Tow Cable are not the same as recovery pull straps. We’ll go over the differences and assist you in selecting the best option.
There’s a common misunderstanding about the difference between tow straps and recovery straps, and they’re frequently sold as the same thing. Although they appear to be extremely similar, there are distinguishing characteristics that distinguish the two and their objectives.
Tow cable have huge metal hooks on each end that latch onto towing points and shackles, which is the most significant distinction between the two. In the meantime, recovery straps lack these hooks.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the most popular and effective tow and recovery straps on the market today, as well as explain the differences between the two. We’ll tell you what to look for in a tow or recovery strap, as well as when and how to utilise each one.
For more information on the best tow and recovery straps, refer to our table of contents.
Tow cable vs. Recovery Pull Strap: What’s the Difference?
As previously said, understanding the distinctions between a tow strap and a recovery strap is critical in ensuring you acquire the correct gear for the job. Tow straps are designed primarily for towing and should not be used for recovery, as their name implies.
Tow hooks are attached to these straps, which are subsequently attached to shackles or d-rings to draw another vehicle. Tow straps should not be used for recovery since they do not stretch, which increases the risk of them breaking or coming undone, sending the attached hook flying.
This can be particularly harmful in some circumstances, and has even resulted in death.
Recovery straps are distinct in that the material they are made of has some elasticity, allowing them to stretch. Recovery straps are easily identified by the loops on each end that are fastened to recovery or frame points commonly seen under trucks or on truck bumpers.
However, their stretching ability is more crucial, as these straps will stretch to their maximum capacity before bringing the vehicle back to its former condition.
More importantly, these straps are free of hooks or metal parts, making them safe to use if they come undone accidently.
In other words, recovery straps are best used to get pull out a stuck vehicle, while tow straps should be used to tow a freely-moving vehicle.
When shopping for a tow or recovery strap, there are a few things to keep in mind.
As previously said, the most significant feature to look for in a recovery strap is its flexibility. You should check that the recovery strap can extend without breaking.
Now, whether you’re looking for a tow or recovery strap, you’ll want to make sure it’s the right length and width for your purposes.
After you’ve narrowed down your product options based on strap size, pay special attention to the company’s advertised rating.
This is frequently the break strength capacity, which isn’t always what it’s capable of hauling. Find out the suggested vehicle rating for the strap if possible, as this will give you a better idea of how much it can tow.
If you’re looking for a tow strap, ensure sure the hooks on both ends are of good quality. When trying to tow a vehicle, the last thing you want is your hook to crack or break.
You’ll also want to consider durability, as you’ll want a product that’s weather resistant and waterproof to last as long as feasible. Make sure your tow or recovery strap is robust and constructed to last if you plan on using it frequently, especially if you’re going off-roading.
Directions Use a Tow Cable or Recovery Pull Strap
It may appear simple to utilise a tow or recovery strap, but doing it incorrectly could result in damage to your car or, worse, a human being.
Although your unique circumstances may necessitate different actions, here are some general recommendations for using your tow or recovery strap.
1. Make sure the tow strap can handle the weight of your load: Determine the actual payload weight your tow strap is rated for before attaching it to a vehicle, as we’ve previously stated. Examine the strap carefully for any tears that could cause it to become brittle.
2. Locate the tow hook on the car you’re about to tow: Tow hooks are usually found on the front of a vehicle, however the back of a vehicle may have a receiver to which a tow strap can be attached. These are often the only places where you should hook up a vehicle, as anything else could cause damage to the vehicle. Connect your strap to the vehicle’s frame if you can’t find a tow connection anyplace on the vehicle. However, you should only do so if you have no other options.
3.Connect your tow strap: Begin by attaching the tow hook to one of the strap’s ends. You should thread the loop through the hook if you’re using a strap with a loop at the end. After that, pull the rest of the strap through the loop. Double-check that the hook’s open end is facing downward to prevent it from becoming unhooked by accident.
4. Move your car: If you’re towing a vehicle, park it near to the vehicle you’re hauling. Using the same techniques as before, attach the other end of the strap to it.
5. Make sure the car being towed is in neutral: Once the car being towed is in neutral, make sure someone is in the vehicle. Then slowly drive the other vehicle, being especially cautious if your strap has a lot of slack. Any rapid movements should be avoided because they can harm the vehicles, hooks, and straps. If you’re having a lot of trouble, double-check that everything is connected properly and that you’re using the right strap for the job.
6. When coming to a stop, be cautious: you’ll want to gently slow down in the towing vehicle, and make sure the person inside the vehicle being towed is ready to apply the brakes if necessary. If you’re pulling a vehicle downhill, you’ll want the driver inside the towed vehicle to pay extra attention.
7. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, unplug everything: Make sure any extra accessories, like as shackles, are removed once you’ve unhooked and removed your tow or recovery strap. Keep the strap in a safe place until you’re ready to use it again.
The 9 Best Tow Cable | Recovery Pull Strap
1. Rhino Tow Strap
- Pros-Wide variety of applications, highly-rated break strength, includes carrying bag, lifetime warranty
- Cons-Price
Rhino USA offers a wide range of tow and recovery straps in a black and green finish. A typical 3-inch by 8-foot tree saver tow strap with a 31,518-pound break strength is available at an inexpensive price from the manufacturer.
For increased versatility and convenience of usage, it also features 20- and 30-foot recovery tow straps with the option of adding a hitch or shackles. Each strap also features triple-reinforced loop ends for further security.
The straps from Rhino USA are made of proprietary polyester/silk webbing and come with a heavy-duty drawstring carrying bag that can accommodate over 10 lbs of vehicle accessories. With its purchase, buyers also get a lifetime warranty.
2. Smittybilt Recovery Strap
- Pros-Variety of sizes, heavy-duty straps, double-stitched webbing, water-resistant
- Cons-Price
2 inch by 20 feet, 2 inch by 30 feet, 3 inch by 30 feet, 4 inch by 8 feet, and 4 inch by 20 feet are all available in Smittybilt’s recovery straps. The 2-inch wide straps can handle a maximum weight of 20,000 pounds, while the 3-inch wide strap can support a maximum weight of 30,000 pounds. With a 40,000-lb pull rating, the 4-inch wide straps are the most heavy-duty.
For added strength and longevity, these straps have double-stitched webbing with a double hoop construction.
Smittybilt’s straps are weather resistant and constructed to high standards, making them ideal for towing automobiles, hauling equipment, and moving garbage. The 4-inch wide variants are exceptionally wide to prevent damage to tree trucks.
3. Neiko Heavy Duty Tow Strap with Safety Hooks (51005A)
- Pros-Price, polyester webbing construction, drop forged and heat-treated solid metal hooks with safety buckles, weather-resistant
- Cons-10,000-lb capacity
The Neiko heavy-duty tow strap is made of excellent polyester webbing, has safety hooks, and is 2 inches by 20 feet. With a maximum capacity of 10,000 pounds, this device is ideal for towing vehicles in an emergency.
It’s a high-visibility yellow strap that’s mildew resistant, anti-ultraviolet, waterproof, and snowproof, and it won’t stretch, according to Neiko. A classic woven design adds durability while also protecting the strap edges from abrasion and wear.
The drop-forged and heat-treated solid metal hooks at each end of the straps are supplied with safety buckles for extra secure towing and quick hook up.
4. Grip Heavy Duty Tow Strap
- Pros-Polyester, abrasion and weather resistant, reinforced loop ends
- Cons-6,666-lb working capacity
Grip’s heavy-duty tow strap has a working capacity of 6,666 lbs and a breaking capacity of 20,000 lbs. It is 4 inches by 30 feet.
This product is abrasion and weather-resistant polyester web strap that will not rot or tear in adverse situations and is designed to tow or retrieve automobiles, ATVs, SUVs, boats, or light vehicles. For optimal strength and durability, each end has reinforced loop ends.
5. HFS Polyester Tow Strap
- Pros-Price, high strength polyester, zinc-coated safety hooks, retaining clips
- Cons-3,300-lb working load limit
HFS offers a more economical tow strap that measures 2 inches by 30 feet and is made of high-strength polyester. It has a working load limit of 3,300 pounds, a recommended vehicle weight rating of 5,000 pounds, and a break strength capacity of 10,000 pounds.
The working load limit refers to an industry-standard safety rating that states that you should only lift 1/3 of the strap’s capacity while lifting objects vertically using this strap.
The 5,000-pound recommended vehicle weight is a safety recommendation that accounts for jerks, a stalled vehicle, angle of tow, friction, and other factors.
This means that in some cases, a 5,000-pound car is actually placing 9,000-pounds of tension on the strap. The strap has been tested to sustain a weight of 10,000 pounds, which is the actual rated capacity of the webbing.
On both sides of this HFS product are quick snap-on forged safety hooks with retaining clips to keep them secured when towing. The hooks have a zinc coating that provides three times the corrosion resistance.
6. USWAY GEAR Tow Strap
- Pros-Price, polyester, reinforced stitching and loops, moisture and weather-resistant, waterproof, includes carrying bag, lifetime warranty
- Cons-Shackles sold separately
USWAY GEAR has a highly rated product on Amazon. This is a 3-inch wide tow strap that comes in two lengths: 20 feet and 30 feet. Both variants have a working load of 10,000 pounds and a rated capacity of 30,000 pounds while being lightweight and compact.
For enhanced durability, this strap is constructed of finely woven polyester with reinforced stitching and loops. It’s also resistant to dampness and weather, waterproof, robust but flexible, and washable to extend its life.
The tow strap has a lifetime warranty and can be used with pickup trucks, SUVs, ATVs, vans, boats, off-road cars, emergency situations, water sports, and other vehicles.
7. Sunferno Ultimate Tow Recovery Strap
- Pros-35,000-lb break strength, single-ply webbing, reinforced loops, protective sleeve, 7-percent maximum stretch, includes carrying bag, good customer service
- Cons-Some owners have experienced durability issues
Sunferno offers a 3-inch wide by 20-foot long tow recovery strap as another heavy-duty option (also available with 8-foot length). This strap claims to have a maximum stretch of 7% and a break strength of 35,000 pounds.
This model has stronger eye loops, a protective sleeve, and a bright green finish for increased visibility. It may be used to securely remove fallen trees, stumps, or bushes, and it’s also water-resistant, so it’s easy to clean afterward.
Each strap comes with a carrying bag, a protective sleeve, and a free wrap tie.
8. GearAmerica Recovery Tow Strap
- Pros-Variety of sizes, weather-resistant, protective sleeves, military-grade webbing, high tensile polyester, includes velcro tie and storage bag, a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Cons-Not actually made in America
GearAmerica’s heavy-duty strap comes in a number of sizes. 3-inch wide by 8-foot long, 3-inch wide by 20-foot long, 4-inch wide by 10-foot long, and 4-inch wide by 30-foot long are the options for buyers. The company also sells straps in pairs or in bundles of various sizes.
GearAmerica’s strap is rugged and weather-resistant, with protective sleeves to prevent wear and tear, military-grade webbing that can endure extreme weights and temperatures (-40°F to 215°F), and triple-reinforced loops to prevent abrasion.
This strap has been lab-tested up to 35,000 lbs in the 3-inch wide by 8-foot long version, and 35,054 lbs in the 20-foot long version. The strap, which is 4-inches broad and 30-feet long, has been tested to a weight of 41,455 pounds.
This strap is made of high-tensile 100% polyester and is mildew, moisture, and UV resistant. Each strap is equipped with a velcro closure and a storage bag.
This item has been lab-tested to support up to 35,000 pounds and is backed by a lifetime warranty. More importantly, 10% of GearAmerica’s profits are donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
9. Rocket Straps Heavy Duty Tow Strap
- Pros-Rated capacity of 30,000 lbs, 100% polyester material, UV and weather-resistant, protective sleeves, reinforced looped ends, drawstring carrying bag, lifetime warranty
- Cons-Some users report the ends fray easily
This heavy-duty tow strap from Rocket Straps is made of the best grade 100 percent polyester material and is UV and weather resistant while being incredibly flexible.
This strap, which measures 3′′ by 30′, has a certified capacity of 30,000 lbs (10,000 lbs working load) and heavy strength reinforced looped ends to relieve stress on anchor points. On each end of the tow strap, protective sleeves may be found, adding to the strap’s durability and protection.
Rocket Straps includes a drawstring carrying case with its tow strap and offers a lifetime warranty on its product, which is designed to be used in all weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong should a recovery strap be?
The breaking strength of the strap should be between 2-3x the total weight of the vehicle. The strap must be suited to the total weight of the lighter of the two vehicles used in the recovery process.
What is the difference between a tow strap and recovery strap?
The biggest difference between a tow strap and a recovery strap is the stretchiness of the fabric. ... Typically, tow straps have metal hooks on each end. Tow straps should not be used in the recovery of stuck vehicles simply because they are less stretchy and can more easily break under the pressure a recovery entails.
Can you tow with a recovery strap?
Don't use a recovery strap as a tow strap or as a winch extender strap, again because they are designed to stretch for extraction, not tow anything. Most importantly when using a recovery strap, never connect it to an attachment point other than a frame mounted tow hook.
Are tow straps better than chains?
In general, though, they are best used by experienced towing and recovery workers. For general purpose towing, there are better and safer options. Tow chains, on the other hand, can be useful for lifting, pulling up tree trunks, or for any application where you will need to drag the chain along the ground
How do you use a recovery strap with loop ends?
Using the D-ring, attach the semi-circle section around the tow hook of the recovery vehicle. Loop the other end of the recovery strap through the D-ring and secure with the pin. Now the straps are attached, the recovery vehicle can start slowly pulling the stranded vehicle out to safety.
