at 22,000 lbs straight pull at 4 to 1 for abour $100

 

There is no use to buying a strap rated at 20,000 lbs if you only have the ability to generate 4,000 lbs of pull. Look for an 6-8,000 lbs strap and you'll be fine. You should be able to find one at a farm supply store for less than $40.

The is nothing wrong with using a snatch strap with a come-a-long either. They stretch slightly to absorb a shock load. The steady load from a come-a-long won't effect it.

Use a blanket over your strap like you wopuld with a winch and you'll be fine.

 

When you are looking you might notice some are called Dynamic straps and some are called static straps. For this application a static strap is what you need, A static strap is a fixed length and will not stretch.

 

I just independently did the same thing, though I'm happy enough with the ones that stretch - 'glad to know I'm not the only cheapskate!

Oh - I actually bought a 5 ton from Toolprice via Amazon. $45 with shipping.

'Hope we don't need 'em.

Mark

 

I haven't tried the come along with the stretching strap yet to see if it'll work. Hopefully I won't have to. I found a few places online that sell lifting slings, so eventually I will get a nice one to go along with the come-along.

The come-along I got was American Power Puller brand and looks like it's made really well. It was around $40 shipped from Ace Hardware Outlet.

 

Don't use a recovery rope with a come along, this is a recipe for a disaster and possible grave injury to yourself. It's okay if there isn't any other choice to use a recovery rope with a winch, because you are inside the car and in control of the brakes, steering and throttle as well as the winch. with a come along, you are outside the vehicle stretching a recovery rope which is similar as a giant rubber band, the stuck vehicle could abruptly get unstuck and with the kinetic energy of the recovery rope could either injure you if you are to close or damage the vehicle since it wouldn't be controlled. Just spend the $80 and do it right and safe.

 

You are wrong. If you have to pull out a Jeep stuck in the mud (2 foot deep), you need a stronger strap. Minimum is 20K, but 30K is just perfect.

 

home depot sells tow straps that have looped ends but do not stretch. i think its like $25 for a 30ft one. Rated for either 12,000 or 15,000 lbs..they might also have a 20,000 but I think that one had hooks.

 

A couple of folks have noted the dangers if you're stuck and it breaks free, so I'm convinced to get a non-stretching one, too. Cheap's good until the doctor bill is more than we saved.

This year, I got driving lights. Next year I'll work on the Boss for a winch.