What size D-Shackle?
 

What size D-Shackle should I get for my F-150 to put on the rear hitch so I can connect straps to it to tow people off roading/ out of snow etc? Thanks!

I have been using this shackle from Warn and it's held up pretty well.

http://www.warn.com/truck/accessorie...18/Shackle.jpg

A 3/4" screw pin shackle with 7/8" pin is the most standard size and will fit most D rings on winch bumbers. Its rated to 4.75tons.

You can get them cheap here: http://www.e-rigging.com/store_Categ...Choice=Catalog

I use a 3/4" safety shackle its rated to 7t. which ever one u go with make sure it has raised lettering not stamped as it indicates what grade it is.

Agreed, rating is more important than size - 7t will withstand everything you are likely to throw at it. Also remember, attachment points are key - if there are not at least 2 - 1/2" grade 8 bolts (with grade 8 nuts and washers), don't hook up.

As a standard practice, I will not pull anyone unless I have inspected their attachment points. Rather safe than sorry.

Thanks for the website. What straps are you guys using? I like chains (I use them safely) but I want a heavy duty strap because they are easier to store in my truck than a chain.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/S...u=snatch+strap

Most clubs will recommend the 4" minimum. I personally use 4" on Jeeps and 6" on fullsize. For the slight additional price, buy the 6" - I have broken 3 4" straps over the years on fullsize trucks. This 6" strap has been around now for 6 years and still like new. Keep them clean (wash when you get back from wheeling) and out of the sun when not in use and you will get many years of service.

Thnaks for the info, but the 6" is almost twice the price! I didn't think these were that expensive? What about the D-Shackle and Hitch, where can I get those cheap?

In all cases, you get what you pay for! Don't cheap out on something you intend to put under extreme stress. jcw.com and truckaddons.com usually have pretty good numbers.

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I always use a strap. Think about the logic of the rating, remember you use a strap to "snatch" as well as just pull. A 6,000# truck in just a pull can exert a couple thousand pounds of force. Now add in the momentum of a snatch - 6,000# in motion will exert a lot more force than 6,000# - I've broken 4" straps on full size trucks.

The thing to remember is that all of your hardware has to be at least as strong as your strap. If something breaks, a strap could become one massive slingshot.

That's an excellent reason NEVER to snatch anything. I use chains & cables, and I've quit snatching at all. If you do some reading, you can find how to recover vehicles much larger than your own without snatching them, & without as much danger to you, them, or anyone nearby. Go to Al's BroncoLinks & find the Army FM on field-expedient recovery.

I use a 1 3/8 D-ring because it fits over a 2" square tube perfectly, and I don't have to worry about either breaking, no matter what I do. I got it at a pawn shop for ~$10.

Where's the best spot on the rear of the truck to hook a shackle? I like that Warn setup that utilizes the hitch. I may pick one up if I run across one in a store.

- Craig

A receiver block is the best way to hook in back.

Steve and I had a long discussion about straps versus chains and cables in another thread. We agreed to disagree on techniques.

Yeah, let's not trash another thread. ;) If anyone wants to discuss chain vs. strap, search up that old thread & continue it there. Let's keep this one JUST about D-rings. :D