Recovery

BaystateTJ97 · 01-20-2009, 10:06 PM

So i'm ready to sound stupid and probably get flamed a little bit but here I go. All over JF it says no metal hooks and I totally understand why so that's not my question. I have recovery points on my TJ so I don't need the hooks for me, but how am I supposed to pull other vehicles (grand am, minivan, mustang etc.) that don't have recovery points out without the hooks? So far this winter i've made two recoveries of my friends from ditches (mini van and grand am) and I had to use my tow strap with the metal hooks on it and hook into their frame in order to be able to securely hook up to them. How am I SUPPOSED to be doing it before I ruin somebody's day with a flying tow hook that comes off the rope?

That was really scrambled but i'm not sure how to make it more clear, sorry.

TIA
BSTJ

**chadsmeltzer** · 01-20-2009, 10:43 PM

To get it out of the way, You're not SUPPOSED to be pulling them out.

If it was a slow pull, with no jerking or slack in the strap, the hooks could be ok. If there was any more then that I wouldn't use it.
Look for a crossmember or something to wrap a strap around, if you can do it call a tow truck.

I will say I have pulled a lot of cars out, most had a tow point or a frame to hook up to. The winch makes it nice too.

2005X · 01-20-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaystateTJ97

So i'm ready to sound stupid and probably get flamed a little bit but here I go. All over JF it says no metal hooks and I totally understand why so that's not my question. I have recovery points on my TJ so I don't need the hooks for me, but how am I supposed to pull other vehicles (grand am, minivan, mustang etc.) that don't have recovery points out without the hooks? So far this winter i've made two recoveries of my friends from ditches (mini van and grand am) and I had to use my tow strap with the metal hooks on it and hook into their frame in order to be able to securely hook up to them. How am I SUPPOSED to be doing it before I ruin somebody's day with a flying tow hook that comes off the rope?

That was really scrambled but i'm not sure how to make it more clear, sorry.

TIA
BSTJ

use d-rings

Turner · 01-20-2009, 11:25 PM

I wrap the strap around the frame and use D-rings. If its uni body let em call a tow truck...

**BYuen** · 01-20-2009, 11:42 PM

I only use the tow straps (not recovery straps) with hooks solely for towing disabled vehicles or minor stuck vehicles in a situation that doesn't involve yanking.

**notmyj** · 01-21-2009, 04:33 AM

I use one of these for MINOR recovery of cars. i.e. slid into the snow, stuck in the grass, or off the road. This is only for minor duty pulling. This is NOT for yanking. The T-hooks slide and lock into the frame and unibodies of most cars on the road. Even the jeeps have the slot for these hooks. They are the oval shaped holes that have reinforcement around them on the out side of the frame rails, both front and rear. You can use the large J-hooks for grabing axles, just be careful that you dont grab brake lines or parking brake cables. Search around for instructions and prices. Be sure to use only at least a grade 70.

Kinda pricey, but by far one the most useful item in my bag of tricks. Especially here in Pittsburgh with questionable roads, snow, ice, hills, and not the best public works depts in the nation.

http://www.truckntow.com/pc-12574-147060-vulcan-proseries-g70-sport-v-bridle-8-j-hookt-hook4-j-hook.aspx

coldwater · 01-21-2009, 07:00 AM

My strap has only loops at the ends, so I carry a short length of chain to wrap around what's available and use a shackle to put it all together.

**ZeroGravity** · 01-21-2009, 07:06 AM

What's wrong with metal recovery hooks? It seems like most of us don't have a fancy Warn bumber with D-rings.

2005X · 01-21-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringwood

What's wrong with metal recovery hooks? It seems like most of us don't have a fancy Warn bumber with D-rings.

you need a fancy warn bumper to use drings, in fact on my front bumper i use my hooks on top of the bumper, in the rear i use my factory hook there. you wanna use the d rings with the vehicle that is stuck in case you have to tug on them. straps with hooks can be turned into flying missles

**TJDaveX** · 01-21-2009, 08:13 AM

Metal recovery hooks are fine when they are attached to your frame. When they are at the end of a rope or strap, they are a problem. They can become flying shrapnel that can fly through windshields, put holes in sheetmetal, break lights. Or worse they could injure or kill someone.

coldwater · 01-21-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringwood

What's wrong with metal recovery hooks? It seems like most of us don't have a fancy Warn bumber with D-rings.

I have seen some scarry stuff resulting from a loose hook under load! I make damn sure there's no way for that to happen by using solid mechanical connections.

Smtty58 · 01-21-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringwood

What's wrong with metal recovery hooks? It seems like most of us don't have a fancy Warn bumber with D-rings.

Most straps with hooks are tow straps. The strap and hooks are not rated for the loads encountered in recovery.

BaystateTJ97 · 01-21-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJDaveX

Metal recovery hooks are fine when they are attached to your frame. When they are at the end of a rope or strap, they are a problem. They can become flying shrapnel that can fly through windshields, put holes in sheetmetal, break lights. Or worse they could injure or kill someone.

So if I attach them to the frames on both cars would that be safe? Both "recoveries" i've done have had the little loops you talked about in the frame and the hook fits in like a glove(like thats what the hole was designed for)

Also I have a pre-printed waiver that I make people sign releasing me of all liability in the event that something on their car is damaged because of me attempting to recover them and that by signing the waiver and using me instead of a tow truck, they assume full risk and responsibility for their vehicle during the recoverr

**chadsmeltzer** · 01-21-2009, 09:22 PM

Many people will say the waiver is worthless.
Most tow straps (which have the hooks) are only rated for a small load, maybe 8,000 lbs or so. Recovery strap are usually rated 20,000+, and are meant to stretch slightly to help in the recovery.

Smtty58 · 01-23-2009, 12:03 PM

A waiver won't do you any good when a hook breaks and puts a hole in your head, or somebody elses. Don't use hooks. Use recovery gear, or buy a wrecker.