Tow chain/ Tug chain for assisting other drivers?

The OP said he just wants to help get stuck truckstop trucks get rolling. The 45K strap I posted is plenty for that, as one isn’t applying a whole lot of tension to just get a truck moving.

 

I only ever used the chains I used for chaining down loads. Either 3/8 or 5/16. A strap is a good idea but a chain can be used for laying under the tires to help you walk out of wet icy snow whereas a strap won't. I would get a a nice 3 gallon heavy plastic pail and carry two 20' chains with eyelets on both end and one strap as other have suggested. That way it's nice and tidy in your your side box. I carry one of those aluminum camping shovels in the winter and sometimes another 3 gal pail of hot mix sand/salt mix. It doesn't take much to get you moving again and you can refill it on the road.

 

I would just carry a pail of road salt and a small shovel. If you want to bring a chain just get tire chains.

Pulling a truck out is sketchy as those ICC bars under trailers will bend so easily backwards.

 

Old style cat litter is a lot lighter than gravel.
The newer stuff (clumping) turns to clay slip when wet.
Oil dry is basically the same as old style cat litter and works very well and costs about 25 cents per coffee can full

 

Chains Are expensive. I've got 2 company issued. No idea where boss got em but they pull me through fields weighing 100k. I double chain though but they've worked single strand. I'm impressed with them.

Farmers for whatever reason don't buy their own.

I wouldn't pull on dot bumpers. I doubt they're rated for 80k. Specially if it's company.

Chains are better then straps. They don't need to be rolled up. Just throw em in the box.

 

Exactly. Clay-based cat litter is what works best. Lightweight or paper-based cat litter is useless for traction.

 

If you need to tie a knot in the strap to pull someone, use a knot like the final knot when you tie your shoelaces. The other 98% of drivers that wear flip-flops can go back to TikTok.

Just like with a shoelace, when it's time to unhook you pull on the free end of the knot and take your strap with you. Remember, not a knot like the first knot, when tying your shoes, a knot like the bow that you use to finish tying your shoelace.

 

Do not bother. get a tow company to pull someone out.

WHY??

Because the chains you need are Grade 100 or better and then you have to make sure it is setup right.

Many here don't seem to understand why it is best to just leave it to a professional.

I buy good chains, some failed towing people out of little problems. the failures are unusual for the brand - Pewag g120 3/8" rated at 42,000 lbs.

One of my drivers tried to pull someone out, the chain snapped and it whipped back to hit the trucks hood and put a hole in the condenser and I think CAC.

 

I wouldn’t pull anyone with the ICC bumper. Couple of reasons:

* it’s not reinforced in the pulling direction.
* You put all kind of forces on the trailer that it’s not engineered for, all the way to tour fifth wheel.
* you can’t see what you are doing and what’s going on with the towee.

I’d recommend turning around and hook from your tow hook to their tow hook.

Second, as mentioned above, snapping a chain comes with consequences. Use a strap or rope. We use the kinetic ropes on the farm (we are very good at getting stuck….). Something like a Yankum.
2" Kinetic Recovery Rope | Anaconda | Yankum Ropes

A non-kinetic strap is much cheaper, and will likely be just fine. Just don’t skimp on length. Length gives you distance, which comes in handy if the towee isn’t paying attention when he finds traction and comes your way a little faster than planned.

Finlly, a shackle on a rope or strap that snaps can do a LOT of damage. Looping the rope or strap around a hook is a more prudent option. Again, length gives options here, so don’t skimp on length.

 

Matt’s towing and recovery has a YouTube channel and he pulls out EVERYTHING with just a jeep and a yankum rope in the Utah off-road areas. I mean even fully loaded 3 axle motor homes with just a jeep.