Stretch N Snap Tow Straps?

[2xtreme]

I have several tow straps, different lengths, loads, etc. Last weekend I got stuck really good in very sticky mud well over both axles and needless to say we did not have a winch in the group this time. I do have plans for a winch here in the very near future but I was thinking about getting a stretch n snap tow strap to add to my inventory. What do you guys think, any experience, good bad, indiferent. Also, what size do you think I should get.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[SeanP]

Well, you did it backwards. Most folks get the tow strap before ponying up $900 for a winch

I lived in Seattle area for 1.5 years and the mud there was something else. But a little momentum, a little stretch and a little kinetic energy was incredible. Also, if you don't have any metal attached to the strap (which you should NEVER have), even a broke strap wont do much harm. You can also tie and double knot a broken strap in a pinch.

SeanP

 

[SeanP]

Duh, didn't read your post correctly. I think I know what straps you are talking about. Seems like a good 20K pound 30 footer is fine for mud extraction. Always worked for me.

SeanP

 

[Eagle]

Be aware that there is a difference between a "snatch" strap and a "tow" strap. A "stretch-n-snap" sounds to me like a snatch strap. It has elasticity (stretch), which helps to store energy from the two vehicle and then use it to extract the stuckee.

A two strap doesn't need and probably should not have stretch. Can you use a snatch strap for towing? Sure. Can you use a non-stretch tow strap (or rope) for snatching? Not if you value either your rig or your life.

 

[2xtreme]

Sorry, I must not have been clear enough. I have several tow straps that I use for "towing" out of the mud and getting "unstuck". However, this last weekend I was "really" stuck and just pulling was not getting my anywhere so the vehicle that was pulling me backed up about 8 ft and "yanked me" with a standard tow strap. And it did move me, and eventually I got out (not without bending all four control arms). So I was just thinking of purchasing a stretchy strap that is supposed to provide better extraction from "stucks".

Just curiouse if any of use them and think that they are much better or not than a standard non stretchy strap.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[hpi_jeep]

living in missouri i get to see some big trucks and big stucks. i have seen people back bumper to bumper with a log chain hooked up between the two, and floor there 500hp+ chevy's with BOGGERS! and break chains, i have seen a chain literally fold a tailgate in a truck.

needless to say, i dont get in the mud and when i do get "stuck" i can usually get free from the object im "stuck" on pretty easy.

lemme just say rocks really do rock

 

[4ward]

2, for mud the stretch straps are the way to go. In the rocks I use tow straps. Most 20-30K tow straps still stretch a small amount anyhow. As long as you're not using one of those freakin' 3" wide deals.

 

[Eagle]

Most of us in the NAC carry a 2" wide, 20' or 30' stretchy snatch strap. Some of the guys have 3" straps and I think that's too big for an XJ.

However, there's no question that mud really likes to hold onto anything it catches.

 

[Lucas]

I swamped a full size jeep to the point that water/mud was up o the dash. I was thinking about taking the mud terrains off it and leaving it out in thewoods. A TJ on all terrains used a stretchy snap strap to inch me out over a period of an hour inch by inch. Its still good to have several straps to anchor the pulling vehcle , we had to anchor the TJ at first becasue the strap just pulled the TJ towards the pit.

 

[2xtreme]

Well it turns out (after a lot of research) that one of the straps that I use most often (2" - 30ft) just happens to be a snatch type strap (stretchy). I have had this strap for at least 10 years and it has held up well. However, I think there is very little if any noticeable difference now between the snatch strap and my other tow straps as far as "performance" at pulling out a stuck vehicle.

Needless to say I am going to do a little more testing over the next few "stucks" I am in, but my feeling now is I think there is no significant difference.

If others have other experience to the contrary I would be interested.

Michael

 

[xj92]

I've noticed quite a difference in some I've had. I had one with virtually no stretch (notice "had", it snapped pretty easily). It's good to have both types. When a vehicle is pulling you out, it's better to have the stretchy ones. When you're winching yourself out using a hi-lift it's better to have no stretch at all. Make sure not to use any metal hooks on the ends of stretchy ones.