Tug strap on a hidden hitch

[alexb]

How do you best attach a tug strap to a hidden hitch?

Found a mini van stuck in the snow, prepared to push it out or pull it out. After much pushing, we got the mini van free.

If I were to attach a yellow tug strap to their hidden hitch, is there a best or recommended way?

I assume not to the safety chain loops.

Any suggestions?

something like this:

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT341p-toXZWsSy6WmhyBaIRs3kdyVyzvPzn_y-cA-vdEY_QgLsVA

[flashboiler]

I like this:

http://www.amazon.com/WARN-29312-Receiver-Shackle-Bracket/dp/B000CQFUQ6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391794374&sr=8-2&keywords=warn+shackles

[Rick]

I assume not to the safety chain loops.if those break they have bigger problems..Ive hooked onto those to pull people out..Just dont go crazy as to cause other damage:2c:

[Jim]

If you have an above hook or d-ring attachment, those'd be best.

If not, as many of those ?aftermarket? hitches are a bar crossing the back of the vehicle, wrap a strap over the horizontal bar and then thread the strap through its loop end.

[The StRanger]

Most new cars and vans have a pull hook in with the spare & hools.
There shoul be a litle cap on the bumper skin. pull the cap, screw in the hook and pull..

[Squshiee1]

I usually just loop the strap through itself.

[Patrolman]

Like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=strap+hitch+receiver+pin&tbm=isch&imgil=2eA7bKL8h47G_M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252F encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9 GcSncvjts2530jR-Sl1Q5CFup9CJCeHaZNKI8fctS58GahIzwRj0gA%253B800%253 B600%253BOpl4BKRxuH1fkM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%252 52Fwww.expeditionexchange.com%25252Fcurt%25252F&source=iu&usg=__eB5NFOiIvZzYIvIXQusEzVH_p2U%3D&sa=X&ei=Pzn1UozhFYmEyAHBvIGoCg&ved=0CGAQ9QEwAg&biw=1280&bih=931#facrc=_&imgrc=2eA7bKL8h47G_M%253A%3BOpl4BKRxuH1fkM%3Bhttp% 253A%252F%252Fwww.expeditionexchange.com%252Fcurt% 252FDCP_1253.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.expediti onexchange.com%252Fcurt%252F%3B800%3B600

[The StRanger]

Like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=strap+hitch+receiver+pin&tbm=isch&imgil=2eA7bKL8h47G_M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252F encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9 GcSncvjts2530jR-Sl1Q5CFup9CJCeHaZNKI8fctS58GahIzwRj0gA%253B800%253 B600%253BOpl4BKRxuH1fkM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%252 52Fwww.expeditionexchange.com%25252Fcurt%25252F&source=iu&usg=__eB5NFOiIvZzYIvIXQusEzVH_p2U%3D&sa=X&ei=Pzn1UozhFYmEyAHBvIGoCg&ved=0CGAQ9QEwAg&biw=1280&bih=931#facrc=_&imgrc=2eA7bKL8h47G_M%253A%3BOpl4BKRxuH1fkM%3Bhttp% 253A%252F%252Fwww.expeditionexchange.com%252Fcurt% 252FDCP_1253.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.expediti onexchange.com%252Fcurt%252F%3B800%3B600

That would work but how much do you wana trust the !!! frame !!! on the unibody.
Most of the are just doubled and spot welded body tin.
I can bend most of them with a ply bar and vise grips !!

[Colin]

If you have a pin for the hitch but not one of the shackle attachments put it in and through the loop in the strap.

[RidgeRunner]

Like this:
https://www.google.com/search?q=strap+hitch+receiver+pin&tbm=isch&imgil=2eA7bKL8h47G_M%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252F encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9 GcSncvjts2530jR-Sl1Q5CFup9CJCeHaZNKI8fctS58GahIzwRj0gA%253B800%253 B600%253BOpl4BKRxuH1fkM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%252 52Fwww.expeditionexchange.com%25252Fcurt%25252F&source=iu&usg=__eB5NFOiIvZzYIvIXQusEzVH_p2U%3D&sa=X&ei=Pzn1UozhFYmEyAHBvIGoCg&ved=0CGAQ9QEwAg&biw=1280&bih=931#facrc=_&imgrc=2eA7bKL8h47G_M%253A%3BOpl4BKRxuH1fkM%3Bhttp% 253A%252F%252Fwww.expeditionexchange.com%252Fcurt% 252FDCP_1253.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.expediti onexchange.com%252Fcurt%252F%3B800%3B600

This. Hitch pin through the loop in the strap. That's exactly how I hook a strap to the back of my 4-Runner.

[AdventureReady]

At home I got stuck in a mud pit and my friend hooked up the recovery strap to one of my safety loops, it's bent now. I'd do the hitch pin method.

[Hypoid]

What Jeff posted!

In this day of cell phones and litigious mind-sets, I am reluctant to help marginal drivers get back on the road. Once, I had to sign a wavier for a Triple-A driver, because my Ranger's exhaust was dragging and could cause other damages. How is that for sad?

[Fordguy77]

This. Hitch pin through the loop in the strap. That's exactly how I hook a strap to the back of my 4-Runner.
X2 Put the eye of the strap inside the hitch slide the pin through and yank away. Or has been said choke around the hitch itself.

[alexb]

Thanks all for the tips. Added a hitch pin to my recovery bag. :)

[The StRanger]

What Jeff posted!

In this day of cell phones and litigious mind-sets, I am reluctant to help marginal drivers get back on the road. Once, I had to sign a wavier for a Triple-A driver, because my Ranger's exhaust was dragging and could cause other damages. How is that for sad?

Same here. Iv heard way to many storys of Suits over damage from towing.
Iv also seen lots of damage from pulling in the wrong spot !!

[Patrolman]

I agree. It has been a long time since I have pulled someone out, even though I have a winch on each of my rigs. Unless it is someone I personally know, there is just too much liability.

[glacierpaul]

Thanks all for the tips. Added a hitch pin to my recovery bag. :)
You can never have enough recovery gear! I just learned about what Sam mentioned about the new cars and vans having a little square on the front where a pipe with a hoop or hook screws in....nice, I am getting one of those to have in my bag too. Lots of stuck Subies up here
:).

[sunk]

I do not have any "tow points" on my rear bumper so I run a receiver hitch:

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-Winch-Accessories/Receiver-Hitch-D-Ring-Mount.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=190&t_pt=8404

Its nice cause its always on the truck and will fit most other receivers (and another D ring doesnt hurt)

[Patrolman]

The eye bolt that fits into our Prius is specific for it. There is a cap in the bumper, then you thread in the eye bolt. I bet the Subaru would be the same way.

[glacierpaul]

I told the guy I just pulled 'up his driveway' to get out, after I plowed, that if he was really stuck and there was a side pull on the pipe/bolt that the threads would more than likely break off in its receiver. Great for an easy straight pull.