Towing: Straps vs. Rope vs. Chains

Tow straps are made from polyester and have little to no elasticity, which makes them ideal for towing. You’ll find a loop with a hook on each end of the strap to connect to your towing vehicle and the item you’re towing (i.e. RV, trailer, camper, another vehicle, etc.).

Follow these steps to use a tow strap:

1. Attach one end of the tow strap to your vehicle’s hitch.
2. Attach the other end to the mounting hook of the vehicle you’re towing.
3. Gently pull on the strap to confirm it’s attached.
4. Drive carefully, avoiding any sudden acceleration or braking.

Only use a tow strap that’s three times the weight capacity of what you’re going to tow.

Recovery ropes, also sometimes referred to as tow ropes or tow straps, can be confused with tow straps. Although these two items look similar, they have very different purposes.

Recovery ropes, also sometimes referred to as tow ropes or tow straps, can be confused with tow straps. Although these two items look similar, they have very different purposes.

Recovery ropes are typically made from nylon fabric. This material allows the rope to give a bit while in use. If the item you’re towing gets stuck in mud, sand, or snow, a recovery rope can help you get it free.

So, while a tow strap is used for general towing, a recovery rope is to help you get out of a tricky situation.

If you need to use a recovery rope to rescue a vehicle, follow these steps:

1. Secure one end of the strap to your towing vehicle’s hitch and the other to the vehicle in need of recovery (on the tow hooks, if applicable).
2. Have a driver in each vehicle. The driver of the recovery vehicle should accelerate slowly. The driver of the towing vehicle can move slowly as the recovery vehicle moves.
3. Once you pull the recovery vehicle free, inspect it and the towing accessories for any damage.

Keeping a recovery rope in your trunk is a smart move: you never know when you’ll face an unpredictable change in driving conditions.

Tow chains are designed to give you extra security when towing. They help prevent the item you’re towing from separating from the towing vehicle if the primary attachment fails or detaches. Tow trucks, for example, will always have tow chains to help secure the vehicles they pull.

Tow chains come in many grades. A chain’s grade determines how it can be used based on its strength and materials. Common materials for tow chains include alloy steel and carbon steel.

If you need additional safety when you tow, a tow chain can provide some peace of mind.

The main things you need to know about your vehicle to pick your towing accessories are its towing capacity, hitch weight, and payload capacity. You can find the formulas to calculate each of these numbers here. If you’re in the market for a new towing vehicle, check out this article.