Tow Strap for Front Tow Hooks

[AKaiser]

I'm glad others had the good answer to this, because I didn't know for sure. I just remember reading a few threads about this back in `03 or `04. But I bet those tow hooks would be great for attaching a rappel rope and dropping down some sink holes.

Be safe and tie the end off to your axle. That's how we rappelled down parking garage stairwells in college. Of course, you can use the tow hook as your apex if you're going to pull up over the hole, assuming it's safe to do so.

 

[AKaiser]

I dont trust the web type tow straps.

Ill use them if I have to but

Id rather use 3/8 chain my self.

Yea, its overkill, but I dont want something snapping and crashing thru my windows.

Like a chain won't break and go flying? Just drape a heavy tarp or something over the strap to keep it from going vertical. That's what you're supposed to do with chains or straps.

 

[Crunch]

Be safe and tie the end off to your axle. That's how we rappelled down parking garage stairwells in college. Of course, you can use the tow hook as your apex if you're going to pull up over the hole, assuming it's safe to do so.

Wouldn't you risk getting oil and grease from the axle on the rope by doing that? I've never rappelled using the tow hooks, but my thoughts were to use a piece of carpeting to keep the rope from contacting the metal. When I was in college the rappelling class was offered through Army ROTC. We marched with the core and took part in the FTX. We rappelled off the end of the football stadium.

As for the tow hooks, the thing I like best about them is that they are closed loops, i. e. no open ends where a chain, strap or rope can slip off.

 

[Cattletrkr]

I use a clevis on each tow hook and one strap run thru another clevis on the vehicle pulling me out. Works great.

 

[seemore]

Well guys thanks for the replies. With the lack of clearance on my '06 Laramie I was afraid putting anything on the tow hooks would damage something. I did try a couple of 2" tow straps & they seem to work good & clear the bumper side. I think the safest way is two 5-10 foot tree protector straps shackled to a longer tow strap is the way to go.

 

[RMarkey]

I use... nothing, I removed them to fit a push bar/light bar. I didn't want to rough up the front of the truck anyway, most things I would be pulling would need chain and that wasn't going to happen. I'm going to build a custom bumper for this truck too, eventually, so I figured I'd just take them off. If you've done this or thought about it, It is a PITA! It took me about 4 times as long as I had planned on. It required taking the whole bumper off basicly and having to pry on the intercooler/radiators and grind brackets for re-installation.

 

[AKaiser]

Wouldn't you risk getting oil and grease from the axle on the rope by doing that?

You have oil and grease on your axle?

 

[AKaiser]

I use a clevis on each tow hook and one strap run thru another clevis on the vehicle pulling me out. Works great.

Don't understand why a clevis on the on-frame tow hook. Unless yours is different than mine, it's designed so that a tow strap loop end will hook directly into it. That was true on my 99 as well as the 05 I have. The 05 is easier than the 99, IIRC.



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[rbattelle]

AKaiser, you're right, it's meant for a tow strap with looped ends. But my tow strap ends are too large to fit! (I use a 4" 30k lb tow strap).

Of course, my clevis' are too big as well. Which means my front tow hooks are totally useless.

Ryan

 

[seemore]

AKaiser, you're right, it's meant for a tow strap with looped ends. But my tow strap ends are too large to fit! (I use a 4" 30k lb tow strap).



Of course, my clevis' are too big as well. Which means my front tow hooks are totally useless.



Ryan

Well, I think I found what works for me!:-laf Found a store on ebay that makes tow straps in house. I bought 2 10' x 2" 20,000 lb straps to hook into the front tow hooks for $12. 00 ea and a 30' 2" 2 ply 39,000 lb strap that the 10 footers will connect to. Should get them late this week or early next. Will let everyone know how they work.

 

[AKaiser]

AKaiser, you're right, it's meant for a tow strap with looped ends. But my tow strap ends are too large to fit! (I use a 4" 30k lb tow strap).



Of course, my clevis' are too big as well. Which means my front tow hooks are totally useless.



Ryan

That sux...

 

[JDerrick]

Um Ok so straps, chain, cable blah blah blah ... ... Here is a web address that you all will enjoy, they've got lots of toys. I have done a fair amount of business with them. The company caters to the towing and recovery industry and their customer service folks can be pretty helpfull sometimes. So enjoy.



PS I've seen more equipment get damaged, people maimed and even killed using chains and cable as opposed to well maintained recovery straps. In any instance good practices, good quality well maintained equipment and a sound well thought out plan for your recovery operation should be used EVERY time you get yourself involved in a vehicle recovery.





AW Direct Towing Recovery Service Vehicle and Wrecker Accessories - 1-800-243-3194



cheers



Jim DOo.