Recovery and Tow Straps for Jeeps

Many Jeep owners get confused when it comes to choosing between recovery straps or tow straps for Jeeps. There is a subtle, yet important difference between the two. While tow straps for Jeeps are used for towing a “free wheeling” vehicle, recovery straps are used to recover immobilized vehicles. For safety reasons, a Jeep tow strap should never be used in a recovery situation.

Tow Straps vs. Recovery Straps

Traditional tow straps are usually made from polyester and have metal hooks on the ends. If a polyester tow strap is placed under too much stress, the metal hooks can separate from the ends, or the polyester can fray or tear. These situations can be extremely dangerous, particularly if the metal hook flies off.

Recovery straps are designed to withstand the added strains of recovery situations. These straps are made of heavy-duty nylon and feature loops on the ends. The nylon material is much stronger and more flexible than polyester. This makes for a strap that is safer than a metal chain and tougher than a rope. While recovery straps are fundamentally different from tow straps, some manufacturers do produce straps that can be used for both purposes. These straps, available from Smittybilt and Pro Comp, are known as recovery tow straps.

Tow Strap Sizes

Tow straps for Jeeps come in different widths and lengths, so it’s important to choose one that accommodates your vehicle. As a general rule, each 1-inch of width allows you to pull approximately 10,000 lbs. A 2-inch wide strap, for example, will have a rating of 20,000 lbs. Always choose a stronger tow strap if you are not sure what you need. Other factors to consider when buying a tow strap are weather-resistance and ease of storage.

Caring for Your Tow Strap

To keep your tow strap from premature wear, store it away from heat, sunlight and any sharp or rough surfaces. Plan on cleaning your tow strap regularly with water.

Before using any tow strap, inspect it for tears, cuts, broken stitching, or any other signs of damage. If you are not sure how to use Jeep tow straps, make sure you do research online, watch an instructional video, or read the instructions that come with the strap.

Owning an off-road vehicle means that you will inevitably encounter situations where towing or recovering is necessary. Be prepared by choosing a reliable Jeep tow strap and using it properly.