I'm wondering if anyone ever used trailer safety lines as a winch line for their hi lift? I/m also looking for some alternatives to chain. I have a bunch of straps but they stretch too much.

These saftey lines are rated at 5000lbs and 20 feet each looped at both ends. look similar to winch line....

thoughts?

I meant to say that chains are too expensive....

like these...

http://www.expressdistributing.com/cart/cgi-bin/Html/Products/trailer_safty_chain.htm

*bump*

I'm not sure what your trying to ask but if you get a proper tow strap they don't stretch. also the tow chains are only 3-4' long.

i have a 50' sling/tow strap. i bought from a sling shop. it is rated at 20,000 lbs shock load and standardd lift load. they r made for indutrial lifting with cranes i paid $45 for it. it is very strong and durable if the loops wear out they can cut them out and sew in new loops for $5. i also bought to 5' mini slings to use when conecting to the venicle they are each 15,000 lbs but i double them adn they r good for 30,000 lbs and they were $10 each i also got some shakles for $7 a piece. i have pulled many thing out with this strap and never had a problem i had 10 or 11 walmart tow straps before i bought a quility strap they r worth the money and eliminate alot injury possibilities.

I'm not sure what your trying to ask but if you get a proper tow strap they don't stretch. also the tow chains are only 3-4' long.

I have a few proper ones and they do stretch, that's how they are designed.

A hi lift is a manual winch with about 48" of winching distance at a time. Then you have to undo the straps, and reset. so you can only winch a little at a time.
Chains you can get in any lenght, gr 70 3/8 chain can be had at any home improvement center for about 4 bucks a foot. 10 feet = 40 bucks. And they don't stretch. Also, the aircraft cable I displayed in the link won't stretch, keep in mind I want to get every inch out of my winching.


My question is, will a 5000lb rated airplane cable be safe to use?

I would say yes on a 2500 lb. rig, I take a fifty foot 5/16 cable with me cut off of a warn winch and then re crimped on the cut end and use that with the cable clamp that came on the end of my high lift jack only using one of the looped ends on the cable and the high lift squezing the cable where ever it needs to be at.