hitch shackle vs soft shackle

[Icculus]

Forgive me if my search search skills are letting me down. I'm just curious about the pro's/con's of using a hitch shackle like the SmittyBuilt (which seems it would be dependent on the hitch pin strength) vs a soft shackle attached to the the rear recovery loop. Don't have much experience with either but want to investigate before investing either way. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[GBagwell]

Forgive me if my search search skills are letting me down. I'm just curious about the pro's/con's of using a hitch shackle like the SmittyBuilt (which seems it would be dependent on the hitch pin strength) vs a soft shackle attached to the the rear recovery loop. Don't have much experience with either but want to investigate before investing either way. Thoughts? Thanks.

Well, I would first say I would go with the hitch via the hitch pin and all the better with a bow shackle attachment. I would not trust the "rear recovery loop" which is really just to secure the vehicle during transport.
The subject of recovery and the pros and cons of a soft shackle and all the other apparatus can not be understated.
I think this You Tube review done by Seek Adventure is not only informative but fun to watch. Give it a view.
4x4 Soft Shackles vs Bow (Steel) Shackles - YouTube

 

[Bumbo]

I use the SmittyBuilt rear hitch shackle and it's pretty strong. It would take quite a bit to shear the hitch pin. I would trust that more than the tie down point.

 

[Ogre75]

something I've wondered, what's to stop you from just sliding your hitch pin through the tow strap loop?

 

[Bumbo]

something I've wondered, what's to stop you from just sliding your hitch pin through the tow strap loop?

Nothing... I have seen that done before in a pinch.

 

[Icculus]

Been doing more research and reading. Thanks very much for the video link. As with everything probably lots of "right" answers but for me I think I'm going with the factor 55 hitch and hard shackle. Thanks