is it ok or safe to use a chain for vehicle recovery ? any advice ?

 

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.

 

You can but it's not recommended. Harbor freight has tow straps with loops on the ends for like $35. Definitely worth it

 

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!

 

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.

 

^ 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.

 

this, this, this. if ya havent seen it yet, heres a great example..

as you can see, it goes perfectly...

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.