Anyone Ever make a Tow Rope?

LR Max

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 2, 2007
Location
Atlanta, GA
As of late I've been having the "I think this is a good idea while sitting here at work" moment. Just want to post to make sure I'm not being an idiot because, it sure sounds like a good idea.

I've been thinking of making a tow rope because my trusty strap is nearing the end of its career. I've found some 1.5" 3 strand Nylon rope on the internet that has a breaking strength of 47,000lb. I figure I'd get 22 feet of it and braid a big loop in each end. BTW, anyone know of a vendor of big ropes in the Charlotte Area? Or anywhere in NC for that matter?

Anyone ever made their own tow rope? Good idea? I'll probably end up buying another strap, I just want something unique.

I've got an old truck and I just thought it would look cool to have a tow rope instead of a strap. Then again I might be a giant idiot and need a reality check
 
I'd think the "hard part" for you is making the loop ends so that they match that weight rating.
 
check the materials. you need to know about abrasion resistance, uv resistance and some other pertinante information.

just make sure you pick the right rope. Check into hemp rope as well. ive heard it has some nice properties.
 
I'm going to be an ass and ask the obvious question.
If you're just looking for a regular strap, and don't already have the supplies laying around.... decent straps can be purchased pretty darn chaep already... why not just buy another strap for roughly the same cost in materials?
Or are you trying to make something a little different?
 
I made one when I lived in Alaska during my Coast Guard years. The loops are going to be your weak points if not done perfectly. I use straps now.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

Why? As stated before, I am just looking for something a little different. Also I think it will be cool to have something other than something that looks like a giant "Livestrong" band that has been cut.

I won't be "snatching" with it, most likely, because I'm done with the big mud holes. I'm through with that phase of my life. Seems like most pulls I've done in the past couple of years haven't been snatches.

As for the splices...I'm an eagle scout. I gots this :flipoff2:. If I do the eye loops correctly, they'll be as, or just as strong as the rest of the rope. Speaking of which, I guess I'll get me out some small three strand and practice. Yay day off work.
 
BigRedB2 said:
lol...not what i had in mind. your just mad i didnt suggest making a strap out of bacon.
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If the strap was made of bacon, it would never make it to the trail.
 
LR Max said:
Jeez, this thread went to the gutter in a heartbeat.
:popcorn:
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lol...sorry Max..Bigwoody started it:bounce2:

I've never made a tow rope(can barely tie my own shoes) but I have used a hundred foot drop cord, wrapped many times around the bumper of my work van, to get out of a new const. site after it started raining while I was in the yard...But that's no help either, huh?

Oh well, Happy Holidays Max!
 
I know it can be done. When I lived in California, and used to go mudding a lot the guys at the local mud spot all used tug style ropes. They bought the rope at a marina and wove the eyes into the ends. They used these becaust they have somewhat of bungee afect when you pull them, and also because they could make the rope long enough to stay out of the deep stuff to pull there buddies out.
 
Theres a fella here in Morganton at the Jamestown flea market that has every type and size of rope and strap material.He even has ship rope 3-4" diameter.Problem is he's a bit high.I don't think he's sold any rope in the last 10YRS.Hope it works out for you.
 
talk to a lineman, my buddy has a rope that they use to pull there trucks out with. It already has eyes threaded into it. Just talk to some one that works for the powerline company and see if they can get a old one for you or know where they buy them at.
 
The tow strap I keep in my Powerstroke is a strap for lifting tractor trailer shipping containers. 28,000 working load rated. Add the 9 ton rated clevises on each end and you have a very unbrakable strap. I picked the strap up at the flea market for $10 all because the seller thought it was useless because it was out of certification.

I do like the rope thing though but as was stated earlier, I think you would have a hard time braiding in a loop to hold the same rating as the rest of the rope.
 
Just a thought, make sure the rope diameter is small enough to fit in a tow hook. You don't want to peirce the rope with the point of the hook.
 
welderman said:
talk to a lineman, my buddy has a rope that they use to pull there trucks out with. It already has eyes threaded into it. Just talk to some one that works for the powerline company and see if they can get a old one for you or know where they buy them at.
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I think they're called Samson rope, I know a guy at a power company. It's good stuff, but it's spendy.
 
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