How to attach a tow or snatch strap

[buswarrior]

Further to the post " Oh know! 4106 sinking "

Let's build a good resource here on the dirty details.

Would everyone share as to how they attach the recovery equipment and the various cautions in your particular methods?

Too many breakables on both ends of most coaches to be careless in attachment points.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[bobofthenorth]

I pulled mine out backwards once using a 2-1/2 yard loader with forks.  I put the forks under the engine cradle and put some pressure on them.  Then I attached chains to my towhooks and pulled.  The towhooks are loops of 1" bar welded to each side of the engine cradle.  On that occasion I looked at the front and couldn't see any easy place that I would be comfortable hooking to.  If I absolutely had to hook to the front I would make a bridle out of chain and hook to each side of the axle as far apart as I could get the chains.  The best way to front tow would likely be to run 2 chains or cables all the way to the back axle and pull from there but if the belly is already sitting on the mud that could be really messy.

In my opinion if you just need help to get moving then maybe a 4x4 is an option but if it has already gone down I would look for the biggest rigging I could find.  When you are stuck its really easy to overstress components and break things.  I know the whole theory about using elastic tow straps but too small of a tow vehicle and trying to compensate by jerking is a great way to break something.  These things weren't designed to be towed so there really isn't a good place to attach to. 

[robertglines1]

I had a chain (certified)  break..busted up face brusied heart and lungs...had a friend die from tow strap placed around trailer hitch ball :ball broke and hit him in skull..he was driving vehicle being pulled...so not a fan of straps...use cables with clevices...brings back bad memories..

[JohnEd]

In view of the advice given by those with creds...... I guess I have to retract everything I said.   Seems the big money is with a magnum bus wrecker. 

My friend sells a synthetic winch line that has profound weight ratings that exceed steel cables of similar size.  The stuff DOES NOT stretch and if it parts/breaks it simply "lays down" and flies nowhere.  UV proof. He doesn't sell "snatch straps" but he carries one at all times.  Snatch straps "gently", if you will, accumulate their tension and are less likely to break stuff.  Chain and cable and strap have a shock aspect that amplifies the force for short periods...like an impact wrench.  Given that if a SS is attached to a hard point that separates, the consequences will be potentially horrific.  SS more than others.

Sorry about you friend that was killed, Robert.

Thanks to all that contradicted me,

John

[robertglines1]

Sorry about sharp reply..he was 28 and was 30 years ago...mine was in 04 and I was 150 ft away and didn't see it coming...I thought if it broke would loose momentum by then..65 or even 100 dollars isn't worth the chance...

[Just Dallas]

Removed

[niles500]

By placing/hanging a tire or tires along the line,cord,strap,cable or chain you limit the recoil range and diffuse the energy - HTH

[gus]

Heavy blankets or tarps on the tow line help from the safety angle also.

[JohnEd]

Robert,

No apology needed, though appreciated, about getting adament on safety matters.  Sharp away my friend.  Sharp away.

John...the guy with one eye

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Yup, i know the area Dallas, with i was there now. We have been on the wet side of the mountains for almost 3 weeks now and are getting real tired of the rain.    Leaving on Saturday to go to either Ellensburg or Vantage to dry out for a while. 

[Ed Hackenbruch]

By the way, that was an interesting way to get unstuck.

[Iceni John]

I plan on mounting some of the TH-1255 tow hooks on my bus http://ww1.safholland.us/sites/usa/en-US/products/couplingproducts/towhooks/Pages/default.aspx   I already have convenient pre-drilled locations front and rear for them directly on the frame rails, because Crown offered tow hooks as an option.   Some buses have them, but unfortunately mine doesn't (no two Crowns are exactly alike, because they were all custom made to order).   I also have a 2" receiver hitch at the front, and 1"-threaded tubes front and rear into which Crown attached machinery lifting eyes to help move the buses around their factory as they were being built.   I plan on putting a 2" receiver at the back, but that won't be soon.

So, the big question  -  will these Holland tow hooks be OK on a 37,400 GVWR bus?   Is their 15,000 lb rating for each or for the pair?

Thanks, John
PS  -  Happy Cinco de Mayo (I like celebrating French defeats!)

[Zeroclearance]

Ed did you seen on the news the trucks getting blown over on 90!..

Where are you at right now?   Besides waiting for a Arc..

Sean is heading up to the NW, I hope he brings some sunshine..

[rv_safetyman]

For the Eagle folks, a strange story.  When I was waiting for the second tow truck (first one did not have enough reach), I contacted one of the member of Eagles International who used to work for Eagle.  My question was about how the tow truck was going to lift the front of the coach.  They wanted to lift the bus from the front of the two Torsilastic housings.  I was concerned.  Dan said not to worry.  The used to tow Eagles long distances by putting chains over the two Torsilastics and piece of 2X4 under the front bumper and then lift the front end.  He said the only problems they had was breaking windshields and that didn't happen often

So, I you want to hook up a snatch strap on an Eagle, use the fronts of the Torsilastic tubes.

Jim

[Ed Hackenbruch]

Zero, didn't see the news about the trucks.  We are near Fall City, weather is supposed to be better on Saturday, subject to change of course.    As long as there isn't any snow on the pass we are going.