Hilux 4x4 Forum

Hi all

I need some of your insigts wrt a good tow strap that I can keep in the vehicle.
What Ill be using it for is to to the odd assist next to the road to get a vehicle either off the road to a safer spot or even use it to tow a vehicle a few km's to a service station, petrol garage or a house.
I do tend to help people stuck next to the road in some cases.
I had a simple tow strap before but I had to discard it after 2 uses. The nylon stands started pulling apart. It was a cheapy and decided it is too dangerous using this.

I also need to accuire a set of good bow shackles.

Any insigts would be appreciated please. Also where to buy.

Thanks

You can try Midas. They usually keep bow shackles as well. Get the 10 ton rated strap and minimum 5m length .... I prefer longer because the brakes of the vehicle being towed are usually no longer assisted by the booster (engine not running). A longer strap gives the towed vehicle a little more space to stop. A steel towing bar is even better but of course not something that you can carry around all the time.

Thanks MudDog
Ill go have a look.
Do you have any insights on what to watch out for when choosing a strap? Or is it just the weight rating?

U snatch rope tows much better then a tow strap Try it.

As Johan says, a snatch rope tows nicely and it has elasticity so no jarring and less chance of damaging anything, but they're pricey by comparison to a tow rope.

The weak points of tow ropes is the stitched loop. If the stitching looks robust it should be OK and if the loop has a protective sheath, even better. The weight rating is important though.

I buy the 10 ton ratchet strap without the ratchet itself mostly second hand you can pick them up from R40.If required cut the hook off and tie a bow shackle on if necessary but if you going to tie it to either side of the vehicle be careful how you tie it as they can pull extremely tight and you will battle to get them loose.