the result of not thinking through the potential risks

Grumpy

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.
Staff member
https://video.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t42.9040-2/47377097_2147254868936675_5062985118713380864_n.mp4?_nc_cat=109&efg=eyJybHIiOjU1OSwicmxhIjo1MTIsInZlbmNvZGVfdGFnIjoic3ZlX3NkIn0=&_nc_ht=video.fbos1-2.fna&oh=8bfd72442419fb43522e0c0daf4d8ef8&oe=5C0EC957

the poor guy in that video will NEVER fully recover from that physical injury,(if he lives )
we have generally placed two spare tires,simply stringing the jerk strap through the center hole on the wheels,
strung out & spaced about 1/3rd and 2/3rds of the way between the two vehicles along the tow/winch or recovery strap,

just because of that type of failure, a large canvas tarp draped over , most of the tow straps length, may help, a tow strap with a tarp,will lower the snap back velocity considerably , but may not prevent damage
the two spare tires along the strap result in a busted strap or chain generally being restrained in the distance the loose end can travel,as the considerable mass tends to stop the snap back , of strap energy,
if the line snaps, yes its a bit extra work,
but you stand FAR LESS RISK of a busted windshield,
or major injury if the tow strap suddenly comes loose.



https://www.fginsight.com/vip/vip/avoid-injury-and-damage-with-safe-towing-techniques-11781

http://www.ericksonmfg.com/product-category/heavy-duty-recovery-straps/

https://cantechit.com/2017/02/06/attention-rally-teams-stop-using-tow-straps/

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/b...-and-donts-tips-tricks-for-safe-4x4-recovery/

https://www.amazon.com/GearAmerica-...pons&keywords=heavy+duty+recovery+strap&psc=1
 
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I have broken a few Tow Recovery straps Grumpy with the Suburban & Chevy Tahoe.
Pulling hard in 4 wd.
Not supposed to fail but they do.
Like a Bullet when they snap apart.

I prefer a Huge Logging Chain.
I keep a few hanging in my garage.

Nice Read & nice tips.
 
yeah for me also, it was rather graphic the guy was very badly injured,
it was a video of a guy trying to pull a jeep style vehicle out of deep mud,
the synthetic tow strap, that looked like it was about 50-60 ft long and maybe 3" nylon, snapped,the end on the pulling truck came off,
the long strap,snapped back like a huge rubber band,
punched through the stuck cars windshield and ,
basically removed the drivers lower face and jaw in the process.
those straps are generally rated at about 10K-15K work load
but remember the tow hooks and clevises are not always rated as high,
welds, bolts do shear, and tow hooks do fail or come loose.
 
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