snatch strap

If you can Rainbowprof, leave the shackle out of the recovery at your (tow vehicle) end. Look for a strap with eyes on the end narrow enough to fit into the towbar (box section) where the tow reciever usually fits. Push the eye in the box section and then put your pin (that normally holds the tongue) through the eye of the strap.

This removes one more piece of potentially flying metal from the recovery. Some straps have very wide ends on them that wont fit in the box section, however others are made to suit this purpose.


Regards


Jas

LOL!! I like the thinking!! Michael

Thanks Les. Too easy. And I appreciate the light humour. Almost passed me by. Funnily enough, I must admit when I have helped people broken down or stuck I have been happy to lend them my tow ropes, jumper cables, voltmeter and tools -and was pleased I could be of service. At the time it never worried me that they were using MY gear, and the fact it was mine was not really an inconvenience to me.

Rainbowprof!! I think Les was saying that snatch straps have a limited life and are usually rolled up clean and dry in the owners vehicle. Once used and especially in mud or water, the owner of the snatch strap, usually the guy doing the recovery, ends up with a wet, muddy and partially used strap. This then has to be stored wet in his vehicle and then cleaned and dried at a later date, long after the bogged guy is home and free!! Get his point?? Hence selling him one or insisting on using his strap if he has one. Makes perfect sense to me!! Michael

Sure Michael, that's fair enough. I have never used a snatch strap so I'm open to learning about the correct usage and etiquette as it arises.

Actually I'm preparing for a trip and my 2 vehicles (80 series and Troopie) are parked at my brother's in Melbourne. I'm currently on an overseas assignment so am buying a few last minute things on ebay so I hit the ground running when I fly in on the 4th July. As I will leave Melbourne heading north 5 days later I need to get a bit organized, and I just got a different cargo carrier/ roofrack amd rooftop tent that will need my attention when I arrive. The vehicle was serviced last week, but I will double check the suspension to feel more confident of the capabilities of the vehicle. The Troopie is manual, and it's tried and true with OME underneath. The new purchase (80 series) with 1HD-T and auto has my brain racing as to what I want to improve or adapt in the week before driving to central Qld via the Simpson. I'm asking questions as my mind goes over the multitude of eventualities, so I 've been raising a few questions that are no doubt basic knowledge to others. This forum has been very supportive and helpful, so thanks to everyone who has offered advice, comments and suggestions.

I don't mind using my gear to help others, but anyone that goes out to venues where they might get stuck, should have the basics like snatch strap and shackles.
It is an impost to use them under some circumstances, bad weather and mud is one of the worst, as you strap is then weaker for the next snatch if needed, and needs to be cleaned and dried properly to prevent deterioration from particle abrasion or moisture.

As someone else mentioned, you can eliminate one or both shackles by using the receiver hitch and hook the hitch pin instead of the solid billet recovery point, if the loops are ok to fit.
Most of the 10000kg rated straps have larger loops.

Someone also said steer clear of Bunnings ?
Nothing wrong with this strap, wouldn't touch the shackles unless they are rated (haven't looked) but the strap is fine. (They have 2 types I saw in 10000kg, and some in 5000kg, don't bother with the lighter one).

that is certainly an alarming article. As another member thoughtfully posted earlier, Bunnings will be my next stop for a correctly rated item.

I agree a 100% wizzer, recovery is the most dangerous activity in 4 wheel driving, buy only good quality gear (forget bunnings) and know how to use it, if you don't want to spend the money get a long handle shovel.

Muddy, nothing wrong with this strap at all, see above follow up pics.

That recovery plate is probably one of the best i have seen! It at least pulls almost in line with at least one of the bolts! Most have the attaching hole way lower than the bolts and have the potential to twist the bolts with the leverage applied!! Michael

I do appreciate your input, your points are perfectly valid. The strap I pictured is not the correct one, the one I have chosen is Ironman 9000 kg rating (sadly for you they are made in China or Malaysia I suspect, I 'd prefer not to refer to them as chingchang though), the hitch has come directly from brand new Landcruisers according to the Australian vendor who emailed me this morning, and before I have it installed by an appropriate professional I will get a second opinion as to the advisability of using it- or get another more suitable component at the time. LCOOL articles suggest I may need to move a radiator bolt to fit it. I can see snatches are a potentially dangerous situation, as is driving a vehicle in the city. More people die doing that. Forewarned is forearmed. Obviously you are a professional in the field of off-road campers so I appreciate that you share your knowledge.

I pose questions to get constructive advice as I have insufficient knowledge on mechanical (and many other) subjects. My experiences in survival situations are not insubstantial, but I'm not an expert and am happy to take on board advice from the many with life experiences in areas different to my own. Having travelled to a large number of Australian destinations in many vehicle types through the years (before being in a position to afford a more 'capable' vehicle) quite successfully with just a tow rope, shovel, and basic camping equipment I have lived to tell the tale. Crossing the Kokoda trail solo, visiting Everest Base Camp in Tibet, crossing 5400 m passes in winter in Nepal, or just doing the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair or Milford trail (35 years ago) all had elements that needed advance planning. I'm doing my planning. Your help is much appreciated. I changed my plan last year at the final moment for the Anne Beadell trip after preparing copiously because of last minute changes that allowed me to see another time would be better. --It happens. Your suggestion of doing a course is certainly a good idea. Calculated risks are a valuable component of life, though. The very spice thereof. I trust my family with our 4 kids appreciate the trouble I go to to give them these irreplaceable opportunities. Unfortunately the fear mindset of the world has impinged on my lifestyle now to the extent that I carry a satphone which I have never used, except for a test email. Everything changes. That's the only constant.

Good reply Prof.

GT tends to be a bit brusque some times.
Hopefully he means well.

Cheers, Bruce.

Good stuff Rainbowprof, I am sure you can see my - and others' - concerns about your trek and level of experience from this and other posts you have made. Like anyone else, I just want to see you have good time and not 'bite off more than you can chew' with unrealistic expectations, little experience and poor equipment choice.

yes Bruce, always happy to help here and elswhere, and I'd rather be brusque (good word!) on an internet forum by making people think about things than have my police mates pick up bits and pieces of brain and body when something goes clunk-doonk splat. Or, have someone up for a $4000 tow from some remote area because dreams and aspirations overtook common sense and ability!

Not a worry. Pleased that so any readers have chosen to respond with their knowledge and sound opinions. I mean, if I knew the answers I wouldn't bother asking these questions. I get the gist of it, and have now read a lot more on the subject. Even got down and watched Australian 4wd Action videos about it to give me a true blue perspective. Bring it on.

There is an old saying GT which is very apt.

" You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar"

Cheers, Bruce.

yep and an ounce of prevention is better than a kilo of cure.. or something!

maxtrax-yes, I 'm looking into that at the moment. My preferred option if I can fit them in (and afford them...) Following some that are up for sale at the currently.