When towing heavy-duty vehicles, using the right equipment and following the proper procedures is critical for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and long-term durability of your tow straps.
Whether you’re in construction, agriculture, or towing and recovery, understanding how to use a tow strap correctly can make all the difference.
How To Use a Tow Strap
Lets take a quick look at the key aspects of how to use a tow strap:
- Align Vehicles – Position them in a straight line, ensuring level ground.
- Inspect the Strap – Check for cuts, frays, or stretching.
- Lay Out the Strap – Keep it flat and untangled.
- Attach to Tow Points – Use rated tow points with soft shackles.
- Apply Tension – Move forward slowly to tighten the strap.
- Start Towing – Maintain a steady speed, avoiding jerks.
- End Safely – Release tension, remove the strap, and store it properly.
Why Tow Straps Are Crucial for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Tow straps designed for heavy-duty vehicles are built to withstand extreme forces and harsh conditions. Made from high-tenacity polyester, these straps offer superior strength, durability, and flexibility, making them ideal for towing everything from large construction equipment to agricultural machinery.
Unlike standard towing ropes, heavy-duty tow straps are engineered to maintain their performance even in challenging environments, such as extreme temperatures or wet conditions. Understanding their proper use is key to maximizing their potential while ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
How To Apply Tow Straps on Heavy-Duty Vehicles
1. Align the Vehicles
To start you need to align both vehicles that will be involved in the towing operation. Line up the vehicles in a straight formation and maintain enough space between them. Prepare the towing vehicle for the pulling action while setting the towed vehicle to neutral gear.
Tip: Ensure both vehicles are on level ground free from major obstructions before you align them for towing
2. Inspect the Tow Strap for Damage
Perform a detailed check of the tow strap for safety before use. Place the strap flat and examine it for any evidence of damage including cuts or frays as well as any distortion that appears. Focus on examining the strap's eyes because towing exerts the most stress on these points.
What to Check:
Visual Damage: Inspect the tow strap for any cuts or abrasions that could weaken its strength.
Stretching: A tow strap that functions correctly will not display any excessive stretching or deformation indications.
Right Rating: Verify that the tow strap's Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) exceeds the weight of the vehicle that will be towed by a minimum of two.
3. Lay Out the Tow Strap
After inspecting the strap place it flat on the ground between the vehicles. Position the strap so that it remains straight and untangled to avoid disruptions in the towing process and uneven force distribution.
Tip: When laying out the strap between two vehicles keep it straight while checking for sharp objects or debris which may damage the strap.
4. Attach the Shackles to the Tow Strap
To securely connect the tow strap, attach soft shackles to each eye of the strap. While steel shackles have traditionally been used in heavy-duty towing, soft shackles offer the same load capacity with added benefits, making them the superior choice for most towing applications.
Soft shackles, made from high-strength synthetic fibers, provide exceptional strength, flexibility, and ease of use. Most modern soft shackles are reinforced with Cordura or Kevlar, making them highly resistant to wear, abrasion, and extreme conditions.
Attaching to Tow Points Regardless of the shackle type, always connect them to the vehicle’s designated tow points, rated for heavy loads. Never attach to bumpers or non-structural parts, as this can lead to failure and damage.
By choosing soft shackles, you gain a safer, more efficient, and more durable towing solution without compromising on strength.
5. Double-Check the Attachment Points
Once shackles are in place check both the towing and towed vehicles' attachment points for debris and damaged areas. Inspect tow points to confirm they do not have any rust, debris, or obstructions that can compromise the towing connection.
Tip: You should verify the tow points can handle the weight to avoid breaking them during towing.
6. Ensure Proper Tension
Start applying tension to the tow strap by slowly moving the towing vehicle forward after making sure the shackles are properly locked in place. Tighten the tow strap progressively until it reaches a taut state without stretching beyond its limits. Avoiding jerking movements during towing is essential because they can cause strain to the strap or vehicles.
Tip: Apply tension to the tow strap at a consistently slow pace.
7. Safety First: Clear the Area
Confirm that the towing area is free from obstacles and people before you start the tow operation. Remove any obstacles from the tow path such as rocks, to prevent possible accidents or vehicle damage during the towing process.
8. Key Safety Reminders:
Do not let people enter the tow zone and define a safe boundary around the area for towing. Keep all workers at a safe distance from the vehicles during operations.
Monitor the Process Ensure proper towing by starting at a slow and steady pace while maintaining a firm but not excessively stretched strap. Steer clear of abrupt movements and halts because they risk damaging the tow strap and increasing stress on both vehicles.
Ensure continuous observation of the strap, shackles, and both vehicles throughout the towing process. During the operation look for indications of strain or damage to your equipment.
9. End of Tow Process
After finishing the towing operation release the strap tension carefully and detach the shackles from their positions. Inspect the tow strap and shackles after operation to confirm that no damage has occurred.
Keep the tow strap in a cool and dry area where it won't be exposed to sunlight or harmful chemicals that might damage the material.
Dawnerz Heavy Duty Tow Strap Range
Safety Precautions for Using Tow Straps
When towing heavy-duty vehicles safety is the top priority, using correct safety procedures protects against accidents and equipment damage while preventing injuries.
Here are some key safety guidelines:
Inspection: Perform a complete inspection of your tow strap before its initial use. Examine all connection points for any signs of damage or wear including fraying on the strap and shackles. Tow straps with damage can break when tension is applied which can result in severe accidents.
Safety Zone: The tow strap's tension area should always be free of personnel. During operation keep all personnel at least 20 feet away from the towing setup to maintain safety. If possible, use spotters to ensure safety.
Clear Path: Make sure the path where you will tow is free from obstacles and debris and that no other vehicles are present before starting the operation. Maintaining an unobstructed path during towing operations prevents sudden stops and distractions that could generate hazardous conditions.
Match WLL/MBS: Make sure to check that the tow strap you select matches the load weight for which it is rated. When the strap's maximum breaking strength (MBS) is surpassed it breaks creating hazardous conditions.
Slow & Steady: When starting to tow always build up tension slowly to prevent sudden jerks. Abrupt movements during towing can overload the tow strap and vehicle, putting the equipment under excessive stress which may cause failure.
PPE: All personnel involved in towing operations should wear suitable safety equipment like gloves, steel-toed boots, and eye protection. Safety measures reduce injury chances if a strap snaps or another accident happens.
Improper Attachment
Never use bumpers or hitch balls. Use rated recovery points only.
Jerking the Strap
Sudden jerks stress the strap and components.
Overloading
Always check strap ratings vs vehicle weight.
The Role of Soft Shackles in Towing
Choosing between soft and steel options determines both operational safety and efficiency. Although steel shackles have been the traditional choice for towing operations, soft shackles are now preferred in heavy-duty towing because of their multiple benefits.
The composition of soft shackles includes high-strength synthetic materials like Dyneema and Spectra along with other sophisticated fibers. The advanced materials used for soft shackles deliver superior strength-to-weight ratios which enable them to match steel shackles in heavy load management while providing extra benefits that position them as better towing options.
Advantages of Soft Shackles
Soft shackles have become a preferred alternative to traditional steel shackles across industrial towing and recovery operations. Their lightweight construction, strength, and enhanced safety make them an ideal choice for demanding environments. Below are the key advantages that make soft shackles a superior solution for heavy-duty use.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Soft shackles deliver weight-bearing strength equal to or exceeding steel shackles while remaining lighter and easier to manage.
Durability
Protective coatings such as Cordura or Kevlar shield soft shackles from wear, UV radiation, and environmental damage, extending lifespan.
Ease of Use
Lightweight and flexible, soft shackles are easy to handle in tight spaces and adapt to uneven tow points, enhancing versatility.
No Risk of Damage
Soft shackles protect both the tow strap and vehicle, lowering chances of damage to towing components and saving money over time.
Low Maintenance
Synthetic materials resist rust and environmental damage, requiring minimal maintenance compared to steel shackles.
Safety
Soft shackles reduce injury risk by flexing instead of snapping, unlike rigid steel shackles that can break under high tension.
Operational Confidence Starts with Proper Recovery Technique
Using a heavy-duty tow strap isn’t just about hooking up and hauling — it’s about knowing your gear, respecting its limits, and following a process that puts safety first. From choosing the right strap to using rated shackles and recovery points, each decision matters — especially in the environments you work in.
At Dawnerz , we don’t just sell straps — we back them with real-world recovery expertise. Whether you're running a fleet, operating in the pits, or recovering 100,000 lbs of deadweight, our gear is built for serious operators with zero tolerance for failure .
Ready to upgrade your recovery setup? Browse our industrial tow straps
Author Bio
Andy Webb
Operations & Safety Director
Andy Webb serves as Operations & Safety Director at Dawnerz, bringing over two decades of military logistics and heavy equipment experience to the commercial recovery and towing industry. His background includes extensive hands-on work with heavy vehicle systems, tactical recovery operations, and mission-critical equipment handling under extreme field conditions.
After transitioning from military service to the private sector, Andy applied his operational expertise to the development of industrial-grade tow straps, cargo securement systems, and load recovery protocols. His leadership at Dawnerz bridges military-grade standards with the safety, durability, and performance required in commercial operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the proper attachment points for tow straps?
Tow straps should always be attached to rated tow points on vehicles. These points are designed to handle the forces during towing operations and should never be non-structural parts like bumpers. Using soft shackles or steel shackles is ideal for secure attachment, ensuring a strong and reliable connection.
Why is using soft shackles recommended for heavy-duty towing?
Soft shackles are preferred over steel shackles in heavy-duty towing due to their durability, ease of use, and safety benefits. They provide the same strength as steel shackles, are lighter, easier to handle, and don’t cause damage to the tow strap or the vehicle’s tow points. Additionally, they are resistant to abrasion and wear, as many are reinforced with Cordura® or Kevlar®, offering longer-lasting performance.
Are hooks suitable for heavy-duty towing with tow straps?
Hooks are generally not recommended for heavy-duty towing. They present a risk of accidental detachment, especially in high-tension situations. Instead, using soft shackles or steel shackles provides a much safer and more reliable connection, reducing the risk of failure and ensuring a secure towing operation.
Why is proper attachment crucial for towing straps?
Proper attachment is essential to avoid accidents, equipment damage, and even personal injury. Secure the tow strap to approved tow points, and use soft shackles or steel shackles to ensure the connection can withstand the load. Always double-check for secure attachment and avoid sharp edges that can damage the tow strap.
