towing, sort of

[bellweather]

Simple question...I need a tow rope so that the next time my car gets stuck in the soft snow on either side of my slippery driveway, I can use my tractor (BX22) to pull it out. My question is this: what's best...nylon rope, chain, cable, or other? and what is meant by "work load limit" in the catalog? Does that mean if I exceed that amount of tension on the rope, it will snap and take my head off? One of the ropes I am considering has a work load limit of 1420 lbs, yet in the catalog description it says it's good for towing cars, tractors and boats....any one of which can weigh more than 1420 lbs? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[herbenus]

I lean towards a tow strap. Mainly because I carry it around in my truck all the time, and a strap is easier to get out of tool box. And doesn't rust. I seem to remember that straps are better because they do stretch, eliminating that initial shock that a chain would do. The rating is the working tensile limit of the strap. Not the weight of the vehicle unless your lifting it up off the ground. But I would go with the heaviest rating you can find. A heavier strap may also be longer.

Of course by the same token, for dragging logs and stuff around your place you'll want a chain or chains. So if you don't want both, get a chain. But if you're going to carry it in your vehicle (a good idea especially this time of year), I'd get a strap. Just my nickel's worth.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi, bellweather i've bean using a four inch strap type. In nasty stuff we use chains but 20ft of chains is a lot heavier than strapping, never liked tow rope stuff stretches to much and if it lets go... thats a bad thing. If your giving something a yank out unless your using chain only please put an old jacket or blanket (something to takeup the energy) if one end lets go. A stap wraps up nice and stores flat in a plastic bag also. So I guess I like straps followed by chains.

Not related did I remember to add my link on the last measage? if not..web page

Cheers
Tony

 

[MossRoad]

Get one that is called a "snatch strap" vs just a tie down strap. They are made for just what you describe. You attach it to both vehicles. Then the pulling vehicle pulls ahead slowly, stretching the strap. The stuck vehicle then attempts to drive forward. The strap acts like a giant rubber band and helps to pull the vehicle out. There are probably better explanations than mine, and follow the instructions on the package. They work very well.

 

[jhburke]

For my money use a snatch strap. On slick ground you can drive with a little slack in the strap and when you hit the end of the strap your momentum will help get the stuck unit to moving. With the strap it eases the jerk when it tightens. If you use a rope or chain you have to ease up till it tightens and then apply the power only by then you are just spinning your tires. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[ns_in_tex]

For carrying around in your truck, just in case it might be needed, I like the strap. If working with my tractor, I like a chain.

Be sure to remember Tony's warning of laying something across the strap to asorb the energy if it comes loose or breaks.
My son was using one and the rubber band effect, went through his rear truck window, just missing his head & took out the truck dash.

 

[RobS]

As others have said... Nylon strap for towing, chain for dragging things through the dirt. Just don't get your expectations too high though on un-stucking your car with your tractor. You're still facing the basic laws of physics and your car probably weighs a lot more than your BX22 /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[bellweather]

Thanks everyone for the tips. the snatch strap sounds interesting. I'll look into it. I see in the McMaster catalog that they offer tow strap with wth either forged hooks at the ends or loops. Also I appreciate the safety tip of draping a blanket over the rope. Hopefully the BX22 will be up to the task next time my car gets stuck....otherwise "hello AAA"

 

[billfires]

bellweather, while the advice about straps is good for vehicles, I doubt the BX22 will develop enough "speed" to take advantage of the elasticity of a snatch strap. For just pulling the car back on the driveway just about any type of towing device (chain,cable, rope or strap) would suffice. As to the work load limit that is a percentage of the breaking strength of the device and I wouldn't be overly concerned with it in this particular application. Hope this helps, Bill C

 

[Soundguy]

While the weight of your car may be 3-4K#.. the rolling weight will be less.... inertia though..... might be an interesting thing to watch with snow and a light tractor...

good luck and be safe!

Soundguy

 

[chim]

My $.02. Chains and straps are both handy. With straps, I avoid those with hooks for the "rubber band" properties mentioned. A hook on the end of the rubber band is bad news. I prefer straps with eyes. They can be used quite handily with a clevis connected to something guaranteed not to give. If the eye fails, the clevis stays attached to the load. You can also generally use one end as a choker hooked directly to the load...............chim

 

[MossRoad]

Here's a link to Keeper Corp's website. This is their vehicle recovery strap.

I've pulled out much larger cars with a small Toyota with these.

Think about times when you were stuck in a car. Just one or two people pushing could get you out. Or even just one person bouncing up and down on the tailgate of a pickup would be enough to make the difference. I bet your BX will pull your car from soft snow with pretty good results.

 

[CTyler]

I don't know about them tow ropes that are supposed to stretch. I went to drop off a rear blade and box scraper at the farm. The plan was to back the trailer up through the snow near a tree. Then tie around the tree and slowly drive forward. I ended up spinning all 4 tires and there I sat. Let me tell ya its a chore getting a 500+ pound implement off the trailer by hand!

Anyway back to the tow rope. I connected one end to the tow hook of my Silverado and the other around my waist and took off running.....Dang thing didn't stretch /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Seriously...they work good. Once the implements were off and the foot of snow got kicked out from the tires I drove out.

Years ago I pulled out a 4wd with a blade that was buried to the frame. He was building a ramp of snow clearing the parking lot and got buried. My 2wd Ranger pulled him out with several tugs. Never could have done it if it didn't stretch.

 

[micromike]

I've used a tow strap, chain and snatch-em-strap. For what you are wanting to do the snatch-em-strap is the best imho. I agree with the person who suggested using the strap with soft "eyes." The hooks do come loose and I have seen one go through the windshield of a truck being pulled out. Get some good clevis hooks for a solid anchor or a 2" receiver hitch with a solid hook or ring.

The snatch-em-straps work very well. I've used smaller vehicles to pull out larger ones. You need just a little slack and a little "run" to make a big difference. I'm talking 12" or so. Several small tugs will often move a stuck vehicle a little at a time until it comes out. Plus you can use the snatch-em-strap for a tow strap too.

Mike

 

[cmsedore]

I've heard some horror stories about the snatch straps--like having entire front bumpers shot through the rear window of your pickup. The idea is great, but just be extra sure that you fasten it correctly and safely.

If something breaks loose when you have that thing stretched...well, remember using a rubber band to fling pieces of paper? Imagine flinging a 15 pound chain, or, worse yet, a 75 pound hunk of bumper with enough force to send it through your rear window. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

(I know there is a risk with chain, but chains don't store anywhere near the amount of energy that a stretched strap does.)

Just make sure you hook it where it won't come undone.

-Chris

 

[MDSteve]

I have to use a strap every morning when it snows to get the car up my driveway. Around here it is only 2 or 3 times a year. But this year it have been lots more. I use a 4 inch strap with the soft eyes for towing. I use chains for dragging logs and such. Never heard of the strech straps. I picked my strap up at Lowes for 12 bucks.

Steve

 

[herbenus]

That's why you don't hook to bumper! Make sure you get a piece of the frame. You'll have to get down on the ground. Unless it's a welded up truck bumper, always hook to frame.

 

[bellweather]

thanks everyone. I'm buying a snatch strap and clevis pins, and some chain for dragging logs and such. fortunately, my cars have tow-hooks on the undercarriage, so I should be safe from flying bumpers. maybe once I buy this stuff, it will stop snowing around here.