Recovery Strap vs Tow Strap: What's the Difference, and Which Should I Use?

If you are an adventure junkie, often find yourself in tricky situations on the roads, or just like being prepared, owning a tow strap or a recovery strap (or both) is an excellent idea!

The unexpected tends to happen and a stuck vehicle can seriously derail anyone's plans, especially when out on the roads, so having the right tools on you can make a world of difference.

Knowing how and when to use these tools is essential, that's why we are here to tell you everything you need to know about the difference and the workings of a recovery strap vs a tow strap!

Recovery Strap

Recovery straps, often also go by "snatch straps", and are made to help a stuck vehicle get out of a tricky situation. They also tend to look very similar to tow straps. However, the most crucial difference is that recovery straps are stretchy and elastic.

Recovery straps should easily help you get stuck vehicles out of rough areas, and they will be strong enough to do so, unlike tow straps which might snap from the resistance. A recovery strap also shares some similarities with kinetic recovery ropes.

Usually made of nylon webbing, this material allows for a lot of jerks and tugs. This type of strap also comes with loops on the ends. You may sometimes need to attach hardware to these loops; if this is the case, it is best to use anchor shackles or web shackles.

Due to the kinetic energy, they can be used for lifting and pulling. You can get different sized and lengthed recovery straps. Smaller straps are best for off-road recovery, and larger ones are best for heavy-duty recovery.

Pros:

• can serve as multi-use
• break strength is higher
• stretchy material
• looped ends mean less damage

Cons:

• specifically designed for trucks, jeeps, and SUVs
• tend to be fairly weak

Tow Straps

Tow straps are great for towing vehicles and are the perfect piece of portable equipment. Most tow straps are made from polypropylene, polyester, or dacron - these materials give the straps impressive strength but keep them lightweight.

Tow straps are not meant to be stretchy, but they should be able to stretch a little bit. So the materials used to make these straps are ideal as they are stiff, strong, have moderate abrasion resistance, and have a very high towing capacity.

There are various types of tow straps, some come with hooks on the ends, and others don't. Generally speaking, a tow strap with hooks is more dangerous. This is because they can turn into pretty deadly projectiles if the mounting point or strap fails. Tow straps with loops are your best bet and are much safer.

Pros:

• lightweight
• easy to use
• waterproof
• affordable

Cons:

• almost no flexibility
• designed specifically for towing
• can cause damage to the anchor point of the vehicle

What are they used for?

Recovery straps are made for recovering stuck vehicles, and tow straps are made to pull another vehicle. Tow straps do a great job at pulling disabled cars.

A recovery strap stretches when pulling a heavy load and the stretch in the strap helps the recovery vehicle get a good start. The energy from the vehicle extends into the rope, eventually bringing the vehicle to a halt.

Finally, the energy transfers to the vehicle that is stuck and smoothly sets it free as the strap or rope you used to recover the vehicle have contracted back to its original length. For example, if you find yourself in an off-road situation, a recovery strap would help you get out of it.

They also help in towing situations, and you may use the strap to lift the vehicle up at some point.

While tow straps are primarily used for towing freely-moving transport vehicles directly behind one another, they are long-lasting and are your best bet when you end up with an immobile vehicle.

Recovery straps vs. tow straps:

Tow straps must have a pull rating that is higher than the weight of the vehicle it is going to tow. The higher the rating, the safer it is to use. So, a tow strap should be at least three times the vehicle's weight.

While recovery straps require a much higher safety rating, they should also be rated three times more than your vehicle's actual weight. When it comes to recovery straps, you sort of get the best of both as they can be used as tow straps and recovery straps.

However, a tow strap cannot be used as a recovery strap. This is mainly because the recovery straps' stretchy material makes them so versatile. Both straps are made from similar materials, have an element of flexibility, and can stretch.

Recovery straps do not have any end hooks or metal pieces attached, while tow straps have end hooks and a very steady and smooth pull. The major difference is that in comparison to recovery straps, tow straps are not nearly as flexible.

Which one should you use:

It all depends on your situation, but always ensure you use the tool for the purpose it is designed for, and be sure to follow all safety protocols.

If you find yourself in a sticky situation, are stuck, or can't get out of a ditch or the mud, then a tow strap is not your guy due to the very low elasticity. In this case, you should use a recovery strap as it is more flexible and can give your car a running start when fully stretched.

However, if your car is broken down, isn't working, or has suddenly become immobile, then it is best to use a tow strap as it can safely pull the stationary car along in a safe and controlled manner.

Use the right strap in the right situation, and avoid using the strap for something it is not built to do.

Buyers Guide

There are loads of different options on the market when it comes to tow straps and recovery straps, and there are always some things to think about before buying a product. So before you go shopping for your fresh and new equipment, consider the following:

Break strength

You need to consider the tow rating; this is essential! If the product you are looking at does not seem to have a tow rating, then do not buy it. Well-known and reputable companies will always list the breaking strength, which is vital for using the product.

If you do not know the break strength, it will lead to a number of issues down the line and can end up being very dangerous. Certain straps are also specifically designed to work with certain cars, so ensure that the break strength is high enough for your particular vehicle.

Do your research

Some companies falsely advertise their products and use specific words to mislead consumers; this is often seen on Amazon. So it is crucial to do some research before buying. Always look into the brand selling the product and read tons of reviews.

The more informed you are, the better a decision you can make!

Look at the material

Recovery straps should always be made from Nylon as this material makes recovery straps much more flexible and elastic. If the product is made of polypropylene or dacron, it should be used for towing purposes.

The hooks

Always look out for hooks. Many people believe that hooks make it much easier to connect your strap to a shackle, but straps that have hooks should never be used to recover vehicles. A proper recovery strap will never have a hook on it.

Recovery points

Recovery straps and tow straps need to be attached to both vehicles via a rated tow point. You can find these tow points on the vehicle's frame or get a guide from your vehicle's owner's manual.

Common recovery points include a loop or hook shape, which allows your particular strap to attach to a certain point. Hitch receivers make excellent recovery points.

Recovery gear

You can never have too much gear. The more, the better - this way, you should be fully prepared. It is always best to look at what gear your specific strap is compatible with and what gear will fully optimize its functions.

Winch

A winch is probably the best and most vital piece of equipment you could ever own. They come in handy in almost any situation. However, there are some dangers involved, and it is very important that you go through the user manual first and learn how to use it.

Bow shackles and soft shackles

You will most likely attach the strap to your vehicle via a shackle. You get bow shackles. They come in different sizes and are made of hard steel. You also get soft shackles, and these are not very common. They do come in handy, though.

Snatch block

Snatch blocks help double up your winching capacity and can also be used at an angle.

Tree saver strap

A tree-saver strap can be very useful. In some cases, you may need one when recovering your vehicle. They are smaller, thicker, and can wrap around a tree.

FAQ

Are recovery ropes better than straps?

Kinetic recovery ropes tend to be more durable compared to snatch straps; they are also more convenient and less prone to any sort of failure. Their snatch recovery is also softer, and this is a lot easier on your vehicle and recovery gear.

What is the best length for a recovery rope?

The best length would be about 20 ft and 30 ft as you will have better footing and traction.

Final Thoughts

Recovery straps and tow straps can be very useful in a number of situations. However, each has its own specific purpose and should be used only for that. Understanding how your tools work, what they are used for, and how they should be used is as important as anything.

Safety should always be your first priority in everything you do as there are risks involved in everything - so understand the different straps and learn how to use them properly. Once you have that down, you will be ready to tackle any situation and smoothly get yourself out of it!

LINK

https://letstowthat.com/tow-ropes-straps-cables-and-chains-compared/.:~:text=Tow%20Straps%3A%20What%20Are%20Their,not%20designed%20to%20be%20jerked.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/the-dirt/how-to-use-and-choose-a-recovery-strap/

https://www.baremotion.com/blogs/news-towing-trucking-lifting-equipment/recovery-strap-or-tow-straps-baremotion.:~:text=They%20might%20look%20similar%2C%20but,are%20used%20to%20tow%20vehicles.

https://www.torontotrailers.com/what-you-need-to-know-auto-recovery-straps-and-tow-straps/.:~:text=Tow%20straps%20are%20made%20for,subjected%20to%20recovery%2Drelated%20pressure.

https://www.rhinousainc.com/blogs/news/showing-you-the-ropes-recovery-strap-vs-tow-strap

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