Recovery Gear Question

[Chaldaean]

In a recent snow storm, I stopped to help a woman who had slid off the road and gotten her Volvo wagon stuck in the snow bank.

I'm always looking for excuses to use the winch, but found that my shackle wouldn't fit in the tow loop under her vehicle. I've got a thimble on my winch line (similar to the image, below). I tried to run a tree saver strap through the Volvo tow loop, but that was too big as well. A plow guy showed up and he wrapped a chain around a lower control arm and pulled her out.

What is the proper piece of gear to go between a shackle and a tiny tow hook? I'm pretty sure that I saw some kind of "universal" tow adapter on this forum, but can't dig it up in a search. I'm looking for something that's fairly short and won't fall off (not an open hook). I don't think a smaller shackle between the tow loop and the bigger shackle attached to the thimble would work; not enough room.

The only things I can think of are:
(1) A short length of chain with hooks on both ends.
(2) Small loop of tow webbing.

What else?

 

[Douglas S]

A soft shackle would probably do the trick.

 

[Southeast Overland]

This is a 3/8" soft shackle. $25. 7,250 WLL @ 4:1 = 29,000 ABS.

Make sure the soft shackle is affixed to a smooth, round/tubular surface. Sharp angular edges will reduce its strength.



http://www.southeastoverland.com/in...ct_id=124&virtuemart_category_id=71&Itemid=33

Tow truck drivers often have hooks that attach to specific points on a vehicle.

 

[peteinjp]

Are you sure the the point you were going to attach to was a tow hook and not a tie down? I had the same situation recently. There was no tow hook on the truck that was stuck but there was what is often confused for a tow point which is actually a point used to strap the car down to a carrier. I told the guy that it would probably bend if we used it. My shackle would not fit but he had a smaller one that fit. I knew didn't need to pull hard so I went ahead and pulled him out without any problems. But if he was stuck really good I would prefer a chain or large hook.

Pete

 

[cartercd]

A transit cluster is often used by tow operators. There are a variety of hooks that fit into different-shaped holes in the frame or unibody. This would not be suitable for shock loads, but okay for a gentle pull.

 

[cruiserpilot]

A transit cluster is often used by tow operators. There are a variety of hooks that fit into different-shaped holes in the frame or unibody. This would not be suitable for shock loads, but okay for a gentle pull.

How much is that thing worth?

 

[cartercd]

$20. Available online from Summit Racing, Expedition Exchange, and others.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Cool, thanks