eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Use a Recovery Strap As a Tow Strap

Contributor
By Alexis Lawrence
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Recovery straps work somewhat differently than tow straps, and many car enthusiasts believe that recovery straps are a lot gentler on a vehicle than traditional tow straps. Since recovery straps have some stretch to them, they absorb some of the impact of movement. Recovery straps also have no metal fittings. They are made up of only soft pieces that are safer for the vehicles framework. Like with any tow strap, recovery straps should be used only to tow a vehicle short distances. Vehicles should never be towed further than they have to be.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Recovery strap
  • Two vehicles
  • D-Ring Shackle
  1. Step 1

    Attach the recovery strap directly to the vehicle being towed. The recovery strap can be wrapped around a tow hook if the vehicle has one or the vehicle frame if it does not. Wrap the recovery strap around the frame and pull one end of the strap through the loop of the other end.

  2. Step 2

    Attach the other end of the strap to the tow vehicle. The most secure way to attach the other end of the strap is by using a D-Ring shackle. The D-Ring shackle will fasten into the vehicle's hitch and the recovery strap will loop around the shackle.

  3. Step 3

    Ensure that the strap isn't going to rub on anything sharp on the vehicle, such as a rough spot on the bumper. This will cause the strap to fray and possibly lead to breaking. If there are any spots on the vehicle that are questionable, wrap the strap in duct tape in that area, so that if it rubs against the sharps spot, it will have an extra layer protection.

  4. Step 4

    Keep clear of the vehicle. Once the recovery strap is attached, everyone should keep a safe distance before either car is moved. If the strap breaks loose with the car attached, it can cause a lot of damage to people and objects in the vicinity.

  5. Step 5

    Slowly ease the vehicle forward until the slack is pulled tight before picking up speed. This will give the car being towed a gentle take off and lessen impact on the car's frame.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Cars Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Cars
eHow_eHow Cars