A possible stupid question regarding winch straps.

No difference Craig

Robin Miller

I wonder if they are the same price. LOL

Winch extension straps are usually longer and thus dearer. You could use a snatch strap as an extension strap but I personally wouldn't use as extension strap as a snatch strap due to the amount of elasticity over its length. However in an emergency I would use whatever I could.

Usually rated the same as well but there is a wide variety of ratings and lengths amongst the various manufacturers out there.

Regards
David

I would suggest that winch extension straps do not need any stretch where tow straps can use a little stretch to absorb shocks, but not as much stretch as a snatch strap.

PeterD

I would suggest that winch extension straps do not need any stretch where tow straps can use a little stretch to absorb shocks, but not as much stretch as a snatch strap.

PeterD

Winch straps are not designed to stretch and rebound. they are not "kinetic energy" straps. They have a weave like a seat belt.
They have a bit of give but not a lot.
Imagine a snatch strap as a seatbelt, you would hit the steering wheel then be catapulted out the back window>LOL
Regards Philip A

Now we are getting confused with a snatch strap that wasn't mentioned in the first post.

Extension & tow strap.

Is it possible that a tow strap has a max legal length and a winch extension can be any length ?

Sorry, you are correct, I didn't read carefully.
Australian Road rules.
295 Motor vehicle towing another vehicle with a towline
(1) The driver of a motor vehicle towing another vehicle using a
chain, rope, fabric, strap or wire (the towline) must comply
with this rule.
Offence provision.
Note Motor vehicle is defined in the dictionary, and vehicle is defined in
rule 15.
(2) If neither of the vehicles is a motor bike, the driver must keep a
distance of not over 4 metres between the vehicles.
Note Motor bike is defined in the dictionary.
(3) If at least 1 of the vehicles is a motor bike, the driver must keep
a distance of not over 2.5 metres between the vehicles.
(4) If the towline is longer than 2 metres, the driver must attach a
white or brightly coloured flag, piece of cloth or other similar
material (the warning material) to the towline in accordance
with subrule (5).
(5) The warning material must:
(a) be substantially square or rectangular with 2 adjacent sides
at least 300 millimetres long; and
(b) be attached midway along the towline; and
(c) be visible for at least 100 metres from either side of the
warning material.
(6) Subrule (2), (3) or (4) does not apply to a driver if the driver is
exempt from the subrule under another law of this jurisdiction
and is complying with the conditions (if any) of the exemption.

So the max is 4 meters, so most tow ropes will be less than 5 meters.
I cannot see that a winch extension strap 5 meters long would be much use.
If the looad rating is similar they should be similar,but usually a good tow strap will have abrasion protectors.
Regards Philip A