Recovery Straps 101

Not all tow straps are Recovery Straps !  Straps that will not stretch, because they are made for towing, are not for recovery.

Stretching is very important to the way a normal recovery would proceed. Example, you are pulling out a friend from a mud hole. You attach one end of the strap to the back of your vehicle and other to the front of his. As you drive away the recovery strap stretches just like a rubber band and so transfer the energy to the stuck vehicle, pulling it out.

Some of you might thought of purchasing a strap, with hooks. Avoid them! Get one that has a loop or so called eye at the end.  You should pass one end of the strap through the loop at the other end (one that is stuck) of the strap to secure it on. Getting a D-Ring adaptor is also a good  idea.

Before attaching the strap always consider if the weight of the 4 wheel drive. Strap that is rated for 5 Tons would suit almost all civilian 4wd.

Inspect your recovery strap for any cuts or breaks before attaching.

Never attach a recovery strap to a bumpers, axles, suspension, steering rods, trailer hitch ball or in a way that it may be cut.

In real life things sometimes go bad ! Its easy to make a mistake when you  are out in the elements and all you want to do is get out the hole you are in. In case a strap breaks make sure to put dampener on it before. It could be some heave clothing , rug or carpet.

Finally when pulling the vehicle out, drive slowly. If it fails the first time try increasing speed bit by bit.