All these threads about getting tow hooks on the tow hitch reciever has got me a little confused? I have always pulled people out and have been pulled out by just tossing a strap over the 2in ball or the holes that trailer safety chains attach to on the reciever and pulling out. My question is "is there a problem with this?" It seems to have always worked well, but why buy a new tow "thing" if the ball or the holes where you put tow chains on work well enough?

 

you dont want to use chains, they can become deadly when they snap

 

Putting the strap over the ball is severely frowned on. Get a clevis or something closed so the strap can not come unhooked. As others said DO NOT USE CHAINS for shock loads. They are to be only used for a constant load. That is why recovery straps are built the way they are. If a chain breaks, it can kill you. Some people have had them break and one sliced a guys leg, another stuck into a tree, and a different guy had his tailgate smashed up if I remember right. They make the right tools for the job for a reason Just looking out for ya man

 

they sell all those off road recovery things so the tow strap doesnt come unhooked from the pull point. its nice to have a dlink and know my towstrap isnt going anywhere unless i want it. even tow straps can be dangerous when the slip. iv seen them go through plenty of windshields and give guys damn good bruises on their face.

 

I thought this was going to be a question about birth control!

 

that's what she said...

 

Yea it's been said before but when you actually see a 2"ball snap and become a 2" bullet it becomes pretty clear that spending a few extra $$ is the better choice.

I only use a chain if I know I'll have a constant pull on it with no jerking or snatching. (i.e. small cars,lightly stuck trucks) When I'm not using the chain I use a 30' long 30,000lb 4" wide strap. That gets the job done, and although expensive has easily proven its worth.

As for attachment points I have a 1/2" D-Ring on either side of my receiver attached to the loops for the tow chains. In the front are the stock tow hooks.

I have yet to have any of these methods fail or even remotely come close to failing. I have broken 10,000lb straps with a backhoe so I know I've put them through their paces.

It is really situational, but it NEVER hurts to have the right equipment for every situation.

 

One thing to note...

There is a difference between a recovery trap and a tow strap

Tow straps are for static loads, like towing. Recovery strap (aka a ****** strap) is designed for dynamic/shock loading and the re-coiling. The recoil helps to move a load. Best choice, keep both in your tool box.

Personally, I keep my hitches (all three ball sizes), a tow strap, a recovery strap, a chain, and a Clevis (D-Ring) hitch in my toolbox most of the time. Always have something useful no matter the situation.

Also, go for straps with loops vs. hooks... a little protection from a flying megtal bullet (aka a torn out hook).

 

when in doubt pull out

thats the only reason i opened this thread

 

lmao bluejay.

That said, I threw a chain threw a buddys window and almost killed him, it was a blazer so it brok the back windshield, almost hit the front windshield, damaged the tailgate. We laughed it off but we realized we just escaped great injury. I have this all on video, it's pretty crazy to see. I left the video on an ex gf's cell phone, so it's a complicated situation to get it back.

Also, I was pulled out in my old 2wd F-150 (2002) by a tractor using a chain and those ears for the safety chains on the hitch. It bent the ear back towards the rear of the truck, but those are probably not going to break. I've never seen one break, but be careful, they bend pretty easily. For $20 on ebay you can have a decent shackle hitch, just go that route and save possible hitch damage. Best of luck.

 

lets say your using a chain/steel cable (aka winch). Guess what. There are safe ways to use these. Use a line weight so if it breaks, it travels downward under the vehicle. And pulling out isnt the safest method lol

 

Definately, but never use a chain or cable for snatching/yanking.

 

I guess I wasn't too clear on my first statment. I've never used chains to pull anyone out and I can easily see the problems with chains. THe chains I was talking about were the ones on my trailer that attach as a safety chain.
I have firehose and that's all I've ever used. Seemed to have always worked well after one of my tow straps snapped on me one time. I've pulled trees out with it and other trucks out with it. Is it a problem if I connect the firehose to my hitch reciever (the two holes in it where the trailers safety chains attach to)? How is firehose rated on towing and recovery? Thanks for all the responses!

 

The only problem I would see with this would be the possibility of the "ears" maybe cutting through the hose. It may act as a knife and slice through if used for snatching/jerking but I've never seen it happen.

As for the strength of the hose I have no idea.

 

I have been using a chain to pull people out, but i never jerk it or anything like that. I have been trying to find a nice tow strap that i can yank and jerk with it. I need advice on what to get. If anyone can post me a link to a good strap that would be greatly apperciated.