Recovery Straps & Tow Straps

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

US Cargo Control is your source for a wide variety of recovery and tow straps.

Recovery Strap Features:

• Made in the USA
• High-quality nylon construction
• Break strength from 20,000-400,000+ lbs.
• Width from 2"-12"
• Custom lengths available
• 1-ply, 2-ply, 3-ply, and 4-ply versions available (more plies allow for narrower straps with same strength)
• CORDURA® protected eyes to resist 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. 

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.

Tow Straps vs Recovery Straps

The terms "recovery straps" and "tow straps" are sometimes used interchangeably, but it's important to note that both cannot be used for the same purposes.

The main difference between a towing strap and a recovery strap is the fabric and its ability to stretch. These straps are made of a nylon fabrication so they can stretch. A vehicle tow strap is usually made of polyester which stretches less than nylon. A tow strap does just that: tows a vehicle behind another. You'll generally find a tow strap with hooks on each end. Traditional tow straps and chains are similar in their towing applications.

A recovery strap is designed to "recover" a vehicle from the ditch, mud, etc. Nylon recovery straps have loops on each end for ease of use.

A tow strap should not be used to recover or "snatch" a vehicle that's stuck. Traditional vehicle tow straps are much less flexible and designed only to pull a load that freely moves. The strap's inability to stretch can't absorb energy, which increases the likelihood that it will break. The metal hooks on the ends can then come unhooked and launch through the air at high speeds, injuring bystanders or the vehicles. Using a tow strap with very little stretch is extremely unsafe.

US Cargo Control's towing straps are made in the USA with a durable, strong nylon webbing that has the capacity to stretch. This stretch is what creates the snap-back effect of our heavy tow straps and recovery straps. The snap strap tow effect is what makes a recovery effort successful.

Towing and Recovery Strap Maintenance

Our heavy tow 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 a stretch tow strap away from sharp edges.
• Store the straps out of sunlight. 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.

Helpful Hints For Using a Tow or Recovery Strap

• Always inspect towing and recovery straps for damage prior to use.
  
• When using 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.
• Always keep safety in mind when recovering a vehicle. It is 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.
• When using a recovery strap, a good rule of thumb is for the vehicle weight to be half the break strength of the recovery strap.
• When choosing heavy-duty nylon recovery & tow straps, you should choose one that is strong enough, but not so strong that it won't stretch. It is 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. This strap strength is important in knowing how to use recovery straps for the best results.

Recovery Strap Construction

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

How to Use a Recovery Strap

Not sure how to attach a recovery strap? Screw pin anchor shackles offer an easy way to connect and disconnect recovery 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 as 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. Click our anchor shackles link, to see the steel shackles sizes and specifications.

For more information on how to attach a recovery strap, see our video "How to Safely Use a Recovery Strap" below, or call our sales professionals.

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!

Explore More Towing and Recovery

Browse our selection of tow strap shackles, tree saver straps, and tow ratchet straps.