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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 08:43 AM
  #1  
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nixon_ca
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tow ropes

hey guys, i was just windering how big of a tow rope do you use with your trucks. i have a 55,000 pound one thats 6 inches wide but the loops are to wide for my clevis. the strap will end up binding where the pin goes in if theres alot of pressure being put one the strap. should i go to a smaller one thats 27,000 pound and fits nice in the clevis? i'm not a hardcore mudder put i have been known to get stuck real good what do you guys use and suggest?
 
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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 10:54 AM
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If it's a new strap soak the loops in water for a little while and then they should be able to fold. Let them dry folded and it should be able to fit into that clevis easy enough. I always like an extra heavy strap . . . better safe than sorry.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 11:55 AM
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It never hurts to have too much tow strap, but the 3" 30,000 pound ****** straps are more than adequate. If they can hold up while snatching my truck out when its buried up to the frame than they should work fine for you
 
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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 12:02 PM
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get a bigger clevis you can never be too big or too strong in this hobby! go to a tractor supply store (they have the biggest and best!) and shop around, make friends, start an account (i had too, lol)

if you a serious about learning more about recovery techniques and safety I undoubtedly suggest Billavistas recovery bible...if it ain't in there, there are links you can surf that you will be able to find the answer!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/

-cutts-
 
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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 12:12 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by proeliator
It never hurts to have too much tow strap, but the 3" 30,000 pound ****** straps are more than adequate. If they can hold up while snatching my truck out when its buried up to the frame than they should work fine for you
UHHH-HUH-HUH-HUH-,,,you said ******!!,,,HUH-HUH Seriously though, even though you would probably never break a tow rope that size, I have to wonder if it would be too thick to work effectively with the whole momentum routine that makes them work so well.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 01:04 PM
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Maybe I should clarify that when I say "****** strap" I'm referring to recovery equipment, not a thong
 
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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 02:39 PM
  #7  
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> but the loops are to wide for my clevis

That is why I decided to put a 15T pintle hook on the back of my truck. Easy hook up of any cable or strap. The only thing that can be a hassle is when the strap wedges itself part way between both halves of the pintle hook and jams the safety latch. You have to hit it with a hammer to unlock it.
 
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Old Jan 15, 2005 | 09:39 PM
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A bigger clevis is cheaper then a tow rope, and you already have a tow rope that you won't break with your truck (trust me on that one, as long as the strap is in good working condition anyway).
 
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Old Jan 18, 2005 | 06:36 PM
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the biggest thing to remember with any strap is to take care of it...i dont mean wash it weekly and take it out to romantic dinners.dont let it get pinched,and never hook it around a sharp object(especially bumpers). try to keep it stored in your toolbox or behind your seat(the uv rays will over time weaken the material).I know to most of the guys on here this reply seems stupid but i figure its a good idea to remind everyone of the basics.
 
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Old Jan 18, 2005 | 10:17 PM
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You are right the sun wrecks these ropes (ask me how i know that ) quick, also try not to kink them as well.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2005 | 08:04 PM
  #11  
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id rather just stick with my trusty old tow chain. sure there big and clunky but they never let me down!!
 
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Old Feb 6, 2005 | 08:12 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by 76hi-boy
id rather just stick with my trusty old tow chain. sure there big and clunky but they never let me down!!
ok but when they stretch out so far and then break you have a GIANT bullet that you odn't know where it's gonna go. sure chains are great for just pulling but for those times (90%) when you need to ****** it's always better to go with a strap, rope

-cutts-
 
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Old Feb 6, 2005 | 08:15 PM
  #13  
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yes i agree it might just be me but i just feel safer using a chain than a rope or strap.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2005 | 09:35 PM
  #14  
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If you are stretching chain you have some serious issues, expecially if you are trying the jerk method. Chain is ment to gently take out the slack and then slowly apply force and pull out, not get a running start and just jerk. Also, anytime you have a strap or chain or winch cable out, put a jacket or blanket over it at the 1/2 way point so if it breaks it drops down not go flying. I use this method with my logging chain and have yet to break the chain.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 07:20 AM
  #15  
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From: Senoia, GA
Originally Posted by wickymustang
If you are stretching chain you have some serious issues, expecially if you are trying the jerk method. Chain is ment to gently take out the slack and then slowly apply force and pull out, not get a running start and just jerk. Also, anytime you have a strap or chain or winch cable out, put a jacket or blanket over it at the 1/2 way point so if it breaks it drops down not go flying. I use this method with my logging chain and have yet to break the chain.
well i have broken more chains than i have fingers by yanking and yes the blanket method is the only safe way to do it. although with my winch rope i don't have to worry about it

-cutts-
 
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