[ihc] RE: Tow Straps and thermostats

[John Hofstetter <hofs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 5:57 PM -0600 12/11/03, Binder wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> This seems to be my opinion (as it forms, after some quick web research).
> One thing that really caught my eye last night - I found a really neat
> looking strap (http://www.talcospecialties.com/web6.htm). Very stout.
> Boasted a MIGHTY capacity. But then I noted it said "Not for lifting
> applications..." a few times in the ad. But it advocated TOWING. At first
> blush, I wonder, "What's the big difference?"  Then I wondered if really
> what they meant was "DO NOT USE AS A SLING or HOIST".  I know some materials
> have phenomenal strength but can still be easily cut or "crushed" - and
> perhaps slinging might jeopardize such a material.  Am I close, do you know?
I'm not sure that I know, but this warning appears on most, if not 
all tow straps. Try this as a possible reason.

The towing capacity as listed on these straps are for rolling weight. 
You'll know what that means, but I'll explain it anyway. One of the 
straps you looked at was rated at 28,000 lbs. capacity. Well, it 
won't lift 28,000 lbs. but it should pull 28,000 lbs. of vehicle as 
long as there isn't too much resistance from other factors such as 
you have the front diff wedged up against a huge rock.

> Does anyone know if there any 'standard unit of measurement' for measuring
> this elasticity? Or more importantly, perhaps, the "claim" regarding the
> towing capacity?
I have no knowledge about this.
> : Anyway, we broke winch cables twice, but that strap never faltered. I
> : had paid about $60 for it from Dick Cepek in 1972. So it was
> : expensive, but worth every cent.
>
> Prob be around $150+ today!  I've been coveting the Superwinch straps...
>
> http://www.superwinch.com/products/accessories/index.html
Off Road Warehouse's 3 X 30 strap for less than $ 50 looks as if it 
might be a good choice.

John
--
John Hofstetter
www.goldrush.com/~hofs