Recovery Straps & Tow Straps

Heavy Duty Snatch Straps & Towing Straps

Recovery straps and tow straps are invaluable pieces of equipment - whether you are in the towing business, use off-road straps for recreational use, or just keep some truck tow straps on hand for emergency situations.

A recovery strap - also known as a snatch strap - is designed to "recover" a vehicle from the ditch, mud, etc., and they have loops on each end for ease of use.

A tow strap, on the other hand, does just what its name implies: tows a vehicle behind another. This kind of strap usually has hooks on each end.

Tow Straps vs Recovery Straps

The terms "recovery strap" and "tow strap" are sometimes used interchangeably, but it's important to note that they cannot be used for the same purposes. A tow strap should not be used to recover or "snatch" a vehicle that's stuck - they are only designed to pull a load that freely moves.

The main difference between these straps is the fabric and its ability to stretch. Recovery straps are made of a nylon fabrication, while vehicle tow straps are generally made of polyester. Nylon has much more stretch than polyester, drastically changing the safety level of the strap in recovery situations.

The tow strap's inability to stretch means that it can't absorb energy, which increases the likelihood that it will break if you try to use it to recover a vehicle. The metal hooks on the ends can then come unhooked and be launched through the air at high speeds, injuring bystanders or the vehicles. 

US Cargo Control's recovery straps can store the kinetic energy, providing the additional force needed when the vehicle finally starts to move to successfully recover it.

Made in the USA Recovery Straps

Recovery straps are designed with loops or eyes rather than hooks to increase their versatility and safety. US Cargo Control's heavy-duty snatch straps are designed with CORDURA® on the eyes, an extremely tough, long-lasting fabric that resists wear and tear.

Snatch Strap Working Load Limit

Looking for a specific working load limit? For many WLLs, there are multiple ply/width combinations available with a similar limit. 1-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, and 4-ply versions available (more plies allow for narrower straps with same strength)

Choosing a Heavy-Duty Recovery Strap

When using a snatch strap, a good rule of thumb is for the vehicle weight to be half the break strength of the recovery strap.

It's also important to choose a strap that isn't too strong, resulting in a situation where the strap doesn't stretch. It's essential for the recovery strap to be allowed to stretch so the memory of the nylon webbing will help "snap" the vehicle out and take some of the shock out of the initial pull.

If you need any help in deciding which of our heavy-duty snatch strap combinations is right for you, call us! We're here to help. 

Custom Recovery Straps

Can't find exactly what you need on our website? Fill out our custom recovery strap quote request form or call to speak to one of our product specialists!

Tow Truck Straps / Snatch Strap Maintenance

Our tow truck straps and recovery straps are designed to withstand tough jobs and years of use, but it's important to take care of them for best results.

• Keep your straps away from sharp edges.
• Store them out of sunlight as UV rays can damage webbing.
• Keep away from excessive heat. Towing straps should not to be used in excess of 194 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clean strap by spraying with water along the length (with webbing fibers). No chemicals needed.
• Never exceed rated capacity for a heavy-duty recovery strap or towing strap.

How to Use a Vehicle Recovery Strap

Not sure how to attach a recovery strap? Screw pin anchor shackles offer an easy way to connect and disconnect straps when hooking them to the vehicle. When using an anchor shackle, make sure to account for the working load limit of the shackle AND the recovery strap. Whichever is the lesser value will be the working load limit for the entire assembly.

Our galvanized steel shackles range in size from 1/4" diameter to 1-1/2" diameter. Explore our anchor shackles to see the steel shackle sizes and specifications.

For more information on how to attach a recovery strap, see our video below, or call our sales professionals.

Helpful Hints For Using a Truck Tow Strap or Recovery Strap

Make sure safety is a priority on the job by following our helpful hints below:

• Always inspect straps for damage prior to use.
• When using heavy duty tow straps, wrap around an appropriate frame point and thread the towing strap or snatch strap through the eye of the other end to choke the frame.
• Keep free of debris or material that may cut or damage the recovery or tow strap.
• It's possible a snatch strap could break if impaired or used improperly and result in damage or injury. Any bystanders should be at least the length of the strap away from the vehicles when recovery is in process.

Explore More Towing and Recovery Equipment

Browse our selection of tow strap shackles, tree saver straps, and tow ratchet straps. We also offer a wide variety of auto hauling straps and tow truck accessories, including wheel nets, tow dolly straps, and wheel straps.

Call to speak to one of our product experts today if you have any questions or need help placing an order.