Recovery 101 - Straps

[JeepinSoldier]

Straps are one of the most used pieces of recovery gear. Straps are used more often than a winch line because they are faster and simpler. There are definitely situations where a winch is the better piece of equipment to use, but straps can be used in the majority of recoveries.

Straps are usually made of woven nylon webbing that has attachment eyes stitched into both ends.

Straps come in several types, sizes and lengths. Types of straps include Anchor (Tree), Snatch, and Tow.

Straps should be inspected and maintained before and after use. To inspect a strap, check for cuts or abrasions that go more than 1/8 of the way through any part of the strap.

Check the stitching on the attaching eyes. Good straps should have a chafe guard on the inside of, or enclosing the eye. Replace the strap if enough stitching is broken that the eye looks compromised or the guard is seriously damaged.

Some straps have different color stitching inside the outer layers of the strap, that if revealed means that the strap has stretched too much and the capacity of the strap has been compromised. If you see red stitching inside of a blue ARB strap, it means its time to replace it. Straps should be cleaned of mud or dirt with water from a hose and plastic stiff bristle brush. Oil stains can be removed with bleach free detergent.

[JeepinSoldier]

Anchor straps (Tree) are usually about 8’ long and 2 or 3” wide. They are used to wrap around a tree or other object to be used as an anchor for a winch line. As stated before, they also can be used to assist in counterbalancing an off camber Jeep.
Snatch or recovery straps are usually 20 or 30’ long and 2 to 4” wide. A 2” wide strap averages 15,000 lb capacity and a 3” wide strap averages 22,000 lbs. Most snatch or recovery straps are rated to stretch by 15 to 20 percent. The stretch does two things. It cushions the shock lessening the chance of a broken strap or parts on the vehicle. The second is that it stores energy, multiplying the force applied to recover the stuck vehicle.

[JeepinSoldier]

Tow straps are similar to snatch straps but may be shorter and generally have less capacity and elasticity. Tow straps are used for towing vehicles around and simple tow out recovery. Tow straps are preferable to cable or chain for towing because their elasticity absorbs shock loads and the others don’t. While suitable for simple tow out recovery, tow straps should not be used for snatch out recovery, overstressing them in this way can result in damage to the strap, vehicle, or injury to the people involved in the recovery.

[JeepinSoldier]

Methods of strap recovery. (Tow out/over, snatch out)

The first method of strap recovery is the tow out. This method effectively uses the towing vehicles traction to assist the stuck vehicle. To tow out, attach the strap ends to a good recovery point on each vehicle. Move the towing vehicle slightly forward until even tension is applied to the strap. Then on a signal, both vehicles apply slight even power in an attempt to tow the stuck vehicle out. The towing vehicle applies progressive power until the stuck vehicle comes out or it is apparent that this method of recovery is not going to work. The stuck vehicle driver needs to watch and as soon as it comes out, get off the power and be prepared to stop. This will avoid running over the strap and getting it entangled in his wheels or suspension.

[JeepinSoldier]

A snatch out recovery with a snatch strap is similar to a tow out, but more force is applied to the stuck vehicle. This method is used for vehicles mired in sand or mud. To perform a snatch recovery, first dig out slightly around the stuck vehicles wheels with a shovel and air down the tires if this has not already been done. Attach the ends of the strap to good recovery points on the vehicles. Have the stuck vehicle apply a little power. With a little slack in the strap, the towing vehicle should then apply progressive power, quickly taking the slack out of the strap and ‘Snatching’ the stuck vehicle out. The drivers of both vehicles need to be prepared to stop and the driver of the stuck vehicle needs to avoid running over the strap as stated before.

[E5EDDIE]

If needed, could you wrap your tow strap around a tree to get a attachment point for a winch line, right? Wouldn't need to be particularly intended for use as a "tree strap" would it? One of my many questions as I forge deeper into this world. In the 'Stan we never used our winches on the 1114s and 1026s, just towbars and straps, and I just got lucky I never high centered my old Grand...

[HillBillE]

Great info, but I'd lke to add to it.

Tow straps (usually) have hooks on each end, and should be used only for towing or moving a disabled rig, not for a rig that is stuck.

Recovery straps have eye loops, and when possible should be hooked to a clevis or recovery point that the strap cannot come off. Not all recovery straps have any give or elasticity, and shouldn't be used for hard 'jerks' to pull out a stranded rig.

Snatch straps do have elasticity built into them, and are designed to 'snatch' the stuck rig out as per the instructions given.

As with winching, using a strap can be dangerous if something goes wrong. Keep everyone clear of the area in case the strap or recovery point fails.

[HillBillE]

If needed, could you wrap your tow strap around a tree to get a attachment point for a winch line, right? Wouldn't need to be particularly intended for use as a "tree strap" would it? One of my many questions as I forge deeper into this world. In the 'Stan we never used our winches on the 1114s and 1026s, just towbars and straps, and I just got lucky I never high centered my old Grand...

Yes, tow straps can be used in place of tree saver straps. Both keep the winch rope from digging into and damaging the tree.

Jus be sure to not run a strap or winch rope over a sharp or jagged edge. If it's unavoidable, be sure to put something in between the two. A rag, leather glove or heavy cardboard work in a pinch.

[E5EDDIE]

Yes, tow straps can be used in place of tree saver straps. Both keep the winch rope from digging into and damaging the tree.

Jus be sure to not run a strap or winch rope over a sharp or jagged edge. If it's unavoidable, be sure to put something in between the two. A rag, leather glove or heavy cardboard work in a pinch.
RGR all, thanks for the advice HillBillE

[JeepinSoldier]

Great info, but I'd lke to add to it.

Tow straps (usually) have hooks on each end, and should be used only for towing or moving a disabled rig, not for a rig that is stuck.

Recovery straps have eye loops, and when possible should be hooked to a clevis or recovery point that the strap cannot come off. Not all recovery straps have any give or elasticity, and shouldn't be used for hard 'jerks' to pull out a stranded rig.

Snatch straps do have elasticity built into them, and are designed to 'snatch' the stuck rig out as per the instructions given.

As with winching, using a strap can be dangerous if something goes wrong. Keep everyone clear of the area in case the strap or recovery point fails.

Excellent reply, especially the last part about safety. I advise that tow straps with hooks NOT be used for off road recovery at all. THEY ARE DANGEROUS. Recovery is dangerous enough. I would purchase and use only tow or statch straps with looped ends.

[JeepinSoldier]

Just be sure to not run a strap or winch rope over a sharp or jagged edge. If it's unavoidable, be sure to put something in between the two. A rag, leather glove or heavy cardboard work in a pinch.

More excellent points. If you are using a rock or other object with sharp edges for a winch anchor point, a choker chain should really be used instead of a strap. However, in many situations you will have to use the gear you have to accomplish your recovery. For example, you may have to combine a strap and a chain in order to use a very large rock as a recovery point.

Also, for winch ropes, many can be purchased with a sliding sleeve that is used as a chafe guard. I recommend that if you are going to invest in a winch rope that you spend a little extra and get this feature. Now suppose that you get a fancy rope with the guard, but in order to get over your obstacle, you have it up against several objects? Just use some of the things that HillBillE recommended, or whatever else you have on hand. Dont abrade that rope!

[Fifthpro]

More excellent points. If you are using a rock or other object with sharp edges for a winch anchor point, a choker chain should really be used instead of a strap. However, in many situations you will have to use the gear you have to accomplish your recovery. For example, you may have to combine a strap and a chain in order to use a very large rock as a recovery point.

Also, for winch ropes, many can be purchased with a sliding sleeve that is used as a chafe guard. I recommend that if you are going to invest in a winch rope that you spend a little extra and get this feature. Now suppose that you get a fancy rope with the guard, but in order to get over your obstacle, you have it up against several objects? Just use some of the things that HillBillE recommended, or whatever else you have on hand. Dont abrade that rope!


Most military folks have the sliding sleeve material sitting around in large spools.....all it is made from is 1" Tubular Nylon. The same stuff climbers use extensively in their hobby and most Joe's use to make a safety line from or cover their Camel Back water tubs with.

If you are lacking, give me a shout and I can hook you up. I also have a neat little trick for using 1" Tubular Nylon to act as a stop/indicator for both wire and synthetic winch lines so you do not run the line out beyond the required minimal wraps depending if you are using wire or synthetic.....not the obvious sleeving the last couple feet in the nylon that fist comes to mind.....once I get a chance to snap some pics of what I am talking about I will post it. Super easy to make yet highly functional for what it is intended to do. Hell, I will make a bunch and send them to whoever desires it but with a bum wing from surgery it will take me a while before I can do that.

[korisu56]

pm'd fifthpro

[Fifthpro]

I almost forgot the first part of your post. I carry a bunch of the stuff in the rig, the next time you see me just ask about it and I will give you 12' or so, if you need more I have it.

Cheers!
Mike

[JMC543]

What would be a good size recovery strap for light trail use?
I've seen a bunch, 20' 30', 2", 3".
I'm wheeling a pretty stock TJ

[HillBillE]

Most guys I know (including me) carry a 2" wide, 20' long strap for light rigs like the CJ/YJ/TJ and Cherokees. If you run a fullsize rig, like a big blazer or pick up, then a 3" wide strap would be better.

I also advise buying a strap from a good source. Pro-Comp has nice straps that won't break the bank, and you can rely on them.

Harbor Frieght carries straps, both with hooks and loop ends AVOID THEM!!! The ones I've seen, do not have the proper rating for moving a stuck rig.

A typical short wheelbase rig, loaded for the trail, will weigh in between 3400 and 4200 pounds. If it's in the mud, or hung up really good, the stresses on the strap will be more than 1 1/2 times that weight, plus the pressure exerted when yanked on.

Get a strap rated for at least 2 times the weight of the rig. I like ones rated at 20K or higher. (which is 4+ times the rigs weight.)

HB

[JMC543]

Thanks for the response.

[jeepgod]

I have a question about anchor straps.....Does anyone have an idea about local places that might carry them....I checked Tractor Supply but they only had tow straps and seemed wayyy too long.