When you’re out in the wild, or just stuck in a rut during off-roading, you need a reliable tow strap to get you out of any tight spot. But with so many straps on the market, which one should you choose? I’ve done the research and rounded up our top picks for the best recovery tow strap available. From my best overall pick, the Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap and beyond, I’ll help you find your perfect fit for whatever situation comes your way. So strap yourself in and let’s get started!
My Criteria: How I Selected The Products
I thoroughly examined every product’s performance criteria, price point, and brand reliability before making a selection. I chose only straps of the same size to give the best comparison possible and avoided bundles as they can be difficult to compare. Additionally, I looked at each strap’s working load limit and breaking point.
Rhino USA Recovery Tow Strap – Best Overall
Rhino USA offers a great selection of recovery tow straps that are ideal for any vehicle stuck in a sticky situation. The standard 3-inch by 8-feet tree saver tow strap is lab tested to 31,518 pounds of break strength and comes with reinforced loop ends for added peace of mind. It also features exclusive polyester/silk webbing for superior durability and weather resistance, plus a heavy duty drawstring carrying bag for convenient storage. And with their lifetime warranty, you can be sure that your purchase will last you for years to come. Whether you’re looking for an affordable tow strap or need the extra length of a 20- or 30-footer, Rhino USA has just what you need.
Smittybilt Recovery Strap
Smittybilt provides a range of recovery straps suited for a variety of towing and hauling tasks. All straps feature double-stitched webbing with a double hoop design for exceptional strength and durability, and are designed to be weather resistant. The 2-inch wide straps can pull up to 20,000 lbs, while the 3-inch wide strap supports up to 30,000 lbs. The 4-inch version is the heaviest duty with a 40,000-lb pull rating and an extra wide width to protect tree trunks from damage. These straps come in sizes 2 inch by 20 feet, 2 inch by 30 feet, 3 inch by 30 feet, 4 inch by 8 feet, and 4 inch by 20 feet. Smittybilt’s recovery straps are engineered for maximum strength and reliability so you can get the job done right.
Sunferno Ultimate Tow Recovery Strap
Sunferno’s Ultimate Tow Recovery Strap is a must-have for any tow recovery situation. This 3-inch wide by 20-foot long strap boasts an impressive 35,000-lb break strength, 7 percent maximum stretch and reinforced eye loops for added safety and security. The bright green finish makes it easy to spot in any situation, while the protective sleeve helps protect it from dirt and debris. Each strap also includes a bonus wrap tie and carrying bag for your convenience. Whether you’re removing fallen trees, stumps or bushes, Sunferno’s Ultimate Tow Recovery Strap is the perfect solution for any sticky situation. Plus, the quality material ensures it can withstand harsh weather conditions so you can rely on it time after time.
ARB Recovery Snatch Straps (100% Nylon)
ARB Recovery Snatch Straps (100% Nylon) are one of the best recovery straps available on the 4×4 market. ARB is a well-known and trusted name in off-road recovery gear, so you can rest assured knowing that it will be built with high quality materials. The snatch strap is made of 100% nylon which gives it maximum elasticity during recovery, allowing for a smooth and gentle pull instead of a stiff yank like some other brands offer. It also features metal hooks and d-ring shackles that are designed to last through multiple uses without losing strength or breaking. Plus, this nylon strap is weather resistant and has an impressive load capacity rating, making it perfect for any type of terrain or situation. Whether you need to winch out a stuck vehicle or use the strap as an extension for your tree saver, you won’t be disappointed by the ARB Recovery Snatch Strap’s performance.
Rocket Straps Heavy Duty Tow Strap
Rocket Straps heavy duty tow strap is the perfect solution for any sticky situation. Made from the highest grade 100% polyester material, this 30′ strap features a rated capacity of 30,000 lbs (10,000 lbs working load) and is designed to be used in all weather conditions. It also has protective sleeves on each end for an added layer of durability and protection as well as reinforced looped ends to take the strain off anchor points. This tow strap also comes with a drawstring carrying bag and is backed by a lifetime warranty. All these features make Rocket Straps tow strap one of the best recovery tow straps on the market today.
Grip Heavy Duty Tow Strap
Grip’s Heavy Duty Tow Strap is ideal for anyone needing to tow or recover cars, ATVs, SUVs, boats, or light trucks. The 4-inch by 30-foot strap is built with a working capacity of 6,666 lbs and an impressive breaking capacity of 20,000 lbs. Made of abrasion and weather resistant polyester webbing that won’t rot or tear in extreme conditions, this strap will get the job done. What’s more, reinforced loop ends at each end ensure maximum strength and durability for safe use. For those looking for a reliable tow strap with a high load limit and quality material construction, look no further than Grip’s Heavy Duty Tow Strap.
HFS Polyester Tow Strap
The HFS Polyester Tow Strap is a great choice for recovering vehicles that are stuck in sticky situations. It’s constructed from high strength polyester and measures 2 inch by 30 feet, with a 3,300-lb working load limit and a 10,000-lb break strength capacity. This makes it ideal for towing heavier vehicles, as the recommended vehicle weight rating of 5,000 lbs actually puts 9,000 lbs of stress on the strap during certain situations. The webbing’s rated capacity has been tested to withstand 10,000 lbs, ensuring your safety while you recover your vehicle. Plus, its affordable price tag makes it an even better deal.
Mibro DitchPig
The Mibro DitchPig is the perfect recovery tow strap for those stuck in a ditch, mud hole, or wooded area. This double-braided 1005 high-tenacity nylon rope can stretch up to 30% of its original length to build up enough kinetic energy to get any vehicle out of a sticky situation. With its 16,000lbs breaking strength, this strap is much stronger than your average winch and provides a safer, simpler, and more cost effective alternative. For smaller ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles, a 1/2” diameter rope is available while larger SUVs and Jeeps require a 3/4” diameter line. The Mibro DitchPig also comes equipped with metal hooks and protective sleeves for maximum durability and weather resistance. Don’t let yourself be stranded—get the Mibro DitchPig for all your recovery needs!
GearAmerica Recovery Tow Strap
GearAmerica’s recovery tow strap is the perfect choice for any stuck vehicle. Offered in a variety of sizes, from 3-inch to 4-inch wide and 8-feet to 30-feet long, drivers can choose the size that best fits their needs. Durable and weather resistant, its military grade webbing has been tested up to 41,455 lbs. Featuring protective sleeves to prevent wear and tear, as well as triple reinforced loops for abrasion resistance, this tow strap is made with quality material that can withstand extreme loads and temperatures (-40°F to 215°F). Plus, GearAmerica offers bundles of different sizes or certain straps in pairs, making it an ideal choice for any recovery gear setup.
JACO 4X4 TowPro Recovery Tow Strap (3″ x 30 ft)
The JACO 4×4 TowPro Recovery Tow Strap is the perfect choice for any off-roading, towing, or recovery application. This strap combines military-grade polyester and nylon for superior strength and durability. It has a certified AAR break strength of over 31,000 lbs and is lab performance-tested to ensure it withstands all weather and terrain conditions. To prove its quality, JACO offers a free 100% lifetime warranty on their product. The strap comes with closed-end loops tightly fastened for easy connection with winch extensions, hooks, and other towing points on your vehicle. With its 3” x 30 ft size, this strap can handle any emergency recovery situation with ease. Get the JACO 4×4 TowPro Recovery Tow Strap today and never worry about getting stuck in a sticky situation again!
Buying Guide & Which Features to Research
When it comes to selecting the best recovery tow strap for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you’ll want to look for a high-quality material like polyester or nylon that is weather resistant and strong enough to withstand your vehicle’s weight. The breaking strength of the strap should be higher than the working load limit (WLL) so you won’t have to worry about overloading it. You’ll also need metal hooks on either end with protective sleeves and a D-ring shackle for extra security. Depending on the weather conditions, you may also want to look for a snatch strap or a bubba rope with tree saver straps which are designed to reduce pulling force on natural objects such as trees. Lastly, make sure you check the load capacity and load limit of any strap before use. By taking these factors into consideration when choosing your tow strap, you can ensure that your vehicle will be safe and secure during recovery operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tow Strap vs. Recovery Strap: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to towing and recovery, it’s important to be aware of the differences between a tow strap and a recovery strap. Tow straps are specifically designed for towing vehicles and they latch onto the tow hooks of both cars. They use shackles or d-rings to pull the other vehicle. However, these straps don’t have any elasticity or give, which means there is an increased risk that they’ll break or come undone. This can be especially dangerous in certain situations and could even cause death.
Recovery straps are made from materials that provide some stretch and elasticity, allowing them to absorb shock and reduce stress on the vehicles involved. These straps also work well in wet weather conditions, as their material won’t absorb water like nylon does with tow straps. It’s important to look for a high quality recovery strap made from polyester material with higher break strength rating than your winch extension so you know your gear will perform when you need it most. Rhino USA offers some great options for safe recovery operations!
Is a tow strap the same as a recovery strap?
No, a tow strap and a recovery strap are different. A tow strap is designed for towing vehicles with static properties. The recovery strap, on the other hand, is intended for pulling stuck vehicles and has kinetic properties that help it do its job. While a recovery strap can be used for towing, it’s important to remember that a tow strap cannot be used as a recovery strap.
When shopping for either type of strap, you’ll want to look at features like breaking strength and load limit. Make sure the straps have metal hooks and nylon strapping with protective sleeves which will ensure they last longer in harsh conditions. Quality material should also be taken into consideration when looking for a tow or recovery strap as well as weather resistance. Additionally, if you’re using a recovery strap make sure you have the correct gear like d-ring shackles or soft shackles and tree savers so you don’t get yourself in a sticky situation.
Is there a difference between a tow strap and a tree protector?
A tow strap and a tree protector may sound similar, but they are actually quite different. A tow strap is designed for towing vehicles, and it typically consists of a nylon strap with reinforced loops at each end. This strap is usually rated for up to 10,000 pounds of breaking strength, and it should be used in conjunction with a sturdy tow hook or a d-ring shackle. On the other hand, a tree protector is much smaller than a tow strap and it is designed to be used with winches. It usually features extra padding on the outside of the looped ends in order to prevent damage to trees when securing them during winching operations. The breaking strength of tree protectors can vary between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds depending on the size and material. Both straps should always be stored in protective sleeves when not in use to avoid abrasion or other damage from dirt or debris.
How do I attach a tow strap?
Tow straps are an essential piece of recovery gear for those who find themselves in a sticky situation. The easiest way to attach a tow strap to a vehicle is by using D-ring shackles or soft shackles with a built shackle point. However, attachment hardware is usually sold separately from the tow strap itself.
When selecting your recovery strap, it’s important to consider its break strength and load limit capacity. Quality straps are made with polyester material that is designed to be both weather resistant and durable for heavy use. Popular brands such as Rhino USA and Bubba Rope offer quality straps with metal hooks on either side for secure attachment.
In addition to attaching the tow strap, you may also need a winch extension or tree saver depending on the particular terrain and weather conditions you face when stuck. Remember that safety should always be your first priority, so make sure your recovery gear is well maintained and ready for action before attempting any kind of vehicle extraction!
What’s the difference between breaking strength and working load limit (WLL)?
The breaking strength of an object is its absolute maximum before failure, while the working load limit (WLL) is the recommended limit to use when using a strap. WLL typically is 1/3 of the breaking strength, and it is strongly discouraged to attempt using a strap above this limit. It is important to select a recovery tow strap with a high-quality material that can handle a large load capacity. This way, you can ensure the safety of both your vehicle and those around you. It’s also recommended to choose one with a protective sleeve so it doesn’t get damaged over time. Before purchasing any product, make sure to check the breaking strength and WLL ratings so you can be sure that it will handle whatever task you need it for.
What is the benefit of using a strap with closed end loops?
Using a tow strap with closed end loops is essential for any towing or recovery situation. By avoiding metal hooks and instead utilizing the closed end loops, you can ensure maximum safety for yourself and others during use. The closed end loops provide a secure connection between two vehicles and towing gear, eliminating the possibility of shock loads that can occur with metal hooks. Furthermore, using closed end loops eliminates the chance of metal hooks becoming deadly projectiles if the strap or tow points break. Investing in quality towing gear that includes closed end loops is an essential part of any driver’s recovery equipment kit, ensuring a safe and successful recovery from even the stickiest of situations.
What strap length is best – 20 ft or 30 ft?
When it comes to recovery tow straps, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The most suitable length depends on the situation and where you are off-roading. For most recovery situations, both 20 ft and 30 ft straps are great options. It is recommended to always have a backup recovery strap while off-roading and many customers choose to buy both sizes for more flexibility. If you only want to buy one, then the 30 foot option may be best if you have enough space to use it. However, for those in the Eastern United States who are riding trails that are tight and narrow, using a 20 ft strap may be more feasible since it can be difficult to find 30 feet of straight trail for pulling from. Ultimately, having both 20 ft and 30 ft tow straps available is ideal for any recovery situation or sticky situation you may find yourself in!
What is the working load capacity & break strength?
The working load capacity of a recovery tow strap is the amount of weight it can safely handle and is usually measured in pounds (lbs). The maximum break strength is the highest amount of force that a strap can endure before breaking or tearing. In this case, the TowPro™ hybrid webbing recovery tow strap has a working load capacity of 10,663 lbs and a maximum break strength of 31,518 lbs. It’s important to note that these load capacities must be suited to the total weight of the lighter vehicle used in the recovery process. Additionally, when using a tow strap for vehicle recovery it’s recommended that you use one with a breaking strength between 2-3 times greater than total weight of the vehicle being recovered.
Additional Questions
What strength recovery strap do I need?
When it comes to determining the strength of the recovery strap you should go for, the rule of thumb is always to choose a strap that’s rated at three times the weight of your vehicle. To provide a practical example, let’s consider a common vehicle – a Toyota Camry. This vehicle’s weight typically falls somewhere around 3,310 and 3,595 pounds. Doing a quick math, you’d realize you’d need a recovery strap with a rating of no less than 9,930 pounds. This isn’t just guesswork; it’s a safety protocol based on my years of experience in off-road recovery and towing. It ensures that no matter how stuck your vehicle is, you’ll have ample towing strength to get you out of the rut, literally.
What is the difference between a recovery rope and a recovery strap?
Many folks seem to confuse recovery ropes with recovery straps, primarily because of their similar appearances. But they’re quite different in functionality. The major difference hinge on the degree of stretchability each affords. Interestingly, recovery ropes boast an impressive stretch capacity, often stretching up to 30 per cent during a vehicle recovery. Conversely, a traditional snatch strap can only stretch by around 20 per cent. These percentages may seem little, but in the world of vehicle recovery, a 10 per cent difference in stretchability can be a game-changer. Not to mention that I’ve personally facilitated many recoveries where the added stretchability of a rope became the deciding factor between a successful recovery and a failed attempt.
What is the best recovery strap for mud?
If you find yourself stuck in a muddy situation, one recovery strap I can confidently recommend based on personal use and professional experience is the Mibro DitchPig. Not only has this strap skillfully rescued me from several challenging muddy conditions, but it has also proven its worth time and again in ditch and wooded area rescues. This double-braided 1005 high-tenacity nylon rope can stretch up to 30% of its original length, which enables it to build up enough kinetic energy to yank any vehicle out of the stickiest situations.
Should I get a tow strap or recovery strap?
The choice between a tow strap and a recovery strap can sometimes be a little confusing, but it all comes down to the actual need. A recovery strap, designed with nylon fabrication, possesses an almost rubber band-like stretchability. This gives it a bit of “bounce” that is incredibly helpful for “recovering” a stuck vehicle. On the flip side, a tow strap doesn’t offer this “give,” but it’s perfect for towing a disabled vehicle from one location to another. Also, most tow straps come with hooks at the end. My advice here is built on countless recoveries and tow operations I’ve handled over the years. Remember, using the right tool for the right job is key to effective and safe vehicle recovery or towing.