Club 80-90 Forums

What is the best type of tow rope for our vans. Strap or rope, make and what strength. I have some rope in back of van in case needed but looking at a proper one.

I have a towing bar similar to this.  2 TON CAR VAN RECOVERY TOWING BAR TOW POLE WITH DAMPER SPRING 2000KG TOWPOLE | eBay

Thanks Rob, looked at similar items, but thought due to the location of the front tow eye it would snag or damage the bumper.

I see your point. I have used mine once, but only in a straight line. So I don't know about going around any corners.

I got dragged back home from Macclesfield Forest on the only occasion I’ve been recovered and it did the job ok, although I was a nervous wreck by the time we got home and my brakes were a bit warm after the tower got a bit carried away with his heavy right foot.
David.

Tow bar all the way, as opposed to a rope. Although a tow bar is no use for packing away in the van, bit big n heavy. I've used them a few times on the van, towing another van, and it takes all the stress out of it. Limited experience using a tow rope with the van, other than snapping one

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Looks as if these and others are designed for more modern vehicles that have a tow eye proud of the bumpers. Wonder if a shackle is needed to attach these and rope or strap types to tow points.

i have a tow rope with metal eylets in the loops of the rope to attach to vehicle.

To be fair you wont be towing daily - is this just for emergency. Go to a motor factors and get a towrope based on of course the weight of van (plus some).

Any only rope I would never trust. Tow rope.

Thanks, only for emergency use, wondering which is best rope or strap type. Similar to these.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/ring-3-5-ton ... lsrc=aw.ds

5T Ratchet Strap. Used them to pull XLWB spritnerts out of muddy fields no ptoblem.

Rob

Thanks, since bought the one from Screwfix, had a strap prior to this as a backup.

TwinTurbo wrote: ↑19 Sep 2024, 18:12 5T Ratchet Strap. Used them to pull XLWB spritnerts out of muddy fields no ptoblem.

Rob

Ok until it fails, then the ratchet part can become a missile. A plain webbing strop or a properly rated synthetic tow rope is better, if it fails there is very little stored energy to do damage.

silverbullet wrote: ↑09 Oct 2024, 19:27

TwinTurbo wrote: ↑19 Sep 2024, 18:12 5T Ratchet Strap. Used them to pull XLWB spritnerts out of muddy fields no ptoblem.

Rob

Ok until it fails, then the ratchet part can become a missile. A plain webbing strop or a properly rated synthetic tow rope is better, if it fails there is very little stored energy to do damage.

When I got stuck on the snow early last year, a guy who (very kindly!) helped drag me out with his landy insisted on using his roadkill ratchet straps, I had proper kinetic recovery ropes and winch extensions in the back of the van.

Predictably his strap snapped and the hook end twanged back and smashed his grille/headlamp. I tried to give him one of my ropes as a thankyou/sorry you broke your headlight, but he was having none of it. "I'll stick with what I know, thanks!"
 

Its right up there with snatch recovery using a towball. Just dont.
People have died when either the bolts or the neck of the ball has failed, then a lump of iron sails though the air, through the windscreen of the vehicle being recovered and the driver gets his skull turned inside out.
Play safe kids.

Ratchets are for holding things down. Would never use one for towing.
Glad the OP got sorted.
Only ever used mine for moving the van on the driveway when doing repairs.
A rope is good for short towing journeys (a few miles) I would say - stressful having to brake etc and not putting too much tension on the rope. Of course that not an issue with a towing bar.