5 principles of towing: choosing the right cable

Should you tow or pull?

Who cares? At least in terms of price: so-called jerk cables are much more expensive than their “regular” colleagues. They can, of course, be used for conventional towing, but this is irrational: after all, they were created for something else. When the towing vehicle begins to move, the jerk cable first stretches and then sharply “shoots”, shrinking in size. An experienced tug driver, sensing this moment, usually presses the brake: in this case, the energy of the compressed cable almost entirely goes to the towed car, pulling it out of the impassable area. In practice, if the snatch cable is used for towing, it is folded in half.

Towing belt 4.5 tons 5 meters with flags

The dynamic sling (4.5 t, 5 m) from Ufa is optimal for vehicles weighing up to 1.5 tons. The width of the tape used is 5.5 cm. The coupling type is “loop/loop”.

Reflective flags: at least two of these must be placed. Type of fixation: double-sided Velcro. Flag size: visible - 200x200 mm, full - 400x200 mm.

Dynamic sling (4.5 t, 5 meters) “Standard”, Rigging +

Set of flags with reflective tape for towing strap/cable

How to choose and use a tow rope

Hello everyone, today we will discuss three main issues when towing a car.

1.What types of towing cables are there?

2.What should be the optimal cable length for towing?

3.How to properly secure the cable and the main points when towing?

Every experienced driver knows that having a tow rope is as important as a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, it is especially important when traveling by car, because the road is unpredictable and anything can happen. The car may break down, get stuck in mud or snow, or run out of fuel at the most inopportune moment. And in such moments you need to tow the car to a gas station or service station. Some car owners make the cable with their own hands, but towing cables have important requirements!

Types of tow ropes

1. Aviation nylon. Ideal even for towing very heavy SUVs. In addition, such a cable is not afraid of either frost or moisture, and it does not stretch under heavy loads.

Length and load?

There is no need to bother with the length of the tow rope: its value is indicated in the traffic regulations. It should be from 4 to 6 meters. Another thing is worse: the cable must be marked with flags or shields of the established type, which cable manufacturers for some reason forget about... It may very well be that such flags-shields will have to be purchased separately: otherwise you have the right to be punished. As for the force indicated on the cable packaging, in practice the most common are 5-ton cables, which are suitable for towing almost any passenger car.

Pay special attention to the length. If the cable is too short, then at the first sharp braking the towing vehicle will regret its kindness: the towed person will drive into the rear part of the body. But a cable that is too long is not a gift: think about how you will turn into an alley or, even worse, into a gateway? The tugboat will calmly go around the corner, but the long cable will drag you to the side, aggravating the troubles.

An example of a tow belt with a working load of 4 tons and a minimum breaking load of 6 tons. Ideal for vehicles with a curb weight of up to 2 tons. Tape material - polyester, design: "hook/hook".

Dynamic cable "DorNabor" (12 tons, 9 meters) is intended for vehicles weighing from 2000 to 3500 kg. This should cope with almost any SUV stuck in the mud. By the way, the sling was made in Russia.

Towing belt with a working load of 4 t

Dynamic sling (12 tons, 9 meters), DorNabor

A snatch cable requires a slightly different approach. Products with a specified load of 4.5-4.6 tons can be used to pull out stuck snowmobiles, ATVs and cars. For vehicles weighing no more than two tons (which is almost all passenger cars), cables with a load of 8–9 tons are suitable. And if we are talking about such “rogues” as Land Rover Defender 110, Land Cruiser 100/110, etc., then cables with a load of 11–14 tons will be required. As for the product with a stated load of 15–18 tons, they are suitable for Hummers and their brothers.

The length of snatch cables is usually from 5 to 12 meters. On average, it is better to focus on a length of 9 meters. As for the price, cheaper products are suitable, in general, for anyone who is not going to specifically climb into some kind of jungle. But expensive ones are needed precisely by those who are going somewhere special.

Polypropylene rope

This type of cable has excellent elasticity, springs well and is noted for its reliability. A polypropylene belt rope allows you to tow a stuck car. A flexible coupling would be better made with this material, since it absorbs jerks and does not sag even under loads of up to 5 tons.

Polypropylene cables are:

Take a running start.
Wicker.

The first type is ideal for towing because the fibers do not deform and do not absorb moisture. Braided ones are not so popular, since when they constantly touch each other, the fibers quickly fray.

Cable load: as an important parameter for selection

Load plays an important role when choosing a good option. We choose one that must withstand a load twice the weight of an SUV; the most popular models can withstand more than 5 tons. This is an important point when buying a cable.

The load can be dynamic and static. A dynamic cable can withstand sudden jerks, while a static cable stretches smoothly and more slowly.

Colors and manufacturers

It is recommended to buy a tape tow rope tape measure in a bright color so that the driver can immediately notice the tape. In addition, the bright rope and sufficient length allow you to see the tension while moving. Previously, ribbons were even equipped with special flags. This also applies to trucks.

Cables can be green, red and yellow. Some models have reflectors, so the cable will be visible even at night. Do not forget to look at the manufacturer, as questionable products can cause harm to the car and its owner.

Recently, the dynamic towing jerk rope Burlak has become very popular. It is a high-strength ship rope, reliable and of high quality. Burlak has a special twisting method, so you can use the tape in any area.

At the end of the Burlak roulette towing rope there are two loops. Compact dimensions allow you to carry it with you in the trunk of SUVs. Burlak is able to withstand loads from 5 tons to 10 tons. Its length is 6 meters.

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In addition, the dynamic rope Burlak is resistant to frost and humidity, which makes it possible to use it in various weather conditions. This model is great for towing a car and is easy to tie up.

Cable hooks. Advantages and disadvantages

Disputes often arise among car owners about whether the Burlak towing rope and other options need hooks or whether it is possible to do without them (just tie the ends of the rope). Of course, fastening with a hook will be the most reliable and better than a knot that can come undone.

However, it is worth taking into account the fact that with a strong jerk, the tape can simply come off the hook. That is why, when choosing, it is better to pay attention to the seams of the Burlak cable. This dynamic option is the best.

The junction should be well stitched lengthwise and crosswise, or better yet, cross-stitched. Even with a strong jerk, such a fastening will not break.

What to hook where?

As for fastening, there are two main types - loop and hook. And here you need to remember the troubles that poorly chosen fasteners can cause.

Let's start with the hook. It’s convenient to use: hook it and go... But there is a serious danger: a bent or poorly hooked hook turns into a weapon: the freed cable compresses like a spring, and the hook is ready to break anything - from a car window to someone’s head... Just in case for all owners For cables with hooks, we give advice: when attaching to the towing eye, first thread the cable into it, folded in half near the hook, and then insert the hook into the loop formed. The result will be a kind of chain hoist, which, firstly, will reduce the load on the hook, and secondly, even if it breaks, will not allow him to “fire” at his brothers in mind.

The loop is a priori free from such horror stories. But an unsuccessfully tied knot can become stubborn when you try to free the cable: it will be tightened so that something cutting is just right to call for help. In such cases, it is rational to use the so-called shaklas - these are metal staples, usually made in the form of half rings with thickenings at the ends and threaded holes into which a powerful “finger” is screwed. A pair of such shackles will take up minimal space in the trunk, and any “nerd” who is far from technology can secure them properly, as well as free them. You can choose the necessary shakl in the online store “Behind the Wheel”

And one more “experienced tip” for those who need a cable only for a single jerk - to pull someone out of a snowdrift, muddy ground, etc. If you don’t know how to properly attach hooks, and the word “shuckle” is completely unknown to you, then before the final jerk, throw a jacket, rug or something like that over the cable. If the cable does not withstand the jerk, then its end will simply fall to the ground, and will not destroy everything. By the way, just in case, ask all the “spectators” to move away - you never know...

Cable damper with weighting agent

is a special product used as a weighting agent that absorbs the bulk of the energy from a broken sling or cable when using a winch or dynamic sling during vehicle evacuation. This reduces the risk of personal injury or vehicle damage. The product is fixed on a sling or cable using “contact” tape - Velcro located on the inside of the damper.

However, instead of a jacket, it is advisable to throw on a special cable absorber. It is fixed on a sling or cable using Velcro. Thick textile tape sewn along the entire length of the product is used as a weighting agent; There is also a pocket for additional weighting. Sewn-in reflective strips on both sides of the product will ensure the visibility of the cable or sling in low-light conditions.

Fabric rope

The fabric rope is made in the form of a pigtail; it has increased traction properties. The product is not durable enough. It can withstand up to 5 tons because it is made of fabric, but even during a rupture it will not damage the car. Fabric ribbon rope is compact and takes up minimal space in the trunk.

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Steel tape

The steel snatch rope is made of metal components, but despite this, under high loads (about 5 tons), it can break and cause damage to the car. This is its disadvantage. This type should be used only when there are no other options.

In addition, steel rope bends poorly, is susceptible to corrosion and takes up a lot of space in the trunk. Thus, the steel option is not very suitable for towing a car.

How to go?

It’s harder for the towed person to drive. In the film “Morning Detour,” the hero of Andrei Myagkov, whose Moskvich took some kind of truck in tow, tries in vain to stop him, because he simply... forgot about him! Therefore, the tug driver needs to look in the mirror more often: has he lost the poor guy somewhere along the way...

The vehicle being towed must have functioning steering and brakes. Before driving, be sure to unlock the steering wheel.

If you have any questions about the selection and proper operation of cables, as well as the necessary accessories for them, please contact the Za Rulem online store! According to good tradition, prices for the entire range have been reduced for the period of publication of the article.

5 principles of towing: choosing the right cable

HOW TO ATTACH A TOW ROPE

Most car models, in the rear of the body, have a special point for attaching the cable. Most often this place is located under the bumper or inside it. It’s more difficult when the “point” is inside the bumper, then you need to have a special extension that screws into the place where the cable is attached.

If your car needs help, you need to look for an attachment point in the front of the body. It can also be either under the bumper or inside it. Car manufacturers try to hide unnecessary parts of the car and make hooks to secure the belt inside the bumper. So it’s better to study your car’s service book in advance.

The process of installing the cable to the fastening loop is simple and logical. Experienced drivers attach a carabiner or hitch loop to the left eye of the tractor and to the right eye of the towed vehicle. A very good option is to have a towbar for a trailer on a tractor - if this towbar is available, of course.

If the towed vehicle does not have an eye, experienced drivers attach the cable to rigid body elements. However, if you are not sure what you can and cannot attach the hitch to, it is better not to try it yourself: there is a high probability that you will attach the cable to something that is not strong enough.