use of a recovery strap

[bjgillisva]

I just bought a 3in, 27,000lb limit recovery strap from tractor supply and now I'm interested in finding something that I can use with the rear hitch to hold the strap without having to loop it through since I may have to loop it through on the other vehicles side. I saw a shackle attached to a block that is inserted into the receiver but not sure where I can get one. I would like to get one that is rated the same strength as the strap so I won't have to worry about the strap/anchor failing.

 

[JVolpe]

Go to any U-Haul location, Master Hitch or 4wheelparts and they should have a shackle receiver.

 

[JLetcher]

Here's one that is available off the web if you prefer to order one:



Shackle Hitch

 

[rumblefish]

go back to tractor supply and look for the shackle hitch that is in the link above. my local tsc has one sitting on the shelf.

 

[bjgillisva]

I was looking for it when I was at tractor supply but didnt see any. I'll have to call them up again and see if they got any in and I'll call up the other one in my area too.

 

[roverhybrids]

I've always been able to put the loop end of the strap into the reciever hole and put the pin through the strap.

 

[JNoble]

I've always been able to put the loop end of the strap into the reciever hole and put the pin through the strap.

Me too, been doing it with my offroad truck for years and it gets stuck real bad, no problems doing it yet.

 

[Lips]

Me too, been doing it with my offroad truck for years and it gets stuck real bad, no problems doing it yet.

X3... ... ... . works great

 

[JStrasser]

I've always been able to put the loop end of the strap into the reciever hole and put the pin through the strap.

That is a very good idea, especially if the recovery strap is one that is designed to be elastic. I have always read that additional metal attachments (such as shackles, hooks that are not bolted to the vehicle, etc. . ) should be avoided- since anything that fails will become a (possibly lethal) projectile.



Whenever I have used such a strap- I have one that Warn produced several years ago- and it looks at all as if the "pull" is going to stress the strap, I like to knot a couple of large rags to the strap about 1/3 and 2/3's of the way along its length. That way if something does break, the rags slow it down (I hope). Can't remember which 4x4 mag I read that in.



"Your results may vary" and your opinions too.



John

 

[bjgillisva]

I was thinking about the strap in the receiver with the pin but I read somewhere it wasnt really recommended.

 

[Bob4x4]

I was thinking about the strap in the receiver with the pin but I read somewhere it wasnt really recommended.

The pin won't be as strong as the shackle but will work fine in 99 percent of the time.



Bob

 

[rweis]

I would think the pin COULD have a bending moment to it, the inserted shacked would have a sheer moment to it and stronger from only that aspect.



Bob Weis

 

[Jong]

Don't pull anything with the strap just around a hitch pin inserted in a receiver hitch... use a drawbar with a forged shackle. And always go for overkill when it comes to buying straps or chains. I never go in the woods with anything less than a 40000lb test strap and all my chains are at least grade 80 logging chain (which are not cheap!!!). I've seen enough people try and pull people out with unsafe recovery gear with near-disastrous results. Just like I love all the truck commercials (usually Ford's :-laf ) where you see people pulling stumps using a TOW BALL!!! That is just asking for trouble! Or that new one with a Powerstroke pulling a stuck semi out of a tunnel by pulling in reverse... that is just a good way to go to a transmission shop. Your reverse gear is the weakest one in your transmission next to your overdrive. Always pull from the back of the truck. Tow hooks are for recovering YOUR vehicle, not recovering somebody else's. Sorry about the long post, but using recovery equipment can be hazardous to not only your rig, but your health and those around you... .

 

[ilovetrains]

actually, the pin through the strap loop inside the receiver is a recomended way. However, since that puts the pressure on the middle of the pin, not how the pin was designed, it just does nto seem like a good idea to me.



You go with the Warn receiver mount, but a cheaper way is to buy a solid aluminum ball mount, without the ball. Then purchase a drop forged twist pin style (not cotter pin style) D-ring shackle. Most D-rings are rated for 50K lb working pressure. The pin should be 3/4 inch.



Important, when using this set-up mount it so the shackle goes through the ball mount, and the pin on the shackle is holding the strap. In the event of failure it lessons the loose metal flying around.



More important, are you sure you bought a true recoverny strap? TSC and others typically sell tow straps. There is a huge difference. A recovery strap is made to stretch. It has material in it that will degrade over time. You should see blue fiber in the strap. If it ever breaks, throw the strap out imediately. Federal law requires the blue test material in a true recovery strap.



A tow strap is designed to not stretch. It is a static line.

 

[bjgillisva]

I got the 3 IN. X 20 FT. 27,000 LB CAPACITY RECOVERY STRAP at http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp?pcID=2&paID=1017&sonID=241&productID=17356&zz=22193

Pretty sure its the right type.

I may not use the stuff often but I'd rather spend a little extra and have the right stuff instead of being thrifty and using weak tow straps and hooks flying around leaving dents, broken windows, or wounding others.

 

[fkovalski]

I've always been able to put the loop end of the strap into the reciever hole and put the pin through the strap.

I do the same thing.

 

[brods]

Think first and be safe. Keep in mind that while the strap is extremely strong, it does cut easily. Do not allow it to come in contact with sharp corners or edges during a pull.



People do questionable things all the time and get away with them, but occasionally people can and do get maimed or killed when things go wrong. Do some searching on 4x4 and/or winch manufacturers’ sites to learn the do’s and don’ts of vehicle recovery. Some links to get you started.





http://www.landyspares.co.za/landyspares/files/snatch_straps.htm

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/index.html