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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.
 
#2 ·
Hi JTP. Never tie recovery straps around a ball hitch.

I have seen cases where the ball shears off and becomes a projectile and has killed people. These were sand recoveries and I imagine snow wouldn't require as much force. But to be safe unless you add the proper hooks you might just have to leave them stranded.
 
#3 · (Edited)

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#11 ·
#13 ·
Why would the ball hitch snap? They are ment to tow heavy loads, so I would think that if you start off slow and not jerk it, it would be fine?
I can see the strap possibly sliding off in some circumstances?
But what would make the ball snap?
 
#18 · (Edited)
The ball tranfers load from the trailer to the car - As the wheels start moving in the car the trailer also rolls there is not a lot of pressure on the ball itself.

When you are pulling a stationary vehicle that doesn't want to move because it is bogged in snow, mud or sand, you are applying a large amount of pressure on the ball, which it simply isn't designed for. It can shear off and become a dangerous projectile.

Of course if you are just towing and the vehicle being towed will not provide much if any resistance, as you say if start slow and don't jerk it you should be ok. Recovery and towing can be dangerous and extreme care should be taken, it would be best to use proper rated recovery points even when towing.
 
#15 ·
Yea the ball itself does not pull the load, the hitch puts the weight onto the ball and transfers it to the vehicle, the ball itself does not handle all the weight. Just like the studs on ur wheels don't handle all the load, the contact betweek the hubs and rim take some of the load. Same principle

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#19 ·
Thanks for the info, I was not aware of that. I will get myself an eyelet style receiver for my hitch when my vehicle arrives... I pull my wife out of the ditch on numerous occasions through out the winter!
 
#22 ·
Wish people would make up their minds as to what's a good method, one person says one way and one person says another. Iv seen many people fold back through the loop without issue.

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#23 ·
Every single manufacturer recommends not doing it. Can it work sure. Should you do it? No.

Sex without a condom doesn't mean you will have a kid, but the more you do it the odds are against you...

They also recommend not hooking two straps together without using something in between like a magazine. It is the same principle the friction of the strap itself will tear it.

Also make sure you are using snatch straps and not tow straps. They are two totally different things and a tow strap used in a recovery can damage both vehicles. Snatch straps are meant to stretch and absorb the force, where tow straps will just act as a cloth chain and transfer all the force to the cars frame.
 
#32 ·
My buddy tells me its better to use your hitch and ball to pull someone out, as long as the hitch has at least a 2" drop or rise. He says these straight attachments put all the force on the pin and the pin is a lot more likely to snap and create havoc than a ball and hitch receiver with a 2" drop. He says using a drop receiver puts the force on the tow hitch package which is bolted on the frame. He tells me to save my money and just use my ball if i have to pull someone out.
 
#33 · (Edited)
No offense but your buddy is wrong. As the Rusty (cant speak to others) are solid pieces of steel the forces is exerted over the entire pin between the two points which are attached to the hitch. There is an even load across the whole pin under the receiver block and then even load on the two sides of the pin. As the 2 or more inch drop is basically extending the force (lever) it can actually apply a large load on the hitch which can be bad. Its better to have a load supported by two support members then by one like a ball. You also dont have to worry about the strap slipping off for any reason at all if it were to snap. It will stay attached to the jeep (unless the failure point is at the material is attached together or that part of the strap that is inside the shackle).

One thing your buddy should think about (not trying to be a dick) is ok you use this straight kind of recover system, where is it attached to? (the frame) plus there is a high load on the pin in a small area with a regular hitch/ball set up which can allow the pin to fail easier.

I'm sure there is a mechanical engineer in here that can draw out a digram which shows all the loads on both options.
 
#34 · (Edited)
Jeepman is correct, your buddy is not only wrong, but he is giving out dangerous advice that will cause harm. As has been covered here and in any reputable offroad recovery technique article, a tow hitch ball might be the worst recovery strap mount point as it is not designed to withstand those load forces, and will merely shear off and become a projectile.

A D-shackle is designed to withstand recovery loads in both materials and multiple pin mount contact points which distribute load forces.

A basic Google search will show the above if your buddy remains recalcitrant.
 
#37 ·
I feel sorry to add this news item to this forum. Hopefully by perpetuating this story more people can be saved.

Sparro - your buddy is wrong. I believe this tongue has the 2" drop you were referring to. I do also note they said the ball showed signs of rust but bottom line isn't it better to be safe than sorry.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-21/woman-killed-by-loose-tow-ball/2848604
 
#38 ·
OK, thanks again for the info. I will direct my friend to this thread so he can read the comments himself rather than getting them lost in translation.
 
#41 ·
just get that heavy duty receiver shackle....it's tried and tested....you might think about getting some of the aftermarket rubber that i have seen that goes over the shackle...unless you like the sound of metal on metal....
 
#42 ·
Coop already sent me some of his that were left over!

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#43 ·
What about the front hooks? My tow strap shackle cannot fit around it due to the plastic trim. It will fit if I loop it around though.

Is that good enough or should I get a length of chain to sort of extend things out a bit such that I could wrap the chain around the hook and then the tow strap around the chain.

Only planning to use it in rare emergencies. I don't do offroading so it would just be for getting stuck in snow or the like.
 
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