UKMyers

I am trying to build up a basic recovery package before my offroad run in Febuary. I am looking for a good strap but don't need something that'll tow out a tank. Just a good all around strap for pulling out people who get stuck or pulling myself out if I get stuck. Anyone have any good ideas. Theres a ton of them here on Central 4WD's site but I have no clue which ones would best suit my needs. Dang them things aren't cheap neither! I also DO NOT have a receiver hitch on the back of mine and subsequently there's no where to put a hook. There are several holes in the frame under there. Is there anyone else out there with a hook set up without the receiver hitch? I plan on getting a hidden hitch when I get back to the states but I need something until then. Thanks guys

RTdawgs

just go to Wal-Mart or Pep Boys (or the UK equiv) and pick one up for like $10-$15. since u dont have hooks or shackles, get one with hooks so you can attach to your frame in those wholes you saw, they work great. just make sure its long and can handle many pounds (or killigrams). ive had several $10 straps and only broke one because of my stupid friend. i would suggest getting 2 or 3 straps, you never know how many itll take. or get a locker so you wont get stuck. ok done, my 2 pennies.

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Joey, I have the yellow 2"x30' one that I bought at Central 4WD.
It's a good strap, and also a snatch type strap so it will stretch out, then rebound to pull someone out.

Also look on Masterpull's site.
http://www.masterpull.com/



They use rope instead of webbing like other makers do.
The M3000 Recovery Kit - mid size truck/suv looks pretty nice, but you could save $$$ by getting the yellow strap from C4WD, and a receiver shackle later when you get a hitch.
I don't think it's a good idea to strap anywhere to your frame below, but I could be wrong.

Here are some more ideas.
http://www.recoverygear.com/DEFAULT1.HTM

http://www.offroadonly.com/products/recovery/straps/
I plan on getting some nice stainless shackles from them in the future.
http://www.offroadonly.com/products/recovery/x-rings/

Now here's a place I bet not to far from you.
http://www.dborc.demon.co.uk/

http://g7tgr.demon.co.uk/kernel.php?...ope-prods.html

For our size rigs, the 2"x30' like I have is a good size.

UKMyers

Corey nice links as always. I had my eye on the 30 footer. I still need to figure out a way to get a hook on the back. I'll have to keep researching ideas.

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Anyway you can get a hitch put on over there?
I have a Drawtite on mine.
http://www.pnw4runners.net/tando/mod41a.jpg

I beleive it's a pure bolt on item too, but I could be wrong.

When I have been under there working, it looks like it's only held on with a couple of big bolts at each end.

http://www.drawtite.com/

OK, they have a nice site
They use frames though, so you will have to click on hitches on the left side, then choose your year, make, and model from the pull down menus.

As far as I know, this is the same class III one I have.
Max-Frame Receiver PN 75023

Part Number: 75023
Description: Max-Frame Receiver
Class Rating: CLASS III
WC / WD: 3500 / 5000
Box Size: 2" x 2"

Parts: Will not fit vehicles fitted with optional 31" tires stowed under vehicle.
Parts: Fits all models with standard bumpers.

HBoss

Do the 2nd gens have anchor points on the frame? I put shackles on front & back for tow straps with or without hooks on the ends:



Great for if I get stuck or need to pull someone out.

Cebby

I mounted my "Hidden Hitch" myself. I think I had to drill one hole per side. Joey, by the time you get back to the states, I'll have my new rear bumper done with integral hitch. I'll make you a deal on mine...

UKMyers

HBoss I'll have to climb under my truck and take a look to see if I have something like that on mine. I remember seeing some pretty big holes in the frame. What size is the pin that goes through them shackles you have?? Thinking about 1/2" or so??
Thanks

EDIT: Okay I am weak I couldn't take the suspense so I went outside in my flannels in the snow and took this pic. Did I mention it's snowing out.. Looks like my camera lense fogged up a bit but here is what is under a 2nd Gen. Looks like they will suite me just fine for a set of shackles!

HBoss

Sweet. I like shackles. Useful and I think they look good too.

I'm pretty sure I'm using 5/8" shackles. I know the next step up is definitely too big (as I tried them heh). Next step up is 3/4" I think.

Al

UKMyers

Hboss where'd you buy yours? 4X4 Connection has some 5/8" ones for $10.50 but they would have to get painted as they are puke orange from the factory. The other places I looked they were like $15 a piece.

Corey

iTrader: (1)

Joey, I beleive mine are 3/4" shank on them.
They came in this kit I have.
http://www.central4wd.com/store/itemdetail.asp?ID=3252

I bought extra ones at C4WD also.
Corey

HBoss

Corey: you got the nice ARB bumper though & a receiver hitch in the rear to bolt them to. The 3/4" ones won't fit on stock 3rd gen. factory holes. Trust me, I tried forcing them. Are the 2nd gen holes larger than the ones on the 3rd?

Either way, 3/4" & 5/8" should cost about the same. I picked up my shackles from a local automotive shop for about $4 USD each.

jx94148

I can't believe how much Central wants for those straps. I guess since they sell winches for so cheap they have to make their profit somewhere. I wouldn't pay more than about $40 for a 3x 30' one rated at 30,000 pounds. D shackles shouldnt be more than $10.

You can loop a strap around the frame in the rear if there is no other option. It may bend your bumper a little but that's better than leaving your rig stuck where the trail pirates can steal all your stuff while you are gone. Use a leather glove or something to protect the strap from sharp edges.

BTOWN4RUNNER

Joey, I don't know what type of hardware stores that you have over there, but the one I work at sells tow straps. I was looking at one and it was rated at 7,000 lbs and had two very nice, strong hooks on it. It was like $10. We also had a few more...one of them being mammoth. Maybe you want to check a hardware store or a auto parts store. I am sure that they will be cheaper and just as good. :fireman:

jalaber

I have the 2"x20' 20K lbs. SuperWinch Strap from Summit Racing.

Robinhood150

I know that most of you know this, but for any newbies that might be reading this:

Never use a strap with metal hooks for recovery. These are not made for recovery rather they are for towing. When they break the metal hooks become missles that will penetrate completely through a truck and come out the other side.

Back to the question. I would try to wrap the strap around the frame somewhere like Matt said. Maybe remove the bumper before you go out to prevent any bending.

Steve

data

I bought my 3x30 strap from http://www.4by4connection.com

HBoss I have the same shackles hangers in the rear of my rig. I'm currently using warn 3/4" shackles. They have come in handy many, many times. Mostly being used to pull other folks out

tomus1000

I need to get one soon too. I bet I can find what I am looking for at Walmart of someplace like that. I can't see much sense in baying a premium price plus shipping for something like a tow strap.

Corey

iTrader: (1)

A lot of these now are not tow straps, hence the higher price.

They are snatch straps in that they work like a rubber band.

You hook it to the stuck rig with some slack in the line, then goose it.

After the line gets taut it stretches out, then snaps back, then pulls the stuck rig out with kinetic energy.

That is the type of line I carry with me.
I think mine cost me between $40 and $45 when I bought it.
May have been less, as it was a few years ago when I got it.

Here is a good link.
http://www.4wdworld.com.au/tipstricks/howto.htm

From this site:
http://www.4wdworld.com.au/tipstricks/camping/index.htm

More info.
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/3648/4wd_safety.htm
Corey

upndair

I agree with Robinhood. DO NOT use the cheap nylon straps with the metal hooks!!!!
If you don't have sufficient tow hooks, put them on or don't go. It's not only difficult for you, but it's not fair to anyone else who might be running with you, waiting for you to decide how to hook up a strap.

You'll have a front hook, but you need to mount a rear shackle or hook. Then buy the best strap you can find. It's absolutely ridiculous to take a rig off road and worrying about an extra $20 for a proper tow strap and hooks.

Do the job right the first time. It's a lot less expensive that replacing the bumper that you tore off or the head the blew off when the hook on the broken tow rope, took it off.