ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: echojeff on February 09, 2006, 09:12:16 PM

Title: Tow straps
Post by: echojeff on February 09, 2006, 09:12:16 PM

So I like to shop for the best deal because I am cheap.  4Wheel parts has tow straps, 20,000lb rated for $25-$30 .  Harbor freight has a sale, 8500lb rated for $10.  So the zuk is less than 3000lbs, so why do I need a 20,000 lb strap? You need to buy shackels to use the ones from 4Wheel parts also.
Jeff

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: wildgoody on February 09, 2006, 09:15:43 PM

If you are stuck good, it could take more than
3000 Lbs to get you out, might take 10,000

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: mrfuelish on February 09, 2006, 10:23:19 PM

Don't ever use a strap that has the built in hooks on it period.

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: HotRod on February 09, 2006, 11:03:31 PM

Yes, Bigger is Better.
Don't buy one from Wally World.
Buy a real Recovery Strap.
Cheap ones do break.
This is where you get "what you pay for".

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: echojeff on February 10, 2006, 04:49:45 AM

Ok I get it now ...

Tow strap = tow down the road.

Recovery strap = rescue your ars out of the jaws of the earth!  ;D  (and not fail trying)
Jeff

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: nc_zuk on February 10, 2006, 06:54:10 AM

Quote from: echojeff on February 10, 2006, 04:49:45 AM

Ok I get it now ...

Tow strap = tow down the road.

Recovery strap = rescue your ars out of the jaws of the earth!  ;D  (and not fail trying)
Jeff

The reality is that most "tow straps" are what is considered a static strap. What that means is there is no elasticity in it and it is like pulling with a wire cable. Too much tension and it will snap and become a projectile and could possibly hit and kill someone. On the other hand, A good recovery strap has some elasticity to it so when you pull it stretches some and then snatches the stuck truck out. Make sense?

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: Quaddawg on February 10, 2006, 07:25:57 AM

matter of fact, we called them "snatch straps" my whole life..

Buy a GOOD one.. best you can afford.. it will last a lifetime with proper care..  a cheap one will just at best leave you stuck, at worst kill someone..


I like the new super strap dealies, with the "weave" pockets for fastening them.. they are bit bit pricey, but look great.  I want one

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: AJMBLAZER on February 10, 2006, 01:22:04 PM

This is where I get mine.
http://www.aaasling.net/

I also have to agree with the fact that a strap with any metal hooks, chains, or whatever on the ends is BAD.  Doesn't matter the purpose or use of a strap, if there's heavy metal at the end it becomes a projectile if the strap or mounting point on the vehicle breaks.

Title: Re: Tow straps
Post by: crikeymike on February 10, 2006, 02:47:12 PM

I use an ARB snatch strap.  It's rated to 17,500lbs and has a 20% stretch.  It enabled my sidekick to pull a 72 Wagonner bogged front and rear pumpkins in the mud out of a hole this past sunday.  3000lb suzuki tugging a 5000lb waggy (which was pretty badly stuck) and getting him out makes me pretty satisfied with the strap.  I've always loved the "bungee" effect of a snatch strap, and it's cool how my kick will squirm sideways when pulling hard on something.

(later on the same day i pulled out a toyota from the same bog, but different location, with no effort, but i got bragging rights on him anyway).