Snatch Strap for towing?

I have done this over longish distances before - the main problem I found was that if the person being towed brakes, it causes the strap to stretch and then contract which works up a bouncing type action that can be hard to stop.

The other problem I experienced was that over a long distance the strap often drops to the ground and can fray to the point of breakage - however I guess this would happen to most other types of tow ropes that are drag over long distances.

Having said all that - I'd still use one if I had no other tow rope available!

- Dave

Phil,
It is not recommended to use a snatch strap for towing as it will shorten the life of the strap.
The continual stretching and releasing the tension will have a detrimental effect on the elastic plus when the strap is dragged along the ground, dirt and gravel particals get into the fibres and will damage it.
You should always store it in a bag and wash it thoroughly after use particularly in mud and sand.
cheers
Des.

I've towed successfully with a snatch strap which was folded in half lengthways. Had to make sure that the mid-section which could have contacted the ground was wrapped in a cloth to stop abrasion if the vehicles came too close, and made sure that the parts joined to the vehicles wasn't going to abrade. I agree with the comments above, but if you take it gently and don't try to pull hell out of the strap, it's actually better than a stiff towrope, cable or chain because it absorbs some of the shock when taking off. But just take it gently!!! I found that getting the towed car to gently brake first,and slow both vehicles up, this kept a moderate (and non-destructive) tension in the strap, which avoided any jolting which would otherwise have put a lot more strain on the strap. We were towing on bitumen so there wasn't much rolling resistance to overcome. The strap is still very elastic and in good condition years later. Easy does it and it should be fine.
MikeyS

Hi Phil,

In addition to what everyone has previously said about shortening the lifespan of the strap I would think the process is also more risky than using a conventional tow rope or solid link between the vehicles because of the recoil factor built into the strap.

Every time you take off the strap will load up with an amount of energy. When you stop if the driver in the towed vehicle isn't absolutely on the ball they could be pulled towards your vehicle as the strap tries to recoil to its relaxed length.

So my reason would be that it would make towing more hazardous than it needs to be. At least using conventional towing methods you don't have this to contend with.

I would not tow using a snatch strap unless an extreme emergency with no other good options availble.

Just my opinion.

Have a good one.

G'day

A snatch strap is designed for "snatching". A tow rope/chain is designed for towing. I carry a drag chain for a number of reasons, one being for towing.

I would not use a "snatch strap" for towing.

Regards

Paul

And there is NO way in a million years that I would use a chain for towing !!! Anyone who reads this please do not use a chain for towing.

Towed my son's car about 5 k's and had him run over it a couple of times...... got frayed and totally stuffed of course (brand new... naturally).
Just as well it was just a Supercheap cheapy.
I still keep it in the back for towing and for snigging logs out of the gully on our property. It's looking pretty poor of course
Now I keep my (new) good snatch strap nice and clean in a bag in the kit.
Oskar

Snatch straps are designed for snatch recovery, but I have used them for very short distance towing only if there was no alternative. (i.e I have seen cars "stuck" at the top of a hill and can't get traction to get over the top..... hook a strap on to give the extra oomph!) You will ruin the strap very quickly doing this though. (Loses it's elasticity)

For long towing, I THINK the law states that you must use a solid link between the two vehicles.

What's wrong with the "A" frame fellas or is that too old fashioned.
Great for carrying firewood when you need to carry it.
Mine does'nt have a conventional tow attachment, I modelled mine after the TREG coupling which I have on my work trailer.
Can't really break as it works on any angle.Can hook up to anyone's tow bar.
( Hayman type)
I also carry 2 snatch straps.

Thanks to all who replied and commented.
Sounds like another of these things which is possible but not recommended. Mechanical damage from rubbing on the road and similar things while towing seems the biggest worry. If the strap is clean then repeated stretching should not cause problems unless the elastic limit is exceeded. Nylon slings are routinely used on construction cranes I believe and these must be cycled many times. The point about the stretch "slingshotting" the towed car is certainly one to be remembered!

Phil I