Chain or tow rope?

[Ozwynn]

It wasn't me, it was the motor pool guys. I think they had about 30 ft. Crazy!

not length....... number of chains ...... I have 4 identical G7 rated chains that I carry ..... never use a chain for recover that is longer that 15 feet. the longer the chain, the easier it breaks.

they should have used 4 chains in parallel.

 

[r1hatman]

Yeah, I never said they were the smartest bunch of boy! LOL

 

[r1hatman]

I personally just prefer straps due to the ease and convenience. I keep mine rolled up behind my seat for whenever I need it. It's easy to clean, and doesn't weight a ton and it doesn't roll all over my cab or bed and I don't have to worry about rusting.

 

[Boghog1]

some great advise in this threa but the best I saw was take your time.

 

[Shawn_248]

I have always used a chain, just wanted some opinions on the tow straps before i spend any money on one. Never had a chain break on me before

 

[Scotty J.]

Some great points posted here, hell I worked on a farm for 12 years and haven't used some of the techniques posted here, however the parallel chains is spot on.

One thing not mentioned, and it could be because it's about tow and snatch systems. What about snatch blocks? Double your winch line strength???

 

[strvger]

He posted about keeping someting in his truck.

If you are trying to get unstuck all by your lonesome.
Then use my method.
Drive slowly into bad situations, so you only need to move a truck length backwards to get out.

Then use a come-a-long (puller) rated at 2000lbs and chain rated at 4500lbs.
The problem with tow ropes in this situation is stretch.
The come-a-long can run out of cable taking all the stretch out of the tow rope, and the truck hasn't moved yet.

In this case chain works better, provided everything is anchored real good.

Now, if another truck is pulling you out, DO NOT use chain because it's easy for the other driver to make a mistake, jerking the chain and busting something.

i use the 4,000# (2 ton) come along. it will pull more than my truck weighs.

surprised no one has mentioned using the 60" farm jacks for winching. they do ok, but you have to use them as carefully as possible. just my $.02.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

i use the 4,000# (2 ton) come along. it will pull more than my truck weighs.

surprised no one has mentioned using the 60" farm jacks for winching. they do ok, but you have to use them as carefully as possible. just my $.02.

I got a 4k lbs come-along a while ago. It now is taking up space in my shed. I used to carry it in my truck all the time, tried it out once and didn't have much of any luck at all at getting my Ranger out and I wasn't stuck all that bad. Some fancy footwork got me out with some sticks and shoveling.

Used it to winch my choptop on a tow dolly once. Worked with considerable effort.

Then I tried using it to winch my stock 89 BII EB on junk street tires out when I got it stuck exploring a lil. Managed to split my thumb in half when it kinda broke. A buddy brought another come-along - 6k rating, but still couldn't get me out. Ended up getting tugged free by a YJ on 34" LTBs.

Took a file to the engagement pawl and managed to get enough of a point put back on it that will winch a lawn tractor if you're careful....

IF I ever buy another, it will be a big one. But for what those cost, I'd rather have an electric winch.

 

[ozziemo27]

Some great points posted here, hell I worked on a farm for 12 years and haven't used some of the techniques posted here, however the parallel chains is spot on.

One thing not mentioned, and it could be because it's about tow and snatch systems. What about snatch blocks? Double your winch line strength???

Gotta remember not everyone has a winch, Hell. i've never even seen a 2wd with a winch, would be kind of amusing....

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

My 2wd will be winch capable when I get around to fixing the truck and building my new front bumper.

 

[77'cj7]

Either a chain or a strap will work fine, assuming you use them correctly. A properly sized recovery strap can be used either for static pulling, or "bumping". A chain should only be used for static.

Also, NEVER attach recovery straps end to end, especially with shackles or hooks. Have a pic somewhere of a jeep with a strap and shackle hanging through the windshield, after passing through the back window and passenger headrest (no passenger luckily).

 

[AllanD]

I sense my opinion isn't popular here but I prefer chains there more adjustable in length easier to roll up and put away plus you don't have to worry about cutting them.The thing is you have to pull and not jerk or tug unlike a strap the chain does not store energy to release when it breaks if your just pulling.Ive been around chains and equipment for years it dos'nt go flying if you just pull.That said the deadly combination is a strap and a chain because the chain gives weight and the strap stores energy and makes it fly.

Chains have no give, they either take the load or they don't, the thing is that if you jerk against the chain what you attach it to is going to take the full force of the shock.

when something lets go the chain will just fall limp like a dishrag.

dangerous is mixing chain with tow straps, tow ropes or worse winch cable...

LETHAL is CHEAP chain mixed with any of the above.

then again a strap attached to a ball hitch can turn a 2" ball into a lethal projectile.


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[trail B2]

Its funny the threads that go long and get well debated.

You know another thing worth mentioning is winches give you the ability to pull your self out of a bad spot.The other thing they do is pull other people out in a controlled safe way that damages things a lot less from hook up points to drive train parts.The chances of everyone driving home safe and undamaged goes way up.Not everyone needs a winch but this is something to consider when deciding to buy one or not.

P.S. I know people can still get hurt with a winch and to be careful with the cable because it can fly but I think that its safer than pulling with another truck that can't get on firm ground for traction.