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Recovery strap hook locations

25K views 49 replies 24 participants last post by  Crestwood1001 
#1 ·
I have a recovery strap (ie. tow strap) that I use to pull stuck people out during snow storms. In the old Jeep, I just wrapped it around the aftermarket hitch bar. But with the new WK2, I got OEM tow, so there's no obvious place to hook the tow strap. So, where would people recommend I attach the tow strap so that I can still help people out, without doing damage to the vehicle.

I'm considering having from tow hooks installed and could then use that, but in the meantime, I'm trying to figure out the best option. Off the top of my head, I could just wrap it around a ball hitch, but then it could easily slip off. Don't really want to buy one of the hook hitches, so wondered if people had a built-in solution. Thanks.
 
#44 ·
Your better off upgrading to the d ring shackles for the front, once something slips off the hook its a projectile

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#45 ·
I would like to add my 2 cents worth from Australia, having been very involved with 4wd training for many years.....
A snatch strap for recovery is a brilliant tool and used correctly is amazing to see. Used incorrectly or in the wrong hands it is an extremely dangerous item. About 6 weeks ago in Western Australia a woman was killed when struck by a snatch strap that had broken from an improper mounting.
Understand these things as sort of like an elastic band, good quality ones are designed to stretch to 30% additional length. The strap breaking strain can be as high as 10,000kg so they are extremely strong.
A very quick description without all the safety bits in between....The way they are used is after fixing to the towing and stuck vehicle - the towing and stuck vehicle attempt to drive off together. Once the end of the strap is reached and depending on how stuck the vehicle is, then the strap will start to stretch as the towing vehicle loads up the strap, it then absorbs energy and will continue to do so as long as the tow vehicle continues forward and the stuck vehicle remains. End result should be that the stuck vehicle comes free as the energy required to unstick is reached in the strap. This happens very softly and is remarkable to witness.
There is a bit more to all this but as you can imagine someone without the correct knowlege and armed with heaps of horsepower and an incorrectly connected strap can and will be a lethal combination. Tremendous amounts of potential stored energy is involved.
If you value life and vehicle never let a strap be used on your vehicle unless correct anchor points on both vehicles and procedures are used. If you don't know how to use it - don't!!
Believe me, damage will result. Coroners have been involved.
Never just hook it over the tow ball.
John
 
#46 ·
D ring shackle and snatch strap seem to be the best way to go on MY end,but I'm still trying to figure the best way to attach to the stuck vehicle if it has no appropriate hitch point. What do others use? A short piece of chain w/hooks and the chain thru the strap eye? Strap looped around a frame member? What is recommended? Thanks.
 
#47 · (Edited)
In our end of the world 4wd driver trainers would say you should never attach to a non rated recovery point for all the reasons I initially posted. Don't underestimate the danger.
Chain and hooks are non rated.
If you are still keen to assist a possible stuck vehicle then before you get involved in the bush I suggest you try some gentle practice out of the goop with your strap and a willing accomplice with his vehicle.
You'll certainly become aware of the potential for plastic trim damage at the very least.
A strap wrapped around the frame is subject to abrasion which only makes the situation worse.
Best advice is to find a 4WD club or training provider in your area and get some quality instruction.
Your offroad experience will be very much enhanced and your vehicle will thank you for it. Likely to be less costly in the long run too.
John
 
#49 ·
#50 ·
^ In what way would a girth hitch knot aid in recovering a stuck vehicle? They are known for a LARGE loss of strength in the rope and youd be a fool to try and use it for recovery.
 
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