Thread: Scallops' Recovery Points

Originally Posted by Captain_Rightfoot

Hey Dan.. With those hints I rang ARB and they have them. Nothing $60 won't fix

You needn't bother with the photo.

supercheap also have them....thats where i got mine from

Originally Posted by weeds

supercheap also have them....thats where i got mine from

EEEUUUWWWMAAARRRCCCHHHWWWAAAASSSSIIITTT?

What brand was it? I have issues with using supercheap stuff for something with such potential for harm

The pins in the tow bar are not rated so can only be considered to be the same rating as the tow bar say 3500 - 4500kg which is way less than the ratings of most snatch straps.

I know that it is unlikely there will be any issues but we all go on about the importance of rated equipment but where these tow bar attachments are concerned we don't seem to bother. If we accept that the pin is OK then what about the tow bar - again only rated to around 4500kg but usually less.

Garry

Originally Posted by garrycol

The pins in the tow bar are not rated so can only be considered to be the same rating as the tow bar say 3500 - 4500kg which is way less than the ratings of most snatch straps.

I know that it is unlikely there will be any issues but we all go on about the importance of rated equipment but where these tow bar attachments are concerned we don't seem to bother. If we accept that the pin is OK then what about the tow bar - again only rated to around 4500kg but usually less.

Garry

I do understand what you're saying. Having said that, for a pin of that diameter to sheer given the very small unsupported distance would be a **really** big ask. What's more I was intending to use the strap on the pin ... so with the recovery hitch in you would be so much better off.

I will endeavour to try and get a high tensile bolt though. What do I look for in specs? Is grade 5 ok? Is there any issues with high tensile bolts being more brittle in this type of application?

Can I just say with a big TOUCH WOOD... in nearly 5 years of owning my car, after doing quite a lot of 4wd ing in it - I've never actually gotten bogged.. or for that matter ... I've only snatched two other people out.. and they were barely stuck.

So, I do regard myself as very inexperienced in these matters. My plan will always be to lock everything up, lever the huge traction of the car and proceed gently.. cross fingers

The pins have been known to bend when doing a snatch. My two recovery points are held on with two M8 bolts each - if one M5 bolt would be strong enough wouldn't rated recovery points just use one bolt?

My point is simply that we are all religious about using rated gear but not if a tow bar and associated equipment is concerned. I bet your snatch strap has a min rating of 5000kg but your towbar if it is rated will only be about 3500kg - the same as your tow ball.

Garry

But how exactly is a towbar rating calculated. Maybe that's each attachement point? If so the chance of several failing at teh same time is relatively low.

Besides... what's teh rating of teh chassis for that matter?

I have one of these tow bar recovery blocks - its solid steel and I'd guess it would weigh about 1-2kg. I didnt buy it - it came with a car I bought.

I feel more comfortable just putting the strap directly into the tow bar because if the pin lets go, at least there isnt going to be a sizable block of solid steel (+ a shackle) flying through the air at high speed.

As I see it, the shear forces on the pin are the same regardless of whether you put the strap in directly or use the recovery insert. The pin is probably more likely to bend using a strap rather than the block however.

The only drama is that the strap can rub against the mouth of the HR receiver and that can damage it.. making it more likely to fail.