towing, sort of

[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.