Recovery strap questions

[vthokie]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for some sort of tow strap so I can pull/be pulled out whenever someone gets stuck. I was wondering what most of you guys use. I know to stay away from chains, but I dont know which would be better to have, a tow strap or a snatch strap? I understand how the snatch strap works by stretching to increase the amount of force pulling on the stuck vehicle, but I have seen some tow straps that claim they also stretch. I'm mainly looking at the arb snatch strap (ARB Recovery strap - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits) but I have seen a lot of other general tow straps for almost half the price. I just wanted to get some peoples opinions, and see what they use.
I was also wondering if most people use a hitch mounted recovery point, or just wrap the strap around the frame when they pull someone out.
Thanks,
Russell



(I know this is pretty general stuff, but I get most of my advice from the 3rd gen owners, so I figured I would ask here.)

 

[J-money$$$]

i have a few. The nicest one i have is from trail gear. Check out trailgear.com and go to the recovery section. Im personally not a fan of the recovery hitch, and i dont have a hitch on my runner. I use the factory front hangers and a shackle in the back and some cheap hooks up front

 

[theizzardking]

How often do you think you'll use it ?

 

[vthokie]

I've got an internship out in the middle of nowhere in Spruce Pine, NC this summer, so i will be exploring the national forests pretty often hopefully. I don't know how trails out there are, but i just want to have one incase. This winter i will also be taking my 4runner on some mild snow wheeling trips. I'm currently stock, but this summer when i'm out in Sprice Pine i will have money for a lift and armor. i will be trying some more challengine stuff around then hopefully. I would assume I will be getting good use out of it.

 

[bike]

For a recovery strap I use and have seen good things from Erickson recovery straps. They're more than reasonably priced ($50 for a 2" x 30' 9000LB / 18000LB breaking point, and I got them at Princess Auto which is Canada's Harbor Freight on sale for $35). Straps should be considered consumable so the low cost is nice. After dragging through the mud, over rocks, UV rays degrading the fibers, and the abuse they're put through it's a good idea to retire a strap if it starts to fray. Wash them out with a hose and keep it out of direct sun and it should last you a while though. I keep one in the truck at all times in the rear cargo storage and bring a second when I go wheeling just incase something happens or we need to two for the extra length. Highly recommend having a 20' and 30' version for the extra versatility.

 

[vthokie]

yeah i'd like to have it last for a while. I also like the idea of having 2, its always good to be prepared. The ones you guys have mentioned so far are pretty much 1/2 the price of the arb. Is the arb just expensive then because of the brand, or is the quality that much better?

 

[Pikeman]

Recovery gear is one area I don't feel you should cheap out on. I run a 3" Pro-comp last 6 years and it is still going strong. My next set of straps will either be the Viking Line recovery straps or ARB recovery straps. If you are planning to use it for recovery you really should get a recovry/snatch strap.

 

[Gerdo]

You definitely want one that does stretch. Bigger is not better! Don't buy a strap that has too high of a working load rating. If it's sized right then it will stretch properly to absorb and release the energy of a yank. I have had inexpensive ones and they aren't too bad. I would stay away from HF stuff. I now have an ARB one and it is nice. I also have a kinetic rope. I mainly use it for snow recoveries. It stretches 30% and it provides soft yanks. You barely feel the yank.

 

[vthokie]

yeah, I definately agree it is not a good idea to go the cheapest route. So would a snatch strap work for all of my recovering needs? I was talking to someone and they were telling me they only use a snatch strap when someone is burried in mud, and use a regular tow strap for everything else. They made it sound like i wouldnt need a snatch strap ever, but wouldnt it be better to be more prepared just in case? I think a snatch strap would be a good all around recovery strap.

 

[Pikeman]

I only use a snatch strap as mentioned by Gerdo you want the one that strecthes as it is more versatile IMHO.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Do not go cheap on a recovery strap (kinetic strap). ARB is good (there are others, but I prefer to give my money to them). You can go cheap on tow straps. Get a one or two from Home Depot. They hold up pretty well and are expendable if need be.

 

[Gerdo]

There is no need to have a tow strap when you have a recovery strap. I only have recovery straps and have never NEEDED a tow strap.

 

[98_4runnerSR5]

Recovery straps are a must for anyone who wheels. I only have one right now but plan on getting a few back up in the future but whenever I go wheeling every guys I go with has one so been no worries. I plan on buying that exact ARB strap at some point. It's pricey but ARB is a great company so I don't mind forking out the extra. I currently have a KEEPER 2x30 tow strap and it's worked great.

On the other note, I have a hitch receiver with a shackle and have used it plenty of time to pull people out. I got mine off ebay for a decent price and it's held up great! Here's a pic of one for reference.

Here's the one I bought: 2" Receiver Hitch Shackle Bracket w/Shackle NEW! on eBay!