What to connect to when towing (recovering) another vehicle?

[New to TB]

I was reading the packages of some tow straps (for recovering vehicles from snow/mud) and they said not to connect it to the tow ball or bumper.

When it says "tow ball" does that just mean when the ball is bolted to the bumper? Or does that mean any tow ball, even when it's connected to a full class 3 hitch?

So... what to connect the strap to when towing another vehicle?

[MoJoe]

Two of the best ways. I have a tow hitch with a d-ring in it that mounts into my hitch. From there I hook the strap to it using a hook. Never hook a strap to the ball of a hitch, good way to take out a windshield or a head off.

Second way is the front tow hooks. Just use the loop in the tow strap to go over that.

[New to TB]

So the problem with using the ball is that it could break and fly off? So it would be ok to use the tow hitch setup if I remove the ball and use a strong D-ring or hook to connect to the hole that the ball normally goes thru?

[MoJoe]

Yes, you could do that. Just make sure the hardware you are using is rated for it. I have seen the strap slip off the ball before, not fun. :eek:

[New to TB]

Great!

Anyone recommend a strap?

[MoJoe]

Great!

Anyone recommend a strap?

ProComp straps are nice. I use one made by Boss, a 2x30 18k lbs. Works great. Spend the money for a nice one, and it will last you. :yes:

http://www.4x44u.com/pub/k2/am4x44u/truck_stop/parts/bossstrp.htm

[New to TB]

I'm gonna try to find a place to order that strap, thanks!

I found this which looks ok, altho I don't need it at this present time:
http://www.fatboysoffroad.com/osc/eshop/product_info.php?products_id=1263

[MoJoe]

I'm gonna try to find a place to order that strap, thanks!

I found this which looks ok, altho I don't need it at this present time:
http://www.fatboysoffroad.com/osc/eshop/product_info.php?products_id=1263

Yes, those work well.

[New to TB]

I read somewhere today on some forum that it's a good idea to shove the strap loop into the receiver and put the main pin thru it.

How do you feel about that?

[MoJoe]

That is also exceptable, and safe. The only thing is most straps will have a hard time fitting in that, mine will not.

[Dacomputernerd]

I was also thinking of buying some straps for the winter, so when people get stuck, I can pull 'em out!

So if i hook the straps to my toe hooks, where should i hook the strap on the other persons car?

[MoJoe]

I was also thinking of buying some straps for the winter, so when people get stuck, I can pull 'em out!

So if i hook the straps to my toe hooks, where should i hook the strap on the other persons car?


Almost every vehicle I have got un-stuck had a tow hook on it. Either hidden behind a panel, or under the front or rear bumper. On some unibody cars, I have had to use the jack point to put a hook into.

[Dacomputernerd]

Almost every vehicle I have got un-stuck had a tow hook on it. Either hidden behind a panel, or under the front or rear bumper. On some unibody cars, I have had to use the jack point to put a hook into.

Great! Its always good to help out the people who dont have TrailBlazer or Envoy Power!! :yes:

[bmm354]

I wish the Envoy had tow hooks. Guess GMC figured Envoy owners are too "clean" for offroading and pulling people out of ditches?? I miss them as I've been worried about pulling anyone out using the hitch. I doubt it was designed for serious tugging but I will use it if need be. I got some good use out of the hooks on my old Blazer.

Side note: be careful when attaching to another person's car. You never know if you'll bend/break something and they'll demand you pay to fix it. For the record this hasn't happend to me or anyone I know however. One trick I've seen is for the tower to ask the stuck person to hook the tow line to their own car. But I bet 95% of owners would have no clue and would just hook it to the bumper. :no:

I have used those hooks on unibody cars before, but only for ones that were lightly stuck. It's my understanding that most of those aren't really tow hooks but are instead used to secure the car during transport from the plant (on a train, or boat for imports). It's probably not up to serious pulling but it sure works well if the car isn't seriously stuck. Another option is the front engine cradle crossmember--usually this is also a jacking point.

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

I wish the Envoy had tow hooks. Guess GMC figured Envoy owners are too "clean" for offroading and pulling people out of ditches??

Damn right I am :raspberry

No in all seriousness though, I know what you mean. I guess tow hooks aren't "Professional Grade" enough or something :laugh:

[fatboysoffroad]

Sorry to butt in here but I was noticed some traffic to my online store from here and was just checking it out. :)

Vehicle recovery can be very dangerous and I'd like to elaborate on a few things.

The way these straps work is kind of like a rubber band. As the recovery vehicle accelerates energy is built up in the strap as it stretches. Since objects in motion tend to stay in motion, some of that energy gets used on the stuck vehicle. You can see what I'm talking about with a full soda can and an ordinary rubber band on your desk. As you pull on the rubber band it stretches and will eventually start to pull the soda can. The use of a chain is not recommended as you can't employ the same principle. Use a piece of string on your soda can and you'll get an idea of the violent jerking that can happen.

Here are some tips we give out to students.

1. Don't use tow ropes with metal hooks. If the strap breaks, now you have a missile. Only use straps with sewn loops.
2. Spectators should be at a distance greater than the length of the rope. I always hide behind a tree or sit in a vehicle.
3. Use attaching points on the vehicle that are designed for the task. Attaching to brushguards, trailer balls, spring shackles, and steering components should be avoided. Most of the hooks and loops hidden underneath vehicles are intended as a tie down point for transportation and not a tow point.
4. If a strap gets any damage such as cuts and frays, take it out of service. A $40 strap isn't worth loosing an eye, etc.
5. If you're in doubt, let a professional do the recovery.

I'm happy to answer any questions but would prefer that you email me direct.


Jerry Ellis
Chief Instructor, United Four Wheel Assoc. Safety Awareness Program
Treasurer & Safety Awareness Coordinator, Indiana Four Wheel Drive Assoc. www.ifwda.org

And now for some shameless self promotion...you can buy your recovery straps from
www.FatboysOffroad.com

[Dacomputernerd]

thanks everyone for the replies :D i will use caution when pulling out REALLY stuck vehicles. I will hook it onto the front engine cradle crossmember as bmm said, or leave it to the pros :yes:

[jimmyjam]

I knew some kids in highschool that went mudding and had a strap mishap. One of the kids required reconstructive surgery to fix his face. If I see tow straps I get the hell out of the way. :eek:

[Dacomputernerd]

I knew some kids in highschool that went mudding and had a strap mishap. One of the kids required reconstructive surgery to fix his face. If I see tow straps I get the hell out of the way. :eek:

OUCH!! :x damn that would suck

[MoJoe]

Jerry Ellis
you can buy your recovery straps from
www.FatboysOffroad.com


Welcome to the site Jerry. Those are very useful tips. :)

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

Jerry Ellis
Chief Instructor, United Four Wheel Assoc. Safety Awareness Program
Treasurer & Safety Awareness Coordinator, Indiana Four Wheel Drive Assoc. www.ifwda.org (http://www.ifwda.org/)

And now for some shameless self promotion...you can buy your recovery straps from
www.FatboysOffroad.com (http://www.FatboysOffroad.com)

Those are some great tips, Jerry. Thanks! :yes:

[MoJoe]

Those are some great tips, Jerry. Thanks! :yes:


Is there an echo in this thread :rotfl:





j/k :raspberry

[02EnvoySLE Guy]

Is there an echo in this thread :rotfl:





j/k :raspberry

Hello.....ello.....llo...lo....o.... :raspberry

[fatboysoffroad]

Welcome to the site Jerry. Those are very useful tips. :)


Thanks!

Here is a thread on how to couple two straps together:

www.fatboysjeepers.com/phpbbs (http://www.fatboysjeepers.com/phpbbs/viewtopic.php?t=43&highlight=straps)

If the link doesn't work, do a search in the forum for straps.


Jerry