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vehicle recovery towing with chain ???

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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 10:15 AM
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Default vehicle recovery towing with chain ???

is it ok or safe to use a chain for vehicle recovery ? any advice ?
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 10:24 AM
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You can. I always use a recovery strap with loop ends just because I don't want metal flying at me if it breaks. I would recmmend a good recovery strap instead of a chain.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:08 AM
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You can but it's not recommended. Harbor freight has tow straps with loops on the ends for like $35. Definitely worth it
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:12 AM
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as safe as you make it man. use a heavy object draped over chain in the even it breaks, it wont whip (as bad) if theres a (downward) load on it..

use a LEGIT recovery point. not the shackles, not the axle, not a dinky tow hook bolted to the sheet metal..

sand the hell outta the way.

all said and done i use a chain if the strap isnt long enough, but usually its for lighter recovery. wanna do it right then use a snap strap- they stretch and build up kinetic energy vs. a chin with no give causing the violent jerking/damaging motion.

edit- i guess i was beat to the punch for suggesting snap straps.. but yeah, x2!
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:15 AM
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I usually use a chain. As long as you mount it properly, use heavy-duty chain itself and refrain from being a heavy footed jackass, you'll be okay. Even still, I'd recommend a proper tow strap as the chain (like VTJeep stated) will make horrible noises and is less forgiving and much more violent.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:18 AM
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^ agree, we used to use chains when we were all noobs. You'll never find any chains, hooks, or anything else but tow straps in our rigs now. Tow straps work soooo much better than chains. Always put weight in the middle as mentioned above on chains or winch cables in case of breakage.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Battle
refrain from being a heavy footed jackass
this, this, this. if ya havent seen it yet, heres a great example..

as you can see, it goes perfectly...
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:29 AM
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Chain isn't meant to be shock loaded. I use chain to flat tow non-runners on my property, but I wouldn't pull a stuck vehicle out with it. Don't cheap out on recovery tools.


Skip to 3:45

Last edited by emptypockets; Oct 22, 2013 at 11:33 AM.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by emptypockets
Chain isn't meant to be shock loaded. I use chain to flat tow non-runners on my property, but I wouldn't pull a stuck vehicle out with it. Don't cheap out on recovery tools.
x2
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by emptypockets
Chain isn't meant to be shock loaded. I use chain to flat tow non-runners on my property, but I wouldn't pull a stuck vehicle out with it. Don't cheap out on recovery tools.

Originally Posted by OnlyInMyXJ22
x2

^this

Napa has recovery straps for $19.99. Mine is going on 4 years old.

I also have a piece of synthetic winch line left over that I made into a tow strap. really nice since its a lot smaller and easier to store in the jeep.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:49 AM
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Chain is heavy. Means I can't carry as much beer.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by McCaffrey
Chain is heavy. Means I can't carry as much beer.
Shouldn't wheel & drink anyways……… naw, who am I kiddin it goes hand in hand!

Chain also becomes flying objects in the ol' XJ while wheelin. Tow strap won't hurt if it hits you in da head, chains hurt.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 02:43 PM
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i've been wheeling for the better part of 10 years and have never seen a chain let alone ever used one at all.

straps are lighter, cheaper, easier to use and safer in every way. with that being said, don't use a D-shackle/clevis to join two straps together.

straps are useful in many ways of recovery. search cruse loop recovery (spell it cruse).

chains = death
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by mariop910
is it ok or safe to use a chain for vehicle recovery ? any advice ?
Flat towing sure. Recovery no, **** breaks and goes flying into soft squishy humans. People have actually died.
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Old Oct 22, 2013 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by salad
Flat towing sure. Recovery no, **** breaks and goes flying into soft squishy humans. People have actually died.
This. I've flat towed plenty of times with a chain and even still, it makes one hell of an uneasy racket.

And VTJeep, I've never actually watch that video until now. GOOD LORD!!! Typical PowerStroke owner.
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