Rhino "recovery" strap vs ARB

I've been trying to find a recovery strap to use when I or someone else is stuck in the snow. It's more something to have along just in case rather than something I expect to use very often.

I've been reading about the difference between recovery and tow straps and seems the right one is a nylon recovery "snatch" strap that has some stretch to it like the ARB strap.

So what is the poly/slik Rhino "recovery" strap for? They seem to imply it's good enough for "snatch" recovery but won't stretch as much as nylon and could also be used as a tow strap. Kind of a middle of the road strap for multiple uses. Since it's a bit cheaper and seems well made I was going to get the Rhino one, but not sure.

Has anyone used the Rhino strap for "snatch" recovery? How did it work?

 

Rhino straps aren’t snatch straps. I have a 20 and 30 foot rhino that I’ve used on many occasions in the snow. It’s a tow strap. Do not use these as a snatch strap, they don’t flex. If your looking for a proper snatch strap, the ARB is the proper one of your options. I have the Rhino and the ARB and think they are both good for different applications. You also don’t want to tow with the snatch strap, or get it wet.

 

What happens if it gets wet?

 

It reduces the effectiveness of the stretch. I remember reading it on the instruction card the ARB snatch strap came with.

 

Yanking you want a snatch strap or uses kinetic energy to assist with pull.

For general use ie tow strap. Pulling and securing to a tree or running snatch block you need a stay that does not stretch.

Get a 3in wide 30k lb rated.
I have ARB snatch and tow and Teraflex tow. The tera tow gets used the most.

 

If you’re looking for a kinetic recovery rope, I would recommend something from Treaty Oak Offroad

 

Good to know. Thanks

 

get a bubba rope....

 

Would second the Bubba Rope. It's a bit pricier then some of the options out there, but they work well.

 

https://customsplice.com/collection...7-8-cheetah-rope-kinetic-energy-recovery-rope

 

I want cheap-ish. That's going the wrong way.

 

That's more or less my question. Rhino implies it is just with less stretch than 100% nylon. So for purely pulling out of snow ocassionally is it "enough" stretch or totally inadequate for anything other than towing an unstuck vehicle to a gas station?

 

Subbed

 

https://****************/2018/02/10/off-road-recovery-straps-explained/

 

LOL, that's actually the article I read that caused my confusion. They quoted Rhino as saying:

"Our poly silk webbing is an 80% polyester and 20% silk blend so it is closer to a polyester strap, but has more softness and flexibility, however, it does not stretch to the same degree as a nylon snatch strap. I hope this answers your question, contact me directly if you need anything! Thank you! – Cameron Repic, Rhino USA, Inc."

That didn't answer my question. It "does not stretch to the same degree as a nylon snatch strap." Okay, so how much does it stretch and can it be used similar to a nylon snatch strap? I think I read a nylon strap stretches about 10% of it's length and poly about 2%. So is this in the 5% range or something or no different from poly.

 

The Rhino strap is a good starter strap. It’s better than nothing. For someone like me that doesn’t offroad as a weekend hobby, it’s fine to have in case a strap is needed. Relatively low cost and handy if needed.

If you are going offroad frequently, it would be smart to invest in the proper equipment.

 

I have Rhinos at work and have snatched forklifts with them. Haven’t had any issues and they have a lifetime guarantee no questions asked

 

That just means its softer and more pliable. Nice for handling. Sucks when everything gets stuck in it. The ARB are like that and cockelbures and other flora sticks to it alot.
In those environments I much prefer the teraflex fully nylon. The blend will roll up and still be pliable like you can make an egg shape to fit some bags better. The full nylon will not. Its round and like a brick.

To do it right you really need both kinds of strap. A kinetic and tow. I've been teaching recovery techniques for several years now and there is no such thing as to much equipment. I've used 5 snatch blocks and 3 winches to save a vehicle that slid off a trail from further damage.

One thing to seriously consider is where are you attaching this strap. Do not hook it over a ball. If you dont have a good rear recovery point the best place is the receiver hitch with the strap pushed in then a pin thru the loop. Double sheer on the hitch pin is substantially stronger than the ball.

Warning.
If you use a tow strap and yank on the ball you have a high chance of that ball snapping off and heading directly at the other vehicle. Shock load is different than working load.

I highly suggest finding and I4WDA (international 4 wheel drive assoc) recovery training program. Deffinately worth the time.

 

Thanks. I picked up a bow shackle for the hitch to use as a recovery point. The Rhino strap is about $45 and the ARB about $65. The ARB is rated lower - 17,000 lbs vs 31,000 for the Rhino. The ARB is nylon snatch strap though.

I'm not a hard core off roader so just looking for something keep with me in case I get stuck and need a hand or lend one to someone else. I did pick up a "recovery" strap from Auto Zone when I first got the truck but I think one is just a tow strap. It might work with gentle pulling, but thought I should get something more appropriate for recovery.

 

Two biggest things. NO hooks in the strap. Double your weight minimum.