When the Going Gets Tough, Your Tow Strap Needs to Be Tougher!
Ever seen a massive mining haul truck stalled on the side of a dusty quarry road? Or maybe a heavy-duty tow truck itself in need of a little muscle? That's where a serious tow strap comes in.
At Dawnerz, we understand that breakdowns for giants of the road – workhorses like buses, semi-trucks, SE trucks, tractors, and mining vehicles – can be costly delays. That's why we offer a range of industrial-grade tow straps built to handle the monumental pulling power needed in these situations.
This guide will equip you, the professional driver or fleet manager, with the knowledge to choose the right tow strap from our massive 75,000 lbs to 380,000 lbs Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) range. We'll cover everything you need to know about safe towing practices, choosing the right MBS for the job, and ensuring your operation keeps moving, no matter the challenge.
Understanding Tow Strap Strength - All About MBS
Unlike some lifting equipment, tow straps don't have a designated Working Load Limit (WLL). Instead, they rely on a single strength rating known as Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS).
Think of the minimum breaking strength as the tow strap's maximum pulling force. It represents the maximum force the tow strap can withstand before breaking. It's a crucial factor when choosing the right tow strap for your needs.
Here's Why Understanding MBS is Important
Safety First:
Exceeding the MBS of a tow strap is extremely dangerous. It could lead to the strap snapping and causing injuries or vehicle damage.
Matching Strength to the Job:
Different towing scenarios require different levels of pulling force. A heavy-duty tow truck needs a much stronger strap compared to one used for occasional roadside assistance.
We Recommend Using A Safety Margin When Selecting Your MBS
Road Towing:
For standard road towing situations, a tow strap with an MBS of at least double the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the towed vehicle is recommended. This provides a good safety buffer.
Recovery:
In more demanding situations like extracting a vehicle from mud, sand, or snow, a higher safety margin is crucial. Opt for a tow strap with an MBS of at least triple the GVW of the vehicle being recovered.
Safety First - Choosing the Right MBS for Your Needs
Selecting the right tow strap boils down to one crucial factor: Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS). As we discussed, MBS is the maximum pulling force a tow strap can handle before breaking.
Here at Dawnerz, we prioritize safety, which is why we recommend using a safety margin when choosing your MBS based on the towing scenario:
Towing on the Road (2x MBS Recommendation)
When dealing with standard road towing situations, a tow strap with an MBS of at least double the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the vehicle being towed is recommended. This ensures a safe and secure tow.
Here's a table to help you choose the right MBS for road towing:
Vehicle Weight Class (GVW) |
Recommended Minimum MBS |
Up to 35,000 lbs |
75,000 lbs |
35,000 lbs - 50,000 lbs |
75,000 lbs - 100,000 lbs |
50,000 lbs - 75,000 lbs |
100,000 lbs - 150,000 lbs |
75,000 lbs - 100,000 lbs |
150,000 lbs - 200,000 lbs |
Over 100,000 lbs |
260,000 lbs - 380,000 lbs |
Remember: These are just recommendations. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the vehicle being towed.
Recovery (2.5 - 3x MBS Recommendation)
Recovery situations like extracting a vehicle from mud, sand, or snow demand a higher safety margin due to the increased stress placed on the tow strap. In these scenarios, we recommend a tow strap with an MBS of at around 2.5-3 times the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the vehicle being recovered.
Here's a table to help you choose the right MBS for off-road recovery:
Vehicle Weight Class (GVW) |
Recommended Minimum MBS |
Up to 35,000 lbs |
110,000 lbs |
35,000 lbs - 50,000 lbs |
110,000 lbs - 150,000 lbs |
50,000 lbs - 75,000 lbs |
150,000 lbs - 200,000 lbs |
75,000 lbs - 100,000 lbs |
200,000 lbs - 260,000 lbs |
Over 100,000 lbs |
260,000 lbs - 380,000 lbs |
Important Note: These tables are meant as a guide. It's always best to consult with a Dawnerz representative to discuss your specific towing needs and ensure you choose the most appropriate tow strap for your situation.
For Extreme Situations - Double Up with a Bridle Connection
When faced with particularly challenging recovery situations, a bridle tow strap setup can be a valuable tool in your arsenal.
Here's how it works:
Safety First:
The tow strap chosen for the bridle needs to have an adequate MBS rating to handle double the pulling force it would experience on its own. Always consult a Dawnerz specialist to discuss the specifics of your situation and ensure safe operation.
Expertise Required:
Bridle tow strap setups require proper planning and execution. If you're unsure about the process, it's best to seek assistance from a professional towing company experienced in these techniques
Uniform Force Distribution: Distributing the pulling force across two anchor points helps to minimize stress on any single point and ensures a more uniform pull. This is particularly advantageous when one side of the vehicle is stuck deeper than the other.
Important Considerations:
Safety First:
The tow strap chosen for the bridle needs to have an adequate MBS rating to handle double the pulling force it would experience on its own. Always consult a Dawnerz specialist to discuss the specifics of your situation and ensure safe operation.
Expertise Required:
Bridle tow strap setups require proper planning and execution. If you're unsure about the process, it's best to seek assistance from a professional towing company experienced in these techniques
We understand that complex towing situations demand innovative solutions. Our team of experts is here to guide you and ensure you have the right equipment for the job. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and explore our full range of heavy-duty tow straps, including those suitable for bridle tow strap setups.
Length Matters - How Long Should Your Tow Strap Be?
The length of your tow strap might seem like a minor detail, but it can significantly impact safety and convenience during a towing operation. Here's how choosing the right length depends on the situation:
Road Towing
For standard road towing scenarios, a shorter strap (20ft) offers several advantages:
Improved Maneuverability:
A shorter strap allows for tighter turns and better control during the towing process. This is especially important on busy roads or congested areas.
Reduced Risk of Tangling:
A shorter strap is less likely to get tangled underneath the vehicles or snag on obstacles, minimizing potential hazards.
Visibility:
With a shorter strap, it's easier for the driver of the towing vehicle to maintain a clear view of the towed vehicle and surrounding traffic.
Recovery
When venturing off-road, a longer strap (30ft) becomes more beneficial:
Increased Reach:
In recovery situations, you might need more distance to reach a stuck vehicle, especially in uneven terrain or when maneuvering around obstacles.
Safety Buffer:
A longer strap provides extra space between the vehicles, creating a safety buffer in case of sudden stops or changes in direction. This is particularly important when dealing with heavy-duty vehicles with limited visibility.
Heavy Duty Considerations
For towing massive vehicles like mining haul trucks or large semi-trucks, a longer strap (30ft) is often preferred for an additional reason: Visibility. The height of the cab and the driver's position can make it difficult to judge the distance between the vehicles with a shorter strap. A longer strap allows for more space, enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of a collision.
We offer two convenient lengths to suit your needs:
20ft Tow Strap:
Ideal for standard road towing situations where maneuverability and control are key.
30ft Tow Strap:
Perfect for off-road recovery operations and heavy-duty towing where extra reach and visibility are crucial.
Remember: Safe towing practices also involve maintaining a safe distance between the vehicles. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific towing recommendations.
Safety First
Never underestimate the importance of safety. Always exceed the demands of the job by selecting a tow strap with an adequate MBS rating. Remember, our tables are a starting point – consulting a Dawnerz specialist can ensure you get the perfect tow strap for your situation.
Be Prepared, Tow with Confidence
When it comes to heavy-duty towing, there's no room for compromise. Having the right tow strap can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a costly delay. By understanding Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) and choosing the appropriate length for your needs, you're ensuring a safe and efficient towing operation.
Just like any other task, having the right tool makes all the difference. Dawnerz offers a range of high-quality tow straps, from maneuverable 20ft options for road towing to heavy-duty 30ft straps for recovery and large vehicle towing.
Don't settle for anything less. Choose a Dawnerz tow strap and be ready to tackle any towing challenge with confidence.
Visit our website today to explore and find the best tow strap! We have the muscle you need to get your giants of the road back on track.
