winch and recovery strap?

Scar0 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 12, 2013 9:46 am

How much capacity winch would one need to be safe 3500 or 5000?
Same Q for a recovery strap, weight rating?

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

Winch...id get atleast 8000 lbs. The Liberty weights alot

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Scar0 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 12, 2013 10:02 am

The curb weight is 4,162 lb for my rig. I'm not planning on lifting it off the ground, just pull it out when stuck.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 12, 2013 10:36 am

Scar0 wrote:

The curb weight is 4,162 lb for my rig. I'm not planning on lifting it off the ground, just pull it out when stuck.

A 6k winch is barely enough for a stockish Samurai.The general rule of thumb is 1.5 times the vehicle weight so a 6k winch is not enough.The smallest for a vehicle like the Liberty or Nitro would be a 8k winch and a strap with at least a 10k working load.Just remember also you may use it to revover another vehicle that could weigh much more then yours.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Thu Dec 12, 2013 12:32 pm

A vehicle stuck in mud no matter what it weights, the winch load goes up exponentially when either pulling itself out or pulling someone else out.

I have a 12,000 lb warn on my Dodge and I always carry a Heavy Duty snatch block and a 6 inch wide recovery strap rated at 20,000 lbs. You can use the snatch block to double the winch's pulling capacity and the recovery strap to get to a tree or anchor point to pull. I also had to use the recovery strap to anchor my truck to a tree from the rear hitch one night to pull a 2500 Ford out of a mud hole. Without the rear anchor, the winch just kept dragging my truck toward the stuck vehicle even with it in four wheel drive and holding the brakes. :shock:

The Ford was spinning all tires trying to help get itself out....

Bottom line! There is no such thing as too big when it comes to Winches, buy as big as you can afford or physically mount! Bigger is Better! :wink:

Scar0 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 13, 2013 2:40 am

Thanks guys for all the great info!
Now to find a winch that will fit in the budget...
What is your opinion on this for a recovery strap?
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-x-30-ft-heavy-duty-recovery-strap-67230.html
I can't find a load rating for it...
Or maybe this one(10 ton)...
http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Heavy-Duty-Tow-Strap/dp/B000I60HV8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 13, 2013 8:21 am

You want a recovery strap,not a tow strap.If you got a TSC locally they carry pretty good ones for a good price or look on Amazon at 3/4" Bubba ropes as they are very good for recovery.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Fri Dec 13, 2013 9:17 am

As tjkj2002 stated; you want a "Recovery" strap, not a tow strap. Also, NO metal ends! You only want loops on the ends for safety.... :SOMBRERO:

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 3:44 am

Duh, I missed that one was a tow strap...
Nearest TSC is in Cali, so it looks like my best bet is on line.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 10:38 am

TSC is online too.
Next time I get online discount code do you want it?

LibertyFever · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 12:33 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

Scar0 wrote:

The general rule of thumb is 1.5 times the vehicle weight so a 6k winch is not enough.

i agree, your winch capacity should be at least 1.5 times the weight of your vehicle. And don't mess around with a cheap winch buy a Warn. You won't regret it.

And regarding recovery straps, read the packaging carefully. There is a difference between a recovery and a tow strap. Never ever use chains for recovery.

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tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 7:27 pm

LibertyFever wrote:

Never ever use chains for recovery.

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That is totally false,depends on the type of recovery.I used chains to recover vehicles for 11 years without a mishap,was trained how to use chains.Recovered vehicles weighing 20 times as much as a KJ/KK does also.

Grannysgoat · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 7:52 pm

Also suggest you get a 20' recovery strap vs 30'.

At The Helm · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 8:58 pm

You just can't shock load chains.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Sun Dec 15, 2013 9:12 pm

Chains can be used, but you better know what you are doing as a chain is not forgiving on either end. I too have used them in the past as well as 1/2 wire rope (cables) with the proper rigging and heavy tow vehicle.... :wink:

For trail and winch use I would stick to a good recovery strap, they are hard to beat and most forgiving! :2cents:

Scar0 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 2:13 am

So, now I'm a little confused. I see listings for tow/recovery straps. Indicating the strap can be used for both...
I know I do not want one with a hooks on it. I want one with loops.
I also see the ones TSC sells is the SmartStraps® 4 in. W x 30 ft. L Yellow Recovery Strap with Loop End, 10,000 lb. Safe Work Load. But when looking at SmartStraps web site they are also listed under towing.
So what is the difference between the two?
And why a 20' not 30'. All I can find are 30'.

Cherrie 274 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:58 am

Recovery straps stretch. Supposedly helps when jerking. My straps are from TSC and lists both. I use for both.When towing and towed vehicle lacks behind strap tightens and you can feel it sling forward.
I have 3x30. Don't know why 20, sometimes 30's not going to be enough.

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 11:03 am

Like Cherry stated "recovery" have some stretch to them so if you have to hit them a little its not so much of a shock.
TSC has many different ones available, I'd get more than a 10,000 lb personally
I have a couple of different lengths , one is a 20 and the other a 30 . Have had to use both when I stuck my tractor down over a hill :roll:

20 foot is rated at 25,000 I think it is , the 30 foot is 30,000 or 35,000. Over kill ? Maybe but I feel safe with them if using with the Jeep, a truck or farm tractor
Chains, reason I tell most everyone not to use a chain is the simple fact MOST do not know how to use one correctly nor will they listen.
Steady pull they work great but I have seen way too many hook up a 30 foot chain, back up bumper to bumper with the stuck vehicle and take off full bore. Buddy lost his back window and had the hook laying beside his right leg when all was said and done one time back years ago. I pulled up just in time to yell "NO" but too late

Grannysgoat · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 12:38 pm

Check out Quadratec, they have numerous recovery straps of different lengths, widths.

I have both, 20' and 30'. I started with a 30' and found after several uses it was a bit to long for the type of off roading we do. The 30' is now rolled up and sleeps in my recovery bag and the 20' sits behind the passenger seat because it get's used.....frankly if you are having to strap over 30' you may be better off with winching anyway.

So, if you run mud, IMO the longer strap is probably better as it get's you farther away and you may get more stretch. That is unless you don't have enough distance from the stuck one to use it.. Rocks and stuff, the 20' is better. Get both...and a 10 footer as well.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 16, 2013 7:28 pm

Thanks again for all the info folks.
I've used chains, come-a-longs, and ropes in the past. If done right they can all be used in one way or another. But, I figured it's time to do it right and get something designed for the job.
Now I know what to look for.

winch and recovery strap?

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