Whether you’re going offroading or just cruising through the country on a road trip, a tow strap is one of the most important things you’ll ever put in your Jeep’s toolbox. Having a tow strap on hand may be the determining factor how your day might go.
Our Favorite Tow Strap | Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap
This is my first experience buying a non arb tow strap so naturally I’m a little hesitant.
Right out of the box the first thing I noticed was the weight. This two strap is heavy-duty and weighs almost 5lbs.
Rhino USA definitely has put a lot of time and effort into developing their line up of recovery products and it shows.
The blend of poly/silk used for the webbing feels solid and very similar to other high end tow straps.
One thing I really like about Rhino USA’s tow strap is loop ends. They’re triple reinforced and have a very strong protective sleeve.
This protective sleeve covers right where the loop closes. Which is where your tow strap will experience the most wear from rocks, trees, or getting smashed into the ground from a vehicles low tow point.
The included is draw string bag is a great addition and is sturdy enough to hold a few extra d-rings.
Fortunately I’ve only needed to use this tow strap about ten times. But even with with use its barely showing any signs of wear.
One of the reasons I chose Rhino USA is their warranty. They offer a lifetime warranty regardless of rips, tears or fraying. They offer to replace the two strap at no cost. Let’s face it tow straps do wear out over time with use but knowing you can get it replaced for free is some good assurance of the quality.
Overall If you’re looking for a new tow strap I highly recommend trying out Rhino USA. It’s much more affordable than some of the high end brands but offer the same quality and a great warranty to back it up.
Rhino USA Tow Strap Specifications
- Weight: 4.6lbs
- Length: 3″ x 20′ (available up to 4″ x 30′)
- Material: Poly/silk blend webbing
- Loop Ends: Triple reinforced
- Working Load Limit: 10,663lbs
- Break Strength: 31,518lbs (lab tested)
- Warranty: Lifetime
The 4Low’s Top Picks For Tow Straps
| Product | Brand | Features | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
Editors Choice | Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap (3″ x 20′) |
| Check Amazon Price |
Great Value | ALL-TOP Nylon Heavy Duty Tow Strap Recovery Strap Kit : 3 inch x 30 ft |
| Check Amazon Price |
Most Affordable | Sumpluct Recovery Tow Strap 2in X 20ft |
| Check Amazon Price |
Off Road Tow Strap Buyer’s Guide
What is a tow strap?
A tow strap is a tough but elastic strap that you can attach to your vehicle if its battery is dead or if there’s something else wrong with it and you need to tow it with the help of another vehicle.
A recovery strap is similar to a tow strap and it’s useful to pull your vehicle out of a ditch or the muck that it has fallen into.
In this blog, we will discuss the different properties of tow straps and why they’re so crucial for anyone looking to do even a little bit of adventurous driving.
What Strength Towing Strap Do I Need?
What you need to remember when shopping for auto recovery supplies is that tow straps and recovery straps work differently and have different specifications.
Recovery strap manufacturers have a rule of thumb that can allow you to decide which strap is the best for you.
When a recovery strap has one inch of width, the strap has a 10,000 lb strength. With every inch that the manufacturer adds to the width, the strap gains another 10,000 lb in strength. You need to get a recovery strap that has a strength that is three times the weight of your vehicle.
This triple-fold safety is very important as it ensures that you will not have a broken recovery strap when you need it the most because your recovery strap could not withstand the weight of your vehicle.
You should also buy tow straps with a similar safety factor.
When shopping for a tow strap, make sure to get one that has a pull rating higher than your vehicle’s weight. They should also be rated three times above the vehicle’s weight.
What Are The Differences Between Tow Strap Materials?
The two types of two straps we’re discussing are recovery straps and traditional tow straps. The main difference between these two strap types is in their materials. Some tow straps are also made of metal chains while others are made of less stretchy materials such as Dacron or polypropylene. On the other hand, recovery straps are made of stretchier materials such as nylon.
These materials are industrially strengthened to withstand huge weights such as those of a 4×4 or a Jeep stuck in a ditch or in sticky mud.
Tow straps are just used for transporting cars from one place to another. Since they’re used on the road, the straps should not have any elasticity in them as this may cause mishaps while driving and may increase the risk for accidents.
On the other hand, recovery straps need to be quite elastic because the straps are used to recover vehicles from rough terrains where they are stuck. If they do not have any elasticity, they will probably break when you try to pull the stuck vehicle out.
How Long Should Your Tow Strap Be?
Tow or recovery straps are used to recover overturned vehicles, those with dead batteries, or those stuck somewhere. While there are different tow strap lengths on the market depending on their uses, the one most drivers commonly get is the 20 feet one, as it is the one that’s suitable for nearly all midsized vehicles.
Where Do You Hook Up Tow Straps?
The first order of business is finding a secure place at the rear of the towing vehicle to attach one of the tow straps. This can either be a trailer hitch that one can find at the back of some vehicles, or you can use any other mounting point that allows you to secure the strap to the towing vehicle.
The second place you need to attach the tow straps is to the front of the vehicle you need to tow. There is a mounting hook present at the front of nearly every vehicle, but sometimes you might need to look for it as it may be hidden under a plastic covering or may be behind a nook or cranny. Don’t attach the tow strap hook to another place at the front of the vehicle being towed.
How Long Do Recovery Straps Last?
Generally, tow straps and recovery straps are made with extremely durable material that is industrially strengthened to make sure they can pull heavy vehicles without tearing or fraying. These tough materials and excellent manufacturing allow your tow and recovery straps to have quite long lives.
As long as you keep them away from the sun, moisture, and mildew and store them in a dry and clean place, there’s a good chance that your recovery straps will last you many years.
What Is Breaking Strength?
The breaking strength or the Max Break Strength (MBS) is the amount of the pressure you will put on the tow strap that will cause it to break. This value is determined by the weakest point in the strap’s structure because that is the point that will fail first.
The breaking strength gives you a number that you should always aim to stay below when using your tow straps.
What Is Working Load Limit?
The Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum amount of weight that you can pull with your tow strap. For example, if your 5000-lb car breaks down and needs to be towed, you need a tow strap with at least a 5000-lb Working Load Limit to have a smooth towing.
Conclusion
Tow straps are an essential addition to any car owner’s toolbox, but they’re all the more important for people who go Overlanding or off-roading.
So, did this buyer’s guide inspire you to get a new tow strap for your car’s toolbox?
