Are bow shackles really necessary for vehicle recovery?

[trd_4runnin]

Didn't mean to start an argument lol but hey if people use the pin with repeated success there is no harm in that. But I agree HB, better safe than sorry.

I probably won't use the eyelets either unless its with a winch.

And yeah nice idea about not overdoing the snatch strap. If that is your weakest link then at least you're left with a broken strap, not a torn off hitch. I've bought a 2" with 15,000 lb webbing that should be enough.

Well I think I'm good now, just starting with some light snow/mud so no big deal really.

Thanks everyone for the help

eace:

Meh.. more of a debate than argument. It's all good. I'm sure as hell not gonna hold any internet grudges.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[oakjefferson]

You should at least have these items.....

2.Recovery tow strap at least 3" wide 30" feet long...not the cheap ones with hooks...Also a snatch strap...helps by stretching (Kinetic energy) to get the down vehicle unstuck...

I'm a little confused. I thought a recovery strap was the same things a snatch strap. A Tow strap would be something conmpletly differrent, no?

 

[oakjefferson]

just one more quick question, (2 actually)

I just bought a 3" 30' no name recovery strap that was on sale at Prince Auto. Would I be better off with the 2" 30' name brand (erikson I think?)? I bought a couple fo 5/8 shackles off the rack there, $7 each, sound like those may be a fail point for me? Upgrade to something else?

I've got a stocker that I might get new tires, maybe a spacer on, but that's it. No hard core 4x4, just some BC forest trails and puddles. But that last thing I want is the 1 time I'm stuck with the wife and kid in the car, I can't get out because I bought ****ty gear 2 years ago to save a dollar. I also don't want to buy more than I need as well as minor space concerns (2" verse 3")

thanks!

 

[techno]

To most people, a snatch strap and a recovery strap are the same thing. Unfortunately, the term recovery strap is vague because it may or may not be the stretchy' kind. A tow rope/strap or an extension strap should not be the stretchy kind, but can be used for vehicle recovery or towing in cases where the vehicle is not really stuck, but can't move because of poor traction or some kind of mechanical failure.

Your cheapo strap and shackles will be fine for what you want.

 

[J-money$$$]

WOW this thread is hilarious. Im am sure a hitch pin that is rated for a 12,000 lb recevier hitch is fine to put through the end of a strap. Actually I bet a 5/8 grade 8 bolt would be more than fine. That has about a 27,000 lb shear strength and costs all of a couple bucks. Im sure someone could snap one, But be smart with your recoveries. Dont shock the system and you will be just fine. Nice smooth pulls, no running starts unless you have a strap that is meant to stretch. Think about it. A 5000lb 4runner going 30 mph and shocking a system trying to pull something could break a huge shackle

I dont get the whole deal of a hitch pin meant for a "wider more dispersed force" Have you looked at a receiver hitch, Its not solid. Its set up the same, actually i bet a nylon strap gets more surface area contact on a hitch pin than the 2 walls of the .250 wall hitch does. I know you all are not meaning to argue but this thread has to be confusing to some.

You are putting way too much thought into this. These trucks are relatively light. A shackle is nice, But use what you have. The hitch pin is fine. A 5/8 grade 8 bolt and nut would work just fine too.

And NEVER RUN NYLON TO NYLON straps. Use a shackle. the friction between the two nylon straps will melt the straps together. I dont understand where using a shackle for two straps is a bad idea ?? Thats what they are made for.

And my last deal stay away from chains, and stay away from those cheapo straps with the hooks built in to the ends. Those are very dangerous.

 

[techno]

...
And NEVER RUN NYLON TO NYLON straps. Use a shackle. the friction between the two nylon straps will melt the straps together. I dont understand where using a shackle for two straps is a bad idea ??

Using a shackle for joining two SNATCH straps is a bad idea for the same reason that the straps with built in hooks are bad. The most likely failure point in the system is one of the fabric straps, so under the high dynamic loads of a recovery the metal shackle can cause greater damage or injury should it go flying with the snatch straps. For heavy duty recovery jobs, stick to using shackles for connecting snatch straps to the vehicle only.
I've never seen two straps 'melt' together, ever.